The Bristol County Water Authority has a new executive director.

Pamela Marchand, most recently the chief engineer and general manager of the Providence Water Supply Board, was approved unanimously by the water authority board at its meeting Wednesday evening, Feb. 8.

She replaces Pasquale DeLise, who resigned at the end of last year after more than 20 years in the post.

Marchand, of Providence, also will serve as the authority’s chief engineer. She brings more than 25 years of experience in water utilities as an engineer and general manager, according to the water authority, including for the Pawtucket water board.

Marchand’s first day on the job will be Feb. 27, said John Jannitto, the BCWA board chairman, who made the recommendation to hire her. She will get a three-year contract.

Her salary was not disclosed, but she was earning almost $180,000 at the Providence Water Supply Board, according to a story on the highest paid Providence city workers in GoLocal Prov.com. 

Jannitto said the search process produced some excellent candidates, but Marchand stood out “because of everything in general the board was looking for.”

“She will bring new energy to the authority,” he said. “She said she wants to make this a model for all water authorities.”

Barrington director Kevin Fitta said her background and credentials made her an excellent choice.

“She is well-respected in the industry,” Fitta said. “She has vision, is energetic and brings a positive attitude. I’m looking forward to working with her.”

Marchand resigned from here position in Providence in mid-December after being placed on paid administrative leave, according to a Providence Journal story. Her departure was described as “a confidential personnel matter.” 

A separate story on GoLocalProv.com said she left with a $250,000 severance package after reports that the PWSB board was not in agreement with her about her job performance. Her severance package included a letter of recommendation, and both sides reportedly agreed not to sue or disparage one another about the breakup.

Asked if Marchand had been relieved of her position, Jannitto said: “She was not removed.” If Marchand had been terminated, he said, the board would have found out about it in the vetting process.

Jannitto also squelched speculation that he might step down as BCWA board chairman to provide a clean break with the sometimes tumultuous past under DeLise's leadership.

“I’ve got two years left,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working with her to follow through on the changes we’ve been talking about for some time.”

Marchand finished as the top candidate “on the ranking compilations submitted by the four independent town officials, as well as by the board of directors after their interviews,” according to a news release from the BCWA.

“We are delighted to be able to continue the tradition of combining the roles of executive director and chief engineer with a talented and experienced professional in the water industry,” Jannitto said in the release. “Her past experience in supervision of construction projects and strategic planning will be well-received by the board.”

Marchand’s background also includes serving as a president of the RI Water Works Association and chair of the RI Water Resources Board. She is a Syracuse University graduate.