Michele Gillen
West Newton,MA
Summary
Dynamic leader with extensive experience at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, excelling in strategic planning and operations management. Proven track record in enhancing organizational efficiency and compliance, while fostering strong relationships and driving workforce development initiatives. Adept at policy development and procurement, ensuring alignment with MWRA’s mission and goals.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Administration
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston, MA
2015 - Current
- Serves as a key strategic advisor to the MWRA Executive Director on all Authority policy, administrative, finance, regulatory, operations and emergency matters
- Provides strategic recommendations for policy enhancements and contract awards to support MWRA governance.
- Leads administrative functions to enhance operational efficiency across departments to advance MWRA’s mission, goals and strategies
- Spearheads development, modification, and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure compliance and operational excellence.
- Directs procurement operations including construction and professional services contract awards and purchases of chemicals, equipment and services.
- Directed employment and labor relations to enhance collective bargaining and workforce development efforts.
- Provides and maintains secure Information Technology services and solutions to streamline MWRA work processes.
- Oversees operation and maintenance of MWRA's fleet comprising approximately 500 vehicles and equipment.
- Directs management of MWRA's real property assets to align with organizational needs and capital improvements.
- Oversees occupational health and safety programs, ensuring compliance with Massachusetts public safety regulations.
- Co-Chair of MWRA's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and member of MWRA's Environmental Justice Strategic Task Force
- Served as MWRA's COVID Incident Response Commander
Deputy Director of Administration and Finance
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston, MA
2009 - 2015
- Managed and oversaw approximately 60 staff and the budgets of Procurement, Real Property and Environmental Management, Fleet Services, Administrative Services and Facilities Management.
Director Real Property and Environmental Managemen
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston, MA
2005 - 2009
- Directed MWRA’s real property and environmental management programs including the disposition and acquisition of MWRA’s real property and long-term land uses.
Senior Community Relations Coordinator
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston, MA
1997 - 2005
- Managed and developed all communication and public participation strategies during environmental review, design, site selection, real estate acquisition and construction phases of MWRA capital projects and programs.
- Served as liaison to local elected officials, local departments, community groups and residents of MWRA communities on MWRA projects, programs, water and sewer rates, real property acquisition and disposition, Memoranda of Agreement on the procedures and mitigation for construction impacts of capital projects, and all
MWRA related issues.
Intergovernmental Affairs Assistant
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Boston, MA
1991 - 1997
- Assisted in the development and implementation of MWRA legislative strategies.
Education
Master of Science - Public Affairs
University of Massachusetts, Boston
BostonBachelor of Arts - Political Science
Fordham University
Bronx, NYSkills
- Organizational leadership
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning and policy development
- Operations management
- Employee relations and workforce planning and development
- Contract negotiations
- Project management
- Teamwork and collaboration
Certification
The Water and Wastewater Leadership Center, University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School, Chapel Hill, NC
Timeline
Director of Administration
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
2015 - Current
Deputy Director of Administration and Finance
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
2009 - 2015
Director Real Property and Environmental Managemen
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
2005 - 2009
Senior Community Relations Coordinator
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
1997 - 2005
Intergovernmental Affairs Assistant
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
1991 - 1997
Master of Science - Public Affairs
University of Massachusetts, Boston
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science
Fordham University