Town Clerk Debra Gremo plans to retire from her position. 

While it is unclear when she will leave the post, Gremo has agreed to help in the transition for her replacement, said Select Board Chair Judith Whiteside. 

Gremo said, "I was looking forward to working in Wareham. My intentions were to stay for many years and to move into the community. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen personal circumstances, I made the difficult decision to retire.”

“In the short time I was here, I did make some positive changes to the office that will work well for the clerk's office and the town,” Gremo added. “I enjoyed my time working with all the departments. I wish the Town of Wareham and its employees all the best. It was a pleasure working here."

Gremo became Wareham town clerk in June of 2023, after serving as the town clerk in Auburn for nine years. She replaced outgoing town clerk Michele Bissonette, who was elected to the position in 2019, prior to that position becoming an appointed office. 

Bissonette resigned due to the VOTES Act, which expanded mail-in voting and early voting throughout Massachusetts. She said processing the ballots with additional mail-in votes put increasing demands on the town clerk's office. 

Town Administrator Derek Sullivan said he had been “very excited” to have Gremo working in the town: “Not only is she knowledgeable and professional but she is well liked by all.”

“It is not ideal to lose such a talented professional, especially during a presidential election cycle. We understand the reasons and wish her the best during this difficult time,” Sullivan added. 

"I'm very disappointed that we will no longer have her services," Whiteside said, praising Gremo as a wonderful addition to the town's staff. 

The Town of Wareham has begun to advertise for a replacement, with the town posting on Tuesday, Jan. 9 a job listing for the position.