GREENFIELD — Regional Opioid Task Force Director Paul McNeil has resigned, creating a vacancy in the position for the second time this year.
McNeil announced his departure, effective immediately, in an email Wednesday night. Register of Probate John Merrigan, one of the Task Force’s co-founders, said he has submitted his resignation to the organization’s Executive Committee.
McNeil’s email offered no reason for the abrupt resignation, and could not be reached by press time Wednesday. Merrigan and another co-founder, Franklin County Sheriff Christopher Donelan, declined to elaborate on the situation beyond describing it as a personnel matter.
“I have proudly served this community and know I leave a position that suited my passions and skills: building a bedrock of protective factors, providing a supportive and sustainable path for community members in Franklin County/North Quabbin to access education, intervention, treatment, and recovery services in response to the opioid epidemic,” McNeil’s email read. “Despite having to leave, I deeply appreciate the opportunities you’ve all provided me during my time as Director. I am grateful for all of your assistance along the way. I will do whatever necessary to ensure a smooth transition after I move on.”
McNeil, of Easthampton, replaced former Task Force Director Marisa Hebble, who left for a state job, in April.