Greater New Bedford Voc-Tech Announces New Principal

NEW BEDFORD — Officials at the Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School announced today that they have hired Warley Williams as the school's new principal, along with making two other high-level appointments.

Longtime career technical principal Robert Watt has been named to a newly created position as Executive Director for Operations and Compliance, while Nancy Markey has been hired for another newly created position, that of Human Resources Director.

The school has made the moves to provide "greater accountability and better student outcomes," according to a press release announcing the appointments.

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All three began their new positions on July 1.

As principal, Williams will be overseeing the day-to-day operations for all academic and career vocational technical programs.

This marks a change from the last several years in which separate principals oversaw the academic and career technical instruction.

The New Bedford resident most recently served as principal of the city's Keith Middle School and has also worked as an assistant principal at GNBVT and principal of the Whaling City Jr./Sr. High School.

A 2002 GNBVT graduate himself, Williams went on to receive his undergraduate and master’s degrees at UMass Dartmouth.

“I am so excited to be returning to GNBVT as principal, it is the fulfillment of a dream that is allowing me to come full-circle, returning to the place that provided me such a solid foundation to build my life and my career,” he said.

“It is my strong belief that it is our job as educators to always put kids first and to provide them with a strong experience that will set them up for success in life.”

“Warley Williams is an innovative educator who has the respect of his fellow administrators, teachers and most importantly the students,” commented Michael Watson, the school's Superintendent/Director. “His ability to build consensus, and experience as a coach will allow him to connect both the academic and vocational educators and I am confident he will establish a strong culture of achievement for students, faculty and staff.”

Fairhaven resident Robert Watt has been an educator and administrator at GNBVT since 1990, most recently serving as career vocational technical principal since 2014.

A graduate of Fairhaven High School, Watt holds degrees from Johnson & Wales University, Fitchburg State University, and Bridgewater State University.

As an Executive Director, he will work closely with Watson to develop strategies and systems to support a state-of-the-art learning environment.

He will also assist in overseeing business, facilities, technology, human resources, and other district support departments.

“Bob Watt and I have been partners for the last five years as co-principals of GNBVT and I value his experience, knowledge and wisdom,” said Watson. “As a long-time GNBVT administrator and educator, Bob has a keen sense of our mission, vision and core values, which will be invaluable as we continue to build and implement strategies to improve student outcomes.”

New Human Resources Director Nancy Markey, of Newport, Rhode Island, most recently worked as HR Director for the town of Westerly, Rhode Island.

She has previous experience as HR Director for the Newport Public Schools and human resources experience with the city of Stamford, CT, the town of Dairen, CT, Yeshiva University and Montefiore Medical Center in New York.

A University of Mississippi graduate, Markey holds a juris doctor with a concentration in labor and employment from Western New England College School of Law.

“Education, like many occupations, is at a crossroads as teachers that belong to the Baby Boom and Generation X retire in greater numbers each year, taking their experience with them,” Watson commented.

“By hiring Nancy Markey, a professional human resources director with experience in the education sector, we are positioning GNBVT to successfully meet the hiring challenges that come with this generational change in the labor force.”

“All three of these individuals bring a wealth of energy, talent and creativity to GNBVT that will help me to guide the district and improve student outcomes to meet the expectations of kids, their families and a changing labor force in our communities,” said Watson.