Richard Stinson, PWLF

Rick is an Associate and Client Service Manager at BETA who focuses on business and client relations, using his expertise to offer guidance on projects from funding through construction.

After graduating from Wakefield Memorial High School, Rick earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, followed by a Certificate of Special Studies in Administration and Management from Harvard University Extension School. While a student, Rick was gaining experience as a municipal employee, working in Wakefield throughout high school and college assisting the Light Department and then after college as an analyst for the Town, focusing on IT and engineering.

In 1988, he joined the Wakefield DPW as Business Manager, a position he held until 1994 when he left to take the position of Operations Director for the Danvers DPW. By 2001, he was back in Wakefield to stay as Director of Public Works, the second longest Director. He was responsible for a public works department with 11 divisions, 77 employees, and an annual budget of over $20 million, along with snow and ice removal and waste disposal. He held this position for 18 years, retiring in July of 2019. Shortly after retirement, Rick served a short tenure as Interim Director in Melrose, MA while they searched for a new Director.

Rick is an active member of New England APWA, having held the roles of National Region 1 Director, Chapter President, and National Delegate, as well as participating on several committees. He specializes in project planning, coordination, and management, as well as assisting clients with the development of Capital Improvement Programs, business operations, and other strategic initiatives.