Board of Regional Commissioners Elect New Leadership in 2026
JANUARY 5, 2026 (BARNSTABLE, MA) – In accordance with the Barnstable County Charter, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners reorganizes its leadership annually. On Friday, January 2, the Board unanimously elected Mark Forest as Chair and Ronald Bergstrom as Vice Chair for 2026.
Following the reorganization, the Board unanimously approved its 2026 slate of external committee and liaison assignments, continuing existing appointments with one addition for the coming year: the County Administrator will serve as an alternate to the Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative.
2026 Board and Liaison Assignments
- Chair Mark Forest:
County Coastal Resources Committee; Economic Development Council; Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); Dredge Advisory Committee; Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative - Commissioner Sheila Lyons:
AmeriCorps Advisory Council; Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission; Cape Cod Workforce Board; Health and Human Services Advisory Council; National Seashore Advisory Commission - Commissioner Ronald Bergstrom:
County Retirement Association; Cape Cod Commission; Barnstable County Human Rights Advisory Commission - Justyna Marczak, Human Resource Director:
Cape Cod Municipal Health Group - Michael Dutton, County Administrator:
Alternate, Cape and Vineyard Electric Cooperative
Approval of County Administrator’s 2026 Goals
The Board unanimously approved County Administrator Michael Dutton’s goals for 2026, outlining key operational, financial, and long-term planning priorities for Barnstable County.
The approved goals include:
- Solid Waste and Composting:
Address the complex composting pathway at Joint Base Cape Cod serving the four Upper Cape towns. - Office Relocations and Space Management:
Manage staff relocations associated with Superior Court renovations and the loss of innovation space, while securing appropriate temporary and near-term workspaces. - Long-Term Facilities Planning:
Develop a practical and financial plan for long-term county space needs consistent with the Facilities Master Plan. - Court Leases and Courthouse Financing:
Persue updates to the county’s lease with the state trial court system, recognizing borrowing limitations and pursuing engagement with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAM), with support from state legislators. - Dredge Program:
Finalize and implement a business plan for the county dredge program which incorporates coastal resilience goals. - Financial Policy Development:
Build on stabilized county finances by advancing financial policies, including approaches to revenue calculation. - Government Structure:
Review all County operations and develop a reorganization plan to realign departments along more functional lines. - Charter Review:
Develop a plan to educate Cape voters on the County’s role and purpose prior to the November 2026 ballot question asking whether voters want an elected Charter Commission to conduct a thorough review of the County’s charter.
ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at www.capecod.gov.
