New mayor Michelle Wu introduced her first cupboard appointments in early November, forward of her swearing-in ceremony, together with the important thing gamers in her transition workforce as she settles into workplace.
The appointment with the biggest highlight is that of her senior advisor relating to the Mass and Cass public well being disaster, Dr. Monica Bharel. Bharel is the previous commissioner of the Massachusetts Departments of Public Well being (DPH), and might be main the efforts to assist alleviate the continuing homelessness, substance abuse, and security struggles.
“The humanitarian disaster at Mass and Cass calls for pressing, daring options that create real pathways to restoration and stability for our most susceptible residents –– and we want the correct workforce to get it achieved,” Wu said. Together with Bharel, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, govt director of the Boston Public Well being Fee, was introduced on board to steer on broader well being issues all through town. Sheila A. Dillon was reappointed as Chief of Housing and Director of the Division of Neighborhood Improvement.
“That is the workforce that we want for Boston as we prioritize public well being and housing and middle the security and dignity of all these combating substance use dysfunction, psychological well being, and housing instability,” stated Wu.
Wu has additionally named three of her former metropolis council staff, in addition to her metropolis council chief of workers, Dave Vittorini, as senior Cupboard advisors. These appointments embrace Brianna Millor, Tali Robbins and Mariangely Solis Cervera.
Lawyer Mike Firestone has been named as Wu’s chief of coverage and strategic planning. He previously served as Legal professional Common Maura Healey’s chief of workers.
The uniquely quick transition interval throughout which Wu stepped into workplace has left room for a workers scarcity. Nevertheless, eyes and ears stay alert as Wu continues her strategy of filling the gaps. At the moment, appointments for town’s police commissioner, and 4 out of seven Faculty Committee members, are within the works.
