Marc Laredo, Newton’s incoming Mayor, released the names of his new leadership team, some of whom have held similar positions in Mayor Ruthanne Fuller’s office. Three new Laredo appointees have held other positions in the current administration, and two will hold newly created offices.
At the top of Mr. Laredo’s team are:
- Josh Morse, who currently heads Newton’s Public Buildings Department, will serve as Chief Operating Officer, replacing Jonathan Yeo.
- John Rice, who served on the City Council and is currently Director of the Hyde Community Center, will become the Chief Community Services Officer, a new role. In his press release, Mr. Laredo praises Mr. Rice’s “ability to strengthen community bonds, enhance civic life and champion programs that foster inclusivity and engagement across Newton.”
- Dana Hanson, returning to City Hall in a new role as Chief of Staff, overseeing the executive office team – all of whom are continuing from the Mayor Fuller’s tenure. Ms. Hanson served as Director of Community Engagement and Inclusion in the Fuller Administration and then served as Congressman Jake Auchincloss’s District Director.
Remaining in their executive positions are: Chief Financial Officer Maureen Lemieux, Communications Director Ellen Ishkanian, Director of Community and Engagement and Inclusion Hattie Kerwin Derrick, Citizens Assistance Officer Amalia Timbers, and Executive Aide Jaclyn Norton.
As previously announced, the Mayor-Elect will be going before the City Council to ask for approval to create a new Department of Arts and Culture, to which he will appoint Meryl Kessler as department head. Ms. Kessler has served as Board Chair and Treasurer of Newton Community Pride (now known as Spark Newton) and Chair of the Public Art Community.
