Politics & Government

Former Boston Redevelopment Authority Deputy to Helm Somerville's Economic Development Office

The city also hired a new disability coordinator, according to an announcement.

Ed O'Donnell, former deputy director for commercial and residential development at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, has been hired as Somerville's director of economic development, the city announced Friday.

O'Donnell most recently served as as a permitting specialist and pre-development director at Waypoint Construction Consultants, Inc., the announcement says.

During his time at the Boston Redevelopment Authority, O'Donnell oversaw major developments, including Millennium Place, the new Ritz Carlton mixed-use development and expansions of Emerson College and Suffolk University in downtown Boston, the announcement says.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He joins Michael Glavin, director of Somerville's Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development, as a former Boston Redevelopment Authority deputy director now working in Somerville.

In his role as economic development director, O'Donnell will focus on development strategies in Assembly Square, Union Square, Brickbottom and Inner Belt, the announcement says.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The city also hired a new disability coordinator, according to the announcement.

Betsy Allen served for seven years as a compliance officer for the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination, she has a law degree from Suffolk University, and she's also worked as a history teacher.

"I look forward to working with Ms. Allen as we continue to make Somerville an even more accessible and livable community for all of our residents," said Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone in a statement.


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