CITY ANNOUNCES TWO KEY STAFF HIRES

SOMERVILLE -

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today the addition of two new City employees,

Mr. Ed O'Donnell and Ms. Betsy Allen filling the positions of Director of

Economic Development and Disability Coordinator, respectively.

Mr. O'Donnell had most recently

served as Predevelopment Director and Permitting Specialist at Waypoint

Construction Consultants in Needham, and held previous positions the Deputy

Director for Commercial and Residential Development for the Boston

Redevelopment Authority, where he oversaw a series of  major development projects including the

Genzyme manufacturing facility, the Millennium Place and Ritz Carlton mixed use

project and the expansions of Emerson College and Suffolk University in  Boston's downtown area.

 "As the Director of Economic Development, Ed will

have a major role in advancing the redevelopment strategies in many of our key

districts, including Assembly Square, Union Square, Brickbottom and the

Innerbelt," said Mayor Curtatone. "He is a seasoned pro whose knowledge and

experience will help us continue to expand our commercial tax base and create

important employment opportunities throughout the City."

The City also welcomes Betsy Allen,

who will serve as the city's Disability Coordinator.  Ms. Allen, a Somerville resident, holds a J.D.

in Law from the Suffolk University Law School, and brings

with her an impressive background in human rights and disability compliance,

including seven years as a Compliance Officer for the Massachusetts Commission

Against Discrimination.  At MCAD she

coordinated public outreach programs and handled discrimination complaints in

housing and public accommodation.

Ms. Allen also has experience as a

Senior Case Technician for the United States Federal Social Security

Administration, where she advised judges regarding applicants who filed for

disability under ADA criteria. Additionally, she spent three years teaching

history at Sharon High School.