Wicked Local, MA
Jan 19 2014
Watertown’s Kaprielian leaves RMV, joins governor’s Cabinet
WALTHAM –
Massachusetts Registrar of Motor Vehicles resident Rachel Kaprielian
is joining the governor’s Cabinet as secretary of labor and workforce
development, the governor announced Friday morning.
Kaprielian, a former House Democrat from Watertown, will replace
current Secretary Joanne Goldstein, who is leaving the administration
to become associate vice president of Northeastern University.
Gov. Deval Patrick was meeting with his Cabinet Friday morning and
plans to hold a press conference with Kaprielian at noon at the State
House.
`I am thrilled that Rachel has agreed to take on this new role, and I
am confident that she is prepared to continue the difficult work of
getting our residents back to work, and preparing both our workers and
employers for the jobs of the 21st century economy,’ Patrick said in a
statement.
Kaprielian was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1994,
and served on Beacon Hill until 2008 when Patrick appointed her as
registrar of the Registry of Motor Vehicles. She joins an
administration that is winding down with just over 11 months remaining
before Patrick gives up the governor’s office.
The governor’s announcement of Kaprielian’s appointment included no
information about how he would fill her position at the RMV.
Transportation Secretary Richard Davey said the governor will make an
announcement relative to that position at noon.
With Patrick departing the Corner Office after this year, more senior
administration officials may depart for new jobs. That could create a
challenge for the administration, which is already battling problems
with operations at the Massachusetts Health Connector Authority, the
Division of Unemployment Assistance and the Department of Children and
Families.
Patrick started 2013 by asking his Cabinet secretaries for commitments
to stay on through 2014, or to depart so that he could bring new
people in to finish his term with continuity at the top levels.
Several top officials decided at that time to leave the
administration, and four new secretaries were brought on board.
Asked on Friday if he expected more departures from his Cabinet in
addition to Goldstein, Patrick said, `I hope not. I’m sorry she’s
leaving.’