Thursday, 4:30 PM
Patrick shakes up administration
By Globe Staff
Governor Deval Patrick named new commissioners to lead the departments of social services and mental retardation today as part an effort to replace holdovers from Republican administrations.
Patrick tapped Angelo McClain, the head of a New Jersey children's welfare group, to replace embattled DSS Commissioner Harry Spence. The Department of Mental Retardation will be led by Elin Howe, who spent much of her 35-year career working in New York at the state, county, and city level. Howe replaces Gerald Morrissey, a holdover from Mitt Romney’s administration who had already been fired.
Richard Sullivan will take over the Department of Conservation and Recreation after serving as mayor of Westfield since 1994. Sullivan will replace Stephen Burrington, another Romney appointee who had already been dismissed by the Patrick administration.
"The new team will help me deliver on the promise of a brighter future for the Commonwealth, and I look forward to working with each member in their new position," Patrick said in a statement. "I also want to thank the outgoing officials for their leadership and professionalism. The Commonwealth is fortunate to have had their service."
In total, Patrick announced 12 new appointments that included a new head of the Division of Occupational Safety, a nominee to the state parole board, and a new director of the Department of Workforce Development.
