Newton Mayor Warren announces changes in his executive staff

By Derek McLean, Town Correspondent

Megan Costello has been appointed the new Community Relations Director for the city of Newton, Mayor Setti Warren announced today.

Costello has served as Warren’s Executive Assistant since his inauguration in January of 2010. She will replace Sarah Ecker, who recently announced her resignation from the post.

“It has been a tremendous honor working so closely with Mayor Warren over the past few years,” Costello said in a press release. “I have seen the enormous impact he has had - everything from changing the tone of our discourse to securing our city's finances. I am honored to continue working for him in this new capacity.”

"It is critical that we continue to engage all aspects of our community, and I look forward to this new and exciting challenge,” she said.

"Ecker will continue to work on improving the quality of life in each village," said the release. She will continue to create Area Councils throughout the city, and work with businesses to sustain a positive relationship with City Hall.

Newton resident Patrick Johnson will take over Costello’s old position as Executive Assistant. Johnson was a part of Warren’s mayoral campaign in 2009, overseeing much of the campaign’s day-to-day operations, said the release. He has also served as the Regional Field Organizer for the Deval Patrick-Tim Murray campaign in 2010.

Johnson will be responsible for managing Warren’s schedule, and handling his numerous invites and correspondences.

“I am excited to welcome Patrick aboard, and to have Megan continue to serve the City of Newton in a new capacity,” said Warren in the release. “Each of them embody a strong commitment to Newton and to public service, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

“Mayor Warren has delivered on the promise of change and new leadership for Newton that he campaigned on in 2009, and there is still much to be done,” Johnson said in the release. “I look forward to serving as his Executive Assistant, and to joining a great team at Newton City Hall.”

Derek McLean can be reached at dbmclean1@gmail.com.

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