In a significant move that reflects the urgent need for addressing Massachusetts' growing housing woes, former MassLive editor Noah Bombard is set to take on the role of communications head for the state's new housing secretariat. His appointment comes at a critical juncture when the state faces a dire emergency shelter crisis, putting the issues of housing affordability and homelessness in the spotlight. As reported by the Boston Herald, Bombard has expressed his determination to be part of the solution by joining the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities led by Ed Augustus, former Worcester City Manager.
Bombard, who oversaw the MassLive news department for nine years, will report to Augustus, appointed by Gov. Maura Healey earlier this year. The housing secretariat has emerged as a crucial component in the state's ongoing battle against soaring housing costs while tackling the influx of migrants that contribute to the overburdened shelter system being pushed into a state of crisis, as Business Khabar observed.
He bid farewell to his 26-year journalism career and stated that it would take "something pretty important" to lure him away from it. According to the Boston Herald, when Gov. Healey appointed Augustus and declared a state of emergency, Bombard recognized the critical moment and saw the administration was diligently striving for solutions, inspiring him to grasp the opportunity and contribute to the cause.
Prior to his tenure at MassLive, Bombard worked at the Telegram & Gazette, The Eagle-Tribune, and Community Newspaper Company, among other notable publications. Although his state salary was not immediately disclosed through payroll records, as mentioned by Business Khabar, his stellar career trajectory and expertise add immense value to his appointment in the state's housing secretariat.
In the absence of Bombard, MassLive saw a series of noteworthy changes. Ronnie Ramos took over as a new vice president of content, succeeding former head editor Ed Kubosiak Jr., who departed the company following charges of domestic assault later dropped. Furthermore, the outlet secured John Micek, formerly editor-in-chief of The Pennsylvania Capital-Star, as its new politics editor, as highlighted by the Boston Herald.
.png){kind=link}