Denise R. Jordan, Chief of Staff
Jordan, a 20-year employee of the Commonwealth, holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Lincoln University and a master's degree in human resource development form American International College. She served as a civil rights officer with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services since 1994 and has extensive experience in the areas of Civil Rights, Equal Employment Opportunities, Human Resources, Labor Relations, and Conflict Resolution.
She served as chairwoman of the Springfield Election Commission for 10 years and as co-chair of the Youth Commission.
Jordan won the Ubora award for community service from the Springfield Museums' African Hall Subcommittee. The Pioneer Valley Girl Scouts named her the 2007 Woman of Distinction.
She is president of the Athletic Arts Achievement Association. She serves on the boards of several organizations including the Springfield Youth Commission, Martin Luther King Jr. Charter School of Excellence and the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and Futureworks.
Jordan provides a wide variety of professional support to the Mayor as Chief of Staff. Assignments are received from, carried out for, and reported to the Mayor. Jordan coordinates activities of the Mayor with other divisions and departments. In addition, she represents the Mayor at meetings when required and appropriate; advises the Mayor, providing extensive professional assistance, project management, and recommendations on City issues and performs highly responsible management work covering a broad range of municipal activities, including the supervision of Mayoral staff.
Jordan was born and raised in Springfield.
Thomas T. Walsh, J.D, Constituent Services Director
Walsh comes to the Mayor's Office from ACE USA Insurance Co. in Hartford, where he worked in the liability claims department since 2006 and after practicing law as a solo practitioner in his Springfield office since 2003. He worked as a law clerk for the Hartford law firm of Gould, Killian & Wynne and as a political consultant/public relations consultant with the Springfield-based A.L. Cignoli Company. He is also a former legislative intern to Rep. Cheryl Rivera. Walsh is a board member of the Forest Park Civic Association and a member of the Springfield Ward 6 Democratic City Committee. He is a former board member of the Sector H (Forest Park/East Forest Park) Community Policing and a past delegate of the Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.
As coordinator of constituent services, Walsh heads what Mayor Sarno has termed the "Quality of Life Flex Squad." In the newly created position, Walsh is responsible for responding to all quality of life complaints lodged by citizens. In his capacity, Walsh logs complaints and partners with appropriate city departments to investigate them on a case specific basis and work toward a resolution. Walsh also represents the Mayor at public forums and works with neighborhood associations.
Walsh holds a law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law in Andover, MA and a bachelor's degree in political science from American International College.
Carolyn Y. Jackson, Administrative Assistant
Jackson brings to the Mayor's Office more than 27 years of municipal experience. Since 1999, Jackson has worked in the Office of Planning and Economic Development. Other departments where Jackson has worked as clerical and support staff include: the Building Department’s Board of Appeals, Housing Code Enforcement, the Assessors Office and the Police Department.
As the administrative assistant to the Mayor, Jackson provides daily office support; provide calendar management and coordinate office logistics. Jackson also handles a variety of paperwork; coordinates proclamations and works closely with the Chief of Staff on special projects.
Azell Murphy Cavaan, Communications Director
As Director of Communications, Cavaan is responsible for developing, executing and managing strategic internal and external communication strategies that support the objective of the City of Springfield. She coordinates message content, audience impact and reach and is responsible for the production of materials on behalf of the City of Springfield. She also works closely with members of the Mayor’s staff on various other projects.
Cavaan holds a master's degree from Northwestern University in Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in Boston.
Darryl E. Moss and Jesus Arce, Mayoral Aides
As Mayoral aides, Moss and Arce are involved in a broad range of day-to-operations and activities. The pair act as liaisons to residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, federal and state agencies.
Moss and Arce also represent the Mayor in public forums. The mayoral aides will are assigned to work with specific neighborhood associations within the city, though they will be familiar with all of them.
Moss brings a deep understanding of the issues facing many Springfield families to the Mayor's Office. A professional in the field of Youth Development, Moss has more than 15 years of experience facilitating programs, budgetary policies and events for youth. Deputy Director of AWAKE, Inc., Moss developed, implemented and directed intervention programs for youth.
Previous experience includes working in prevention and intervention departments at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center. Moss has also worked with the Department of Youth Services; the Key Program, a Springfield-based residential treatment center; and New Opportunities, an alternative incarceration center in Waterbury, CT. Moss attended Southern Connecticut State University and Springfield College.
Arce joins the Mayor's Office with a clear understanding of the issues facing small business owners. Since 2005, Arce has worked as the owner and broker of Western Mass MTG Experts, LLC, a Springfield-based mortgage company. He is a former senior loan officer at Money Wise Solution, LLC in Easthampton and is the former owner of Arce's Jewelry in Springfield. He also ran his own tax service from 1999 to 2005. Arce holds an associate’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Turabo in Puerto Rico and has earned certificates from H&R Block, Springfield Technical Community College and Edmund G. Wood Real Estate. He is a member of the Latino Chamber of Commerce.
All members of the Mayoral Staff reside in Springfield.
