Mayor Sarno's Staff

Thomas M. Ashe, Chief of Staff

Thomas M. Ashe was born and raised in Springfield in the Hungry Hill neighborhood of the City. He graduated from Cathedral High School and Assumption College in Worcester.

Tom began his career in public service after his election to the Springfield School Committee in 1999. Tom served on the School Committee for ten years before being elected to the City Council in 2010. He served on the City Council until his appointment as Mayor Sarno's Chief of Staff in 2018.

Previously, Tom worked for ten years at the Hampden County Sheriff's Department and for seven years at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office in a variety of supervisory roles. Most recently, he was the Vice President at the YMCA of Greater Springfield.

As Chief of Staff, Ashe provides a wide variety of professional support to Mayor Sarno. Assignments are received from, carried out for, and reported to the Mayor. Tom coordinates activities of the Mayor with other divisions and departments. In addition, he 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 supervision of the Mayoral staff. He also serves as the Mayor's liaison to the Community Police Hearing Board, Springfield Public Schools and many other city collaborates.

Tom has three wonderful children: Tommy, Lauren and Alana. He currently resides in the East Forest Park neighborhood.

Judi Crowell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

Judith began her career with the City of Springfield in 2017 and has worked for the City’s Law Department and Police Department. As the Mayor’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, she is responsible for entry-level recruitment for the City’s Police and Fire departments, investigation of internal AA/EEOC complaints, and continued development of culturally competent policies, procedures, and initiatives. Judith has an M.S. in Developmental Psychology, an M.B.A., and a certificate in Intercultural/Multicultural & Diversity Studies. 

William J. Baker, Communications Director

As Director of Communications, William Baker is responsible for developing, executing, and managing strategic internal and external communication strategies that support the objectives of the City of Springfield.  He coordinates message content, audience impact and reach across multiple communication platforms.  Baker represents the Mayor at public events and in the media.  Additionally, he is responsible for the production of materials on behalf of the City of Springfield and for responding to media inquiries.

Baker formerly served as the Mayor's Director of Constituent Services, responding to quality of life complaints lodged by citizens.  He previsouly served as a Legislative Aide to fomer State Representative Sean Curran and is a former Chair of the Ward 2 Democratic City Committee.  Baker is also a former member of the Board of Directors for Springfield Partners for Community Action.  

Baker holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from American International College as well as Bachelor’s Degree in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa. Baker was born and raised in Springfield.

Molly Shea, Constituent Services Director / Deputy Director of Communications

As Director of Constituent Services, Molly Shea heads what Mayor Sarno has termed the "Quality of Life Flex Squad." She is responsible for responding to all quality of life complaints lodged by citizens and is the Mayoral representative on the “Quality of Life Flex Squad,” which consists of police, housing and law department officials.   

In her capacity, Shea works closely with the 311 Call Center to log and review complaints and partners with the appropriate city departments to investigate them on a case specific basis and work toward a resolution.  She is a liaison to residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, federal and state agencies. Shea also represents the Mayor at public forums and works with the city’s neighborhood associations.  In addition to constituent work, Shea sits on several different internal committees.

Shea formerly served as a Mayoral Aide, being involved in a broad range of day-to-day operations and activities.  She continues to act as direct support to the Communications Director.  

Shea earned her B.A. in Political Science and Legal Studies at UMass Amherst and went on to study at Northeastern University School of Law. Prior to joining the Mayoral staff, she worked as Marketing Coordinator for a mid-sized law firm in Springfield. She is a proud Springfield native and resident.

Minerva Marrero, Administrative Assistant

As the executive assistant to the Mayor, Marrero provides daily office support; which includes calendar management, scheduling and the coordination of office logistics. Additionally, Marrero handles information management, coordinates proclamations, assists departmental staff and constituents in conducting business with the Mayor's Office, as well as working closely with the Chief of Staff on special projects.

Marrero has a wealth of experience in customer and constituent services.  She is involved in a broad range of day-to-day operations and activities and acts as a liaison to residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, federal and state agencies. Marrero also represent the Mayor in public forums. 

Marrero previously served as a mayoral aide and as a district legislative aide to former State Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and is a former clerical coordinator for the New North Citizens’ Council.  In total, Marrero has over 20 years in customer service administration.

Shenell R. Ford, Mayoral Aide

As a Mayoral Aide, Shenell Ford is involved in a broad range of day-to-day operations and activities.  She is a liaison to residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, and state and federal agencies.  She also represents the Mayor in public forums. Mayoral Aides are assigned to work with specific neighborhood associations within the city, though they are familiar with all of them.

Ford is the the founder of Heart2Heartbeat Lactation and Wellness, which is committed to focusing on the communities need for lactation and breastfeeding care, support and education for mothers and families.  She also serves as a Training Facilitator for the Children’s Trust Massachusetts.  Ford previously worked as a Research Associate Lactation Consultant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and is very active in the community serving on numerous boards and committees in support of mothers, babies and their families. 

Ford holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health from Temple University and is a Certified Lactation Counselor and International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant.  She is a member of the National Association of Professional and Peer Lactation Supporters of Color (NAPPLSC), Mass Lactation Consultant Association (MLCA), and Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition board of directors.

Genesis Velez Roque, Mayoral Aide

As Mayoral Aide, Genesis Velez Roque is involved in a broad range of day-to-day operations and activities.  She is a liaison to residents, elected officials, local businesses, community groups and organizations, federal and state agencies.  She also represents the Mayor in public forums. Mayoral Aides are assigned to work with specific neighborhood associations within the city, though they are familiar with all of them.

Velez Roque, who was born in Puerto Rico, moved to Springfield after the island was devastated from Hurricane Maria.  During her transition of adjusting to her new life in Springfield, she worked various jobs while putting herself through college.

Previously, Velez Roque served as a Customer Service Representative for the city of Springfield's Collectors Office.  Velez Roque holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice from Holyoke Community College and brings an extensive background in the customer service field.

 

All members of the Mayoral Staff reside in Springfield.

Page last updated:  Wednesday, December 22, 2021 09:44 am