Baker, a lifelong Springfield resident, joined Mayor Sarno’s staff in 2012 as Constituent Services Director, and in 2019 was promoted to Communications Director.
Mayor Sarno states, “Bill has served as an integral part of my administration, a ‘Jack of all Trades’, not only serving as a spokesperson for myself and the City of Springfield with the media, but also acting as my liaison with other city departments, state and federal officials and agencies, local public utility companies, and for our neighborhoods, residents, businesses and nonprofits. He has been my ‘behind the scenes’ guy for some time, someone that I can always count on. This was never more evident than during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic where he helped to coordinate my administrations weekly COVID-19 briefings with Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, Cabinet Heads, Baystate Health President and CEO Dr. Mark Keroack, and Mercy Medical Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Roose, making sure that it was properly set up and covered by the media so that our residents and business community could receive all of the important public health and safety information. I have the utmost confidence in his abilities to serve as my next Chief of Staff.”
William Baker stated, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno for his belief, trust and confidence in my abilities. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve my hometown of Springfield. I am looking forward to this opportunity to serve as the next Chief of Staff as we continue to build upon the many great things we have accomplished under the Sarno Administration; we have a great team. I want to also thank outgoing Chief of Staff and soon-to-be Executive Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreational Management Tom Ashe for his leadership and support. He did a tremendous job here in the Mayor’s Office and I am looking forward to working with him as a Cabinet Head as we continue to work together for the betterment of all our residents and businesses.”
Baker holds a Master’s Degree from American International College (AIC) and Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Tampa.
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Mayor Sarno also announced two promotions for his office and the hiring of a new Mayoral Aide.
Mayor Sarno has promoted Constituent Services Director Molly Shea to Communications Director, and Mayoral Aide Genesis Velez-Roque has been promoted to Constituent Services Director.
“Both Molly and Genesis are smart and talented young women. Molly has served as my Constituent Services Director and Deputy Communications Director with the utmost professionalism – she did an admirable job. Her attention to detail and experience will make this transition into the communications role seamless. I have the utmost confidence in her ability. Genesis has an incredible and heartwarming story to tell. As a Hurricane Maria survivor, she moved to Springfield from Puerto Rico after the island was devasted by the hurricane, put herself through college, worked various jobs until eventually coming to work for our Collectors Office. I hired her as a Mayoral Aide in 2022 and she has impressed me with her customer service and people skills. Her promotion to Constituent Services Director is a testament to her ability to helping our residents and business community,” said Mayor Sarno.
Molly Shea said, “I want to thank Mayor Sarno, outgoing Chief of Staff Tom Ashe, and soon-to-be Chief of Staff Bill Baker for their vote of confidence in my abilities. I love serving our city, my hometown, and I am excited for this opportunity to continue serving in the Mayor’s Office in this new role, and look forward to working with the members of the media so that they can continue to share the important news and information for our residents and businesses.”
Shea joined Mayor Sarno’s staff in 2019 as a Mayoral Aide and was promoted to Constituent Services Director in 2020. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Genesis Velez-Roque stated, “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Mayor Sarno and the incredible staff in his office. Thank you, Mayor Sarno for your continued belief and trust in my abilities. I am excited for this new opportunity as we continue to work and help our residents and local businesses.”
Velez-Roque joined the mayor’s staff in 2022. She has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Holyoke Community College.
Additionally, Mayor Sarno announced that Rose McCaffrey, a former Mayoral Intern and recent graduate from AIC, has been hired as a Mayoral Aide.
“Rose is an intelligent and capable young woman. As an intern in my office, she excelled and always strived to be supportive and help our residents. She is a hard worker and a quick learner. I am thrilled to have her on board,” said Mayor Sarno.
Rose McCaffrey stated, “I am looking forward to joining the great team in the Mayor’s Office. Having interned in Mayor Sarno’s Office in early 2023, I am familiar with what is going to be expected of me and I am confident that I can excel at this new opportunity. Thank you, Mayor Sarno for your continued belief and confidence in me.”
McCaffrey graduated from AIC with a triple-major in Political Science, Public Relations and Media Communications.
All members of the mayor’s staff are Springfield residents. Staff changes will officially take place on April 2, 2024.
