Juan Vega has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs at the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.
“We are delighted to have Mr. Vega join us,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “His experience working within diverse groups to build coalitions and improve communities will be a valuable asset to our office.”
Assistant Secretary Vega will focus on helping communities prepare for success by working to empower local and municipal leaders and better connect them to existing resources.
“I am excited to work with communities across the Commonwealth as they work to leverage local aid and investment into smart growth and development,” said Assistant Secretary Vega. “Being a part of this dedicated team is a great opportunity to build on my experience in Chelsea and Greater Boston.”
Assistant Secretary Vega served as President & CEO of Centro Latino from 1998-2015. He increased the profile of the agency, strengthened its management structure, and expanded its services. Vega is a recipient of a 2009 Barr Foundation Fellowship for outstanding community service in Greater Boston, and volunteers on boards and committees including the Metro North Regional Employment Board, the Dudley Street Neighborhood Charter School, and a community health advisory committee at Massachusetts General Hospital. A lifelong Chelsea resident, Vega served as an elected member of the Chelsea City Council from 1994 to 2001, and in 1999, he was selected to serve as Council President — the first Latino in the state to serve in that capacity at the municipal level.
