Haverhill’s Juana Matias has been appointed chief operating officer for the Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth, the nonprofit known as MassINC that works to promote public policy and opportunities for residents across the state.
Matias is no stranger to the agency, having served on the board of directors. In her new role, the former state representative for the 16th Essex District intends to lead MassINC’s strategic planning, taking a special interest in research around the Gateway Cities.
“As an immigrant, advocate, and legislator from a gateway city, I have dedicated myself to championing policy that creates pathways to opportunity,” Matias said. “Key issues in education, public health, and the criminal justice system were central to my work as a representative and the public agenda I’ve long championed, which is why I could not be more excited to continue this work with MassINC.”
Also an attorney, Matias ran for a third district Congressional seat in November 2018.