Administration names western Mass. director and deputy director

Western Massachusetts Director Kristen Elechko (left) and Deputy Director LaMar Cook

On April 26 in Springfield, Gov. Maura Healey announced the hiring of Kristen Elechko of Northampton as western Massachusetts director and LaMar Cook of Springfield as deputy director.

Elechko and Cook will lead the governor’s Western Mass Office in Springfield, scheduled to open on May 1, and will serve as the primary liaisons for western Massachusetts residents to the governor’s office.

“Lt. Gov. [Kim] Driscoll and I are committed to leading an administration for all of Massachusetts, and that means making sure that the people of Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden and Berkshire counties have a direct line to my office,” Healey said. “Kristen and LaMar … know the communities, they know the businesses, they know the needs and opportunities of the region.”

Elechko and Cook will be responsible for collaborating with stakeholders, constituents and municipalities on issues concerning the western Massachusetts region.

Elechko most recently served as regional director for U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, and has held interim leadership roles at Cancer Connection and the Womens’ Fund of WMass Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact, along with many years working in the outdoor industry. She has a bachelor’s degree in history from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Regis University.

Cook is co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which provides children in Springfield with a fresh start to their academic year with free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies. He recently served as the director of Hotel UMass, and is a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee and a board member of the Massachusetts Lodging Association. He received a certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University and a degree in political science and government from Western New England University.

Constituents can visit the office at the State Office Building, 436 Dwight St., Suite 300, in Springfield, or call 413-784-1200.