From Newton Mayor Setti Warren’s office…
Newton – Mayor Warren announced this morning that he has appointed Ana Gonzalez as the new Community Engagement Director.
Ana has worked for the City of Newton since 2003, first as the Outreach Worker for the Department of Senior Services, and most recently as the Community Social Worker for the Health and Human Services Department. In her role as Community Social Worker, Ana has demonstrated a strong ability to work collaboratively with neighborhoods, non-profit organizations and city departments to deliver results for groups and individuals.
A graduate of Newton South High School, Ana has held a lifelong commitment to public service and to making a difference in her community. Ana moved to Newton with her parents in 1971 from Bogota, Colombia. After graduating from Newton South High School, Ana attended Northeastern University and, ultimately, obtained her degree in Social Work in New York.
“I am honored to be joining Mayor Warren´s team in this role,” Gonzalez said. “I am looking forward to working with groups and individuals across the city to help enrich the quality of life in Newton.”
“Ana has done an outstanding job serving our city for many years, and has the background and skill set necessary to excel in this new role,” Mayor Warren said. “It is critical continue to engage the community in every village to enhance the quality of life in Newton.”
Ana will be working closely with longstanding and newly established Area Councils and other
neighborhood organizations across the city, and will work toward strengthening the partnership between City Hall, businesses and residents. Ana will begin on May 14th.
I have had the opportunity to work with Ana Gonzalez on helping Newton residents in the past and I have nothing but good things to say about her. I think she is a very good choice and will do a terrific job in her new role. I just hope we find someone who is at least half as good as she is to take over for her at health and human services.
I applied and didnt even get an interview.
Sounds like good news. We have area councils now in full swing in the Highlands, Upper Falls, and nascent ones in Newtonville, Waban, and elsewhere. On top of that, yesterday’s efforts reaffirm that we have a lot of people who are engaged and willing to put good effort into the community.
Congrats on the new position, Ana. There are going to be a lot of people calling on you!
Congratulations, Newton! I have had the pleasure of working closely with Ana for the past several years on The Village Bank / City of Newton’s Holiday Gift Drive and Backpack Drive. She is an amazing, hard worker who gets things done with directness and always with a sense of humor and kindness. Ana builds relationships and concensus, and will excel in her new position. I second Ted’s comment, though: she will be difficult to replace as Community Social Worker. Enhorabuena, partner!