Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera Will Head MassDevelopment

LAWRENCE, MA — Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera was named the new CEO of MassDevelopment, the agency said Thursday.

Gov. Charlie Baker nominated Rivera and the agency's board voted unanimously to confirm him at their meeting Thursday.

The Democratic mayor, an ally of the Republican governor, will succeed Lauren Liss as CEO of the semi-public development and finance agency. The agency helps finance housing, cultural and business development.

“I am both honored and humbled to be chosen as the President and CEO of MassDevelopment and I’m excited for the opportunity to hone my focus on economic development, especially during these trying times,” Rivera said in a statement. “In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, MassDevelopment stands to play a role in reconstruction of our economy that is inclusive, equitable, and focuses on neighborhoods and business districts in every corner of the Commonwealth.”

“Dan Rivera will bring dedicated leadership experience, compassion and a steadfast commitment to economic recovery and growth for Massachusetts’ cities and towns in his new role at MassDevelopment,” Baker said. “In his role as Mayor for the City of Lawrence, Dan met every challenge and seized every opportunity to support his residents and create a stronger economy— including more jobs and housing.”

In the news release announcing Rivera's appointment, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy noted the mayor's familiarity with the agency's work.

"Dan Rivera is no stranger to MassDevelopment’s programs, having masterfully utilized many to the benefit of the residents of Lawrence, one of our Commonwealth’s diverse and rising Gateway Cities," Kennealy said.

Rivera is entering the final year of his second four-year term. In 2018, he crossed party lines to endorse Baker's bid for re-election, and he currently sits on the governor's Reopening Advisory Board.

Rivera called being mayor of Lawrence "the privilege of my life."

Rivera grew in prominence in the wake of the Sept. 2018 Merrimack Valley Gas Explosions, blasting Columbia Gas for its slow response and poor communication. In 2019, he urged a judge to reject a proposed settlement, arguing more money should go to the explosions' victims, rather than the class action lawyers.

The accident killed one, injured 22 and damaged 131 structures across Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, as well as taking gas service offline and forcing the evacuation of hundreds of homes.

According to his city biography, Rivera was born in New York to a Dominican immigrant single mother. His family moved to Lawrence, where he attended Lawrence Public Schools before enlisting in the U.S. Army.

Rivera was deployed to Iraq and Kuwait during the First Gulf War. He then attended UMass College and earned an MBA from Suffolk University. Rivera was elected to Lawrence City Council in 2008 and as mayor in 2013.

MassDevelopment finances projects as well as owning and developing properties itself. The agency also administers a number of state economic development funds.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.