Newton DPW Commissioner Departing In January

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Ruthanne Fuller announced that Department of Public Works Commissioner Jim McGonagle will be leaving his position in January in favor of a new venture.

McGonagle is set to become the General Manager of the Holyhood Cemetery Association, which operates both Brookline’s Holyhood Cemetery and Saint Joseph Cemetery in West Roxbury. Fuller said that she has offered Deputy Commissioner Shawna Sullivan the opportunity to be McGonagle’s successor.

McGonagle first took over as DPW Commissioner in 2015, and totals 34 total years of working for the City of Newton. Fuller credits him with being a driving force behind many city accomplishments during his tenure, such as the Transportation Network Improvement Plan, as well as the creation of the Sustainable Materials Management department.

“In the past two years alone, DPW has paved and repaired 112 roads, filled more than 26,000 potholes, and installed and repaired over 7 miles of sidewalks,” Fuller said. “Thanks to him and his team, we recycle better, have expanded services at the Resource Recovery Center at Rumford Avenue, and partnered with Black Earth Composting to provide curbside service.”

She also credited McGonagle for his leadership during a major snowstorm in January of 2018.

“As Jim McGonagle, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet, moves on to his next chapter, I thank him for his service to our City and wish him all the best,” Fuller said.