Healy Picks Worcester State Senator As Rural Affairs Director

WORCESTER, MA — Another Worcester-area political leader is joining Gov. Maura Healey's administration.

On Monday, Healey named state Sen. Ann Gobi, D-Leicester, as the director of rural affairs — a new position in state government that advocates for economic development in rural parts of the state.

"[Gobi] will ensure that the needs of rural and regional economies are incorporated into the economic development plan being developed by the Executive Office of Economic Development and will be responsible for coordinating with secretariats and state agencies to ensure that state government is attuned to the unique needs of these towns," Healey's office said in a news release Monday.

The Gobi pick follows Healey's selection last week of former Worcester city manager Ed Augustus as the new state housing secretary.

Gobi, a Spencer resident, has been representing west-central Worcester and eastern Hampshire counties in the state Legislature since 2001. Her senate district includes Barre, Brookfield, East Brookfield, Gardner, Hardwick, Holden, Hubbardston, Leicester, New Braintree North Brookfield, Oakham, Paxton, Phillipston, Princeton, Rutland, Spencer, Sterling, Templeton, Ware, West Brookfield, Westminster and southwestern Worcester.

"I am thrilled to take on this important role and grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for elevating our rural communities," Gobi said in a news release. "While I will miss the Legislature, I look forward to continuing to work for the needs of small towns throughout the commonwealth as their advocate in state government."

Gobi will take over as rural affairs director starting June 5. Gobi last won election in November, so her seat will likely be filled through a special election.