Governor Forms Search Committee for Dept. of Correction Commissioner

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BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced an update on the search process to identify the nextCommissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Correction, following the retirement of Commissioner Carol Mici last month.

The Administration has formeda six-member search committee, composed of diverse professionals and community leaders with wide-ranging expertise and lived experience, to guide a robust process to identify the new executive and administrative leader of the Department of Correction.

With administrative support from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Committee will guide the search process and provide multiple opportunities for stakeholder engagement. During the ongoing search, the Department remains under the leadership of Interim Commissioner Shawn Jenkins.  

Search Committee members include: 

  • Deirdre Calvert, Director of the Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services 

  • Reverend Rahsaan D. Hall, President and CEO of the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts 

  • David C. Henderson, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Boston Medical Center and Professor and Chair, Department of Psychiatry, at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine 

  • Sakieth Sako Long, Director of Operations for the Northeast Region at the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services 
  • Scott Semple, Retired Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Correction 

  • Yolanda Smith, Executive Director of Public Safety at Tufts University and former Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Superintendent and Chief of Staff 

The search committee will begin the process by seeking stakeholder input about the most valued qualities and criteria for the DOC’s next commissioner. The search committee will then conduct a robust search and interview process for qualified candidates, culminating in a selection of finalists to be recommended to the Governor.  

 

 

 

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School Officials Offer Condolences for Herberg Student's Sudden Passing

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A Herberg Middle School student has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Earl Giver Essien, who would have entered eighth grade in the fall, was remembered for her brightness in personality and academics.

Superintendent Joseph Curtis shared reflections from Herberg staff at the beginning of Monday's School Committee meeting. Faculty say Giver was a remarkable seventh-grade student whose "bright light shone brilliantly in every aspect of her life" and a "diligent rule follower who was structured and always on time."

"She was known for her strong and confident presence," Curtis said.  

"Giver loved learning and was driven by an insatiable curiosity, always asking great questions and excelling academically. She was a seeker of justice, advocating passionately for herself and everyone around her. Her warm and kind nature made her a beloved figure among peers and teachers and staff alike."

The student cherished her family deeply and had a great love for art and music, he added.

"Giver's happiness was infectious and he had a sweet tooth, especially for candy," Curtis said. "She will be remembered by the entire Pittsfield Public School community as a bright, joyful soul who touched many lives with their kindness and zest for life."

He sent his condolences to Giver's family and friends and offered full support from the Pittsfield Public Schools in any way it can. The Essien family has informed the district that services are expected to take place this week.

According to Great Barrington Police, first responders received a 911 call shortly before 2 p.m. on July 17 of a teen who was unaccounted for in the pond's beach area.

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