SPRINGFIELD — A Northampton woman who most recently served as regional director for Sen. Ed Markey has been tapped by the Healey administration to head up a new office intended to provide a link between the four counties of western Massachusetts and the governor’s office in Boston.

Kristen Elechko is the new director of Gov. Maura Healey’s and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s western Massachusetts office. In that role, she will collaborate with constituents, stakeholders and local municipalities on issues in the region. The office opened Monday.

“We’re really intending on this being an office that has muscle, so to speak,” Elechko said. “So, being out in the region, connecting with folks, bringing meaningful solutions to the challenges that exist, and hopefully also being innovative in how the office can best serve the region.”

Healey announced Elechko’s appointment at last week’s Springfield Chamber of Commerce Beacon Hill Summit, along with the hiring of LaMar Cook, of Springfield, as deputy director. The two will act as primary liaisons between western Massachusetts residents and Healey’s office.

“I’m grateful to bring my experience in business and nonprofit and political management to this role,” Elechko said. “I have many established relationships with the cities and towns across the four counties already… and insight on how and where we can really help support the municipalities and the local leaders with the challenges that they’re facing every day.”

Former Gov. Deval Patrick reopened the western Massachusetts office in 2007 after it had been closed in 2003 by former Gov. Mitt Romney due to budget cuts. Most recently, Jose Delgado ran the office for former Gov. Charlie Baker.

“I believe that the governor and lieutenant governor’s choice to keep this office open and invest in it really demonstrates a commitment to the people of western Massachusetts,” Elechko said.

Elechko has over a decade of experience in western Mass community and campaign roles, most recently serving as regional director for Markey. She also brings political, nonprofit and business experience, and has a Bachelor of Arts in history from Mount Holyoke College and a master’s of nonprofit management from Regis University. She has held interim leadership roles at Cancer Connection and the Womens’ Fund of WMass Leadership Institute for Political and Public Impact, along with many years working in the outdoor industry.

Cook is a co-founder of the Back to School Brighter Initiative, which provides Springfield children with free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies. He also served as director of Hotel UMass, and is a member of the Springfield Community Preservation Committee and a board member of the Massachusetts Lodging Association.

“Kristen and LaMar are two proven leaders with deep ties to western Mass,” Healey said. “They know the communities, they know the businesses, they know the needs and opportunities of the region. We’re excited to welcome them to the administration and encourage residents to get in touch with them.”

Constituents can visit the Springfield office at the State Office Building, 436 Dwight St., Suite 300, or call 413-784-1200.

]]>