Gov. Charlie Baker appointed Carnevale to run the Springfield office and be a liaison between the communities in Western Massachusetts and the executive branch.

 

"Our Springfield office serves as an important connector to support our constituents, local leaders and municipalities in western Massachusetts," Baker said in a statement. "With almost two decades of public service and his role in overseeing emergency management for western Massachusetts, Patrick is uniquely qualified to lead the office and we are proud to welcome him to our team."

 

Carnevale, of Pittsfield, has worked with the state for 18 years, mostly in emergency preparedness. He joined Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in 2012 at the state's emergency operations center, responding to natural disasters, implementing local emergency preparedness plans, allocating state and federal resources, and working with some 161 cities and towns throughout the state. He holds 14 certificates relating to emergency preparedness disaster management from the Emergency Management Institute, the National Hurricane Center, and MEMA.

 

He twice received recognition for his work from MEMA and had ascended to regional manager for central and Western Massachusetts.

 

Prior to that, he worked in former Gov. Paul Cellucci and then Gov. Jane Swift's office as a liaison between the administration and Western Massachusetts. He holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams and a master's in business administration from Western New England University. 

 

"I am thrilled to continue working with the residents and local officials in Western Massachusetts on behalf the Baker-Polito Administration," Carnevale said in a statement. "The communities and people of western Massachusetts have much to offer the commonwealth and I am pleased to contribute to furthering the Administration's important work in the region."

 

Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito praised Carnevale's experience and dedication to the state.

 

"I look forward to working alongside Patrick to continue to build the strong relationships our Administration has developed with cities and towns in Western Massachusetts at the municipal level," Polito said. "Patrick's years of experience and his dedication to the people of the commonwealth will serve the constituents of the Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties well."

 

Carnevale fills the role left by Michael Knapik, who left to take a job with Baystate Health.