Governor Establishes New Executive Office of Veterans' Services

04:05PM / Friday, March 03, 2023Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON —?Massachusetts Governor Maura T.?Healey?and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll announced on March 1, the establishment of the Commonwealth's new Executive Office of Veterans' Services.

Former state representative and US Army Reserve Major Dr. Jon Santiago of Boston was sworn in as the Massachusetts' first Secretary of the new Executive Office of Veterans' Services (EOVS).

"I am honored to serve as Secretary of Veterans' Services and am grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for their trust and confidence in me," said Secretary Jon Santiago. "As a US Army Reserve Major, who has served two tours overseas, I have first-hand and profound appreciation for the service and sacrifice of our veterans and look forward to collaborating with colleagues across state government, Legislature, and the EOVS team to ensure they have access to services and benefits worthy of their service."

The creation of the Executive Office of Veterans' Services is the result of legislation enacted in 2022, An

Act relative to the governance, structure and care of veterans at the Commonwealth's veterans' homes. The legislation includes new organizational and governance changes, elevating the Department of Veterans' Services to a Cabinet-level Secretariat.

"This is a historic day for Massachusetts veterans, service-members and their families," said Governor Maura T. Healey. "I congratulate Secretary Santiago for the distinction of being the Commonwealth's first Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans' Service and commend him for his commitment to serving our Commonwealth and our country. As a physician, legislator, and US Army reservist, he brings a wealth of experiences and knowledge that will enable him to lead with compassion and move forward in continuing to improve care for Massachusetts veterans."

Organizational and Governance Changes?

The Department of Veterans' Services is elevated to Cabinet-level Secretariat and removed from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and renamed to Executive Office of Veterans' Services
The State Operated Veterans' Homes in Chelsea and Holyoke report to EOVS, and the Secretary of Veterans' Services.?Soldiers' Homes Governance Changes
Homes are renamed from Soldiers' Homes to Veterans' Homes
A new Office of Veterans' Homes and Housing is established, with oversight by Executive Director Robert Engell
The new Statewide Veterans' Homes Council was created in February 2023. The council consists of 19 members, chaired by Executive Director Robert Engell which includes appointments of four seats by the Governor, three seats by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Board of Trustee members of the two State Veterans' Homes Input on membership from veterans' organizations including VFW, American Legion, AMVETS, Military Officers Association of America, and Gold Star Families.

Administrative and Operational Requirements for Veterans' Homes

Superintendents?are appointed by and report to Secretary of Veterans' Services?
Homes must apply for and maintain certain Department of Public Health licensure and CMS certification and be inspected twice annually by DPH.

Establishment of Independent Office of the Veteran Advocate (OVA)

The office is not within or subject to the control of any other agency, effective on March 1.
The Veteran Advocate will be nominated by committee, and will be jointly appointed by the Governor, Attorney General, and the State Auditor.

Tags: veterans,

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

12:05PM / Wednesday, December 24, 2025

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.

This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.

The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.

DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.

"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths.

"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."

Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.

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