Governor Appoints Secretary of Veterans Services

04:20PM / Sunday, January 18, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey announced the appointment of Eric Goralnick, MD, MS, as Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS).

"We have made a strong commitment to fixing a broken system and delivering for our veterans," said Governor Maura Healey. "Dr. Goralnick understands that veterans deserve care that meets them where they are. He brings deep experience as a physician, a leader and a collaborator, and he has spent his career strengthening systems, improving access to care and bringing people together across institutions. He is the right person to build on this progress and continue delivering for veterans and their families across Massachusetts."

Goralnick brings over two decades of experience as an emergency physician, United States Navy Veteran, health system leader and nationally recognized expert in health care operations, military-civilian health care partnerships and care for service members, veterans and underserved communities.

"I am honored to serve Massachusetts veterans and their families," said Eric Goralnick. "As a Navy veteran myself, I understand both the challenges of transition and the incredible value veterans bring to our communities. This role represents an opportunity to ensure every veteran in the Commonwealth receives the support, resources, and recognition they've earned through their service"

As Secretary, Goralnick will oversee access to and provision of state veterans' benefits, ensure the continued delivery of high-quality care at the Massachusetts Veterans' Homes, advance behavioral health and suicide prevention initiatives, support veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, and strengthen collaboration across state agencies, health care systems and community partners.

An emergency medicine physician and US Navy veteran, Goralnick has built his career bridging military and civilian healthcare at Mass General Brigham and as an Associate Professor at Harvard Medical School. He has served in various leadership roles at the departmental, hospital, and system levels within Brigham and Women's Hospital and Mass General Brigham. As a researcher and mentor, he has authored over 100 publications focused on improving emergency medical care, healthcare system resilience, safety and quality. His work has created pathways for veterans transitioning to careers in civilian healthcare and strengthened partnerships between the Military Health System and academic medical centers. He is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and has completed advanced training in emergency medicine, public health and healthcare management.

Goralnick will succeed former Secretary Jon Santiago, who led the creation and early transformation of EOVS following the COVID 19 crisis at the Soldiers' Homes and helped guide the agency through its foundational rebuilding phase.

Goralnick will assume his role in February. Andrea Gayle-Bennett will continue to serve as Interim Secretary.

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New Pittsfield City Council, School Committee Meets

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
02:25PM / Sunday, January 18, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The new City Council and School Committee met for the first time last week, and were met with some hope from the public.

The council is largely the same as the last term, with Cameron Cunningham now representing Ward 2 and Kathy Moody Ward 7. On the other hand, the School Committee is all new aside from longtime member Daniel Elias.

Resident Paul Gregory, a regular at public comment, told the council, "I stand here tonight, I'm excited. I'm not complaining." Gregory said that with challenges come opportunities, and he is confident that the elected officials are up for it.

"I'm really, really looking forward to the leadership and the roles that each of you will play in order to bring out the best that Pittsfield is and can be," he said.

"We need to stress our values as a city. We need to recognize and identify why people should live in this city and what opportunities there are both for entertainment, for employment, and for activities."

Councilor at Large Earl Persip III was elected council president during the inauguration ceremony earlier this month, and Mayor Peter Marchetti was elected to chair the School Committee. During the committee's meeting on Wednesday, Marchetti noted that this would be the last time "communication by the chair" will be placed on the agenda because he will deliver comments as other members do.

United Educators of Pittsfield President Jeanne Lemmond, also offered well wishes to the School Committee.

"It's going to be an interesting time working with so many new faces, and the UEP is looking forward to a very positive working relationship with you as we go into negotiations and any other business that we bring forward to you," she said.

Gregory, who also addressed the School Committee, hopes they work collaboratively to support each other, especially with the district's "ambitious" efforts to restructure the middle school levels and build a new school in the West Side.

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