Boston - On September 13, 2024, Governor Maura Healey appointed Worcester City Manager Eric Batista to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Board of Directors. Last year, the Governor appointed four members to the Board. 

“City Manager Eric Batista is a dedicated public servant whose deep experience in municipal government, understanding of the connection between transportation and quality of life, and commitment to constituent services will be valuable contributions to the MassDOT Board of Directors,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Under the leadership of Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt, we are confident that this qualified group of leaders will continue to partner with our administration to deliver the safe, reliable and accessible transportation system that the people of Massachusetts deserve.” 

“As a former Mayor, I know the experience and perseverance it takes to deliver for your community. Manager Batista knows this well, and we are excited to welcome him to this new role on the board where he can continue to serve the people of Worcester and all of Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our residents deserve the highest of quality of service, and with this strong team in place, we're going to continue our work to deliver safe and reliable transportation to every region of the state.” 

“I am proud to welcome Worcester City Manager Eric Batista to the MassDOT Board of Directors,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “His leadership has always been centered in making a difference in the lives of the communities he serves. His expertise, passion for service, and experience at various levels of government position him to support the transportation agenda of the Healey-Driscoll administration. I look forward to working with him and our Board of Directors to ensure that we deliver a transportation system that is safe, reliable, and accessible for our residents across the state.” 

“It’s an honor to be named to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Board of Directors,” said Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista. “I know firsthand how important and vital transportation is to the success of cities and towns as it connects all aspects of life in a community. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to prioritize infrastructure and accessibility upgrades to continue to build out an equitable transportation network in the Commonwealth that benefits all users.” 

The board membership now includes:

- Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt - Chair
- City Manager Eric Batista - Experience in Transportation Planning & Policy Seat
- Joe Beggan - Municipal Government Experience in one of the "14 cities and towns" (as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 161A) Seat
- Ilyas Bhatti - Experience in Civil Engineering Seat
- Rick Dimino - Public/Private Finance Seat   
- Dr. Lisa Iezzoni - MBTA Rider Seat
- Timothy King - AFL-CIO Seat
- Mayor Tom Koch - Municipal Government Experience in one of the "51 Cities" (as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 161A) Seat
- Dean Mazzarella - Municipal Government Experience in one of the "other served" communities (as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 161A) Seat
- Thomas M. McGee - Experience in Public/Private Finance or Transportation Planning & Policy Seat

The MassDOT Board of Directors serves as the governing authority for MassDOT. The MassDOT Board is comprised of eleven members who are appointed by the Governor. Each member is required to fulfill specific criteria with expertise in transportation, finance, and/or engineering. The Secretary of Transportation is the Chair of the Board. 

About Eric D. Batista:

Eric D. Batista was appointed City Manager of Worcester, Massachusetts in December of 2022. During his tenure, he has prioritized constituent services, community development and employee engagement. He has spearheaded major roadway and infrastructure improvements, launched the Worcester 311 customer service center, expanded the City’s Quality of Life team to ensure safe, welcoming neighborhoods, and created a Housing Strategy to address the city’s housing needs. Prior to his appointment as City Manager, Batista held several positions in city government, including Assistant City Manager, Director of the Office of Urban Innovation and Project Manager in the Executive Office of the City Manager. Batista attended Worcester Public Schools and then earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA from Assumption College. He currently lives in Worcester with his wife and young children.