Massachusetts Gov. Baker names Sullivan, Mazzarella to MassDOT board

Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker appointed local mayors Joseph Sullivan and Dean Mazzarella to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) board.

The governor has increased the number of MassDOT board members from seven to 11, per a recommendation from a panel report earlier this year that reviewed operations of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).

Sullivan has served as mayor of Braintree, Mass., since 2007. Prior to that, he was a state representative and chairman of the state's House Committee on Transportation for six years, MassDOT officials said in a press release.

Earlier this year, Sullivan also served on the special panel that looked into the MBTA's operations.

Mazzarella has served as mayor of Leominster for the past 22 years. He also served as the management representative for the state's Joint Labor Management Committee for the past 16 years, MassDOT officials said.

"These leaders bring a deep understanding of the transportation issues facing communities and important perspectives to our focus on fixing the system for customers," Baker said in a statement. "I look forward to the expanded board working in partnership with the new MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board as we strive to deliver improved service."