Four years ago, when Governor Charlie Baker took office following his election, one of his initial major decisions involved naming Jay Ash as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development.
Many political observers were caught off guard by this move from Gov. Baker, a Republican, given that Ash identified as a lifelong Democrat and was then serving as Chelsea’s City Manager—a role he had held for approximately 15 years. The Secretary of Housing and Economic Development ranks among the most significant cabinet positions, typically awarded to someone the governor considers essential to advancing his key policy goals.
Ash’s selection by Gov.-elect Baker conveyed two important messages about his administration: that Baker would “reach across the aisle” to Democrats, and that he was committed to recruiting the most capable individuals available for his team.
Over the four years that followed, Charlie Baker’s decision to appoint Jay Ash—who formally left his cabinet role in December to assume the presidency of the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership, a nonprofit business organization—proved beneficial on both fronts for Gov. Baker and the people of Massachusetts.
Ash brought substantial expertise to the role, having spent considerable time as chief of staff to former House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard Voke. This background gave him deep knowledge of legislative mechanics and personal relationships with numerous lawmakers, particularly House Speaker Bob DeLeo, who collaborated closely with Jay in advancing the Baker administration’s initiatives.
Beyond his legislative acumen, Jay Ash contributed his extensive background as Chelsea’s City Manager, a position that provided insight into the challenges and opportunities facing urban economic development across the state.
Throughout his tenure, Jay Ash oversaw the completion of numerous projects designed to generate economic benefits for Massachusetts residents in the years ahead. His major achievements include facilitating the Pawtucket Red Sox’s move to Worcester and redeveloping the city’s Canal District with $35 million in infrastructure and affordable housing investment; securing $12.5 million in state funding for the Berkshire Innovation Center to advance life sciences in Pittsfield; playing a crucial role in General Electric’s decision to establish its world headquarters in Boston’s Seaport District; and helping achieve substantial progress in reducing the number of homeless families housed in motels.
Jay Ash’s record as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development ranks among the most productive and noteworthy of any cabinet member in the state’s administrative history.
The residents of Chelsea and citizens across Massachusetts join in expressing gratitude to Jay Ash for his dedicated public service and extending best wishes for his continued success.