For Immediate Release: 8/12/2022 3:45 pm
WORCESTER – Acting City Manager Eric D. Batista is pleased to announce the appointment of two individuals to cabinet-level positions: Stephen S. Rolle and Hung Nguyen.
Nguyen, who joined the Executive Office of Economic Development as a federal grants project monitor in 2013, has been named interim assistant city manager. During his tenure, Nguyen has served as a project manager in the Office of City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr., and more recently as assistant chief development officer.
Nguyen’s accomplishments on behalf of the City include managing the WWII Memorial project on the Worcester Common, developing the Worcester Housing Now program, and launching the City’s first Outdoor Dining grant program.
As interim assistant city manager, Nguyen’s role will include working with Human Resources, Technical Services, Economic Development, and other departments. He will also assist Batista with budgeting and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. Nguyen fills the position left open when Batista became acting city manager.
Rolle has been appointed to the position of commissioner for the newly established Department of Transportation and Mobility.
Rolle joined the City of Worcester in 2014 as director of the Planning and Regulatory Services, and in that role has led the administration of the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, and License Commission during a time of significant growth and change for Worcester. Before working for the City, Rolle was a senior supervising transportation engineer and planner for engineering consulting firm Parsons Brinckerhoff in Seattle and later Boston, and transportation engineer for the City of Renton in Washington state.
Rolle was a key participant in the development of Polar Park, Rockland Trust Plaza, the redesign of Kelley Square, and reconstruction of Carroll Plaza. He and his team also developed the city’s Complete Streets policy, implemented expanded outdoor dining in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and launched the ongoing Worcester Now|Next citywide long-range plan.
The Department of Transportation and Mobility will lead the planning, prioritization, and design of improvements to Worcester’s streets and transportation network, and will manage parking operations. The department will emphasize improving safety, expanding accessibility for all, and promoting sustainable transportation options.
“It’s critical that our workforce represent the community and serve the interests of a diverse and emerging midsize city. I am thrilled to have Hung and Steve step into these vital cabinet roles,” Batista said, adding that Nguyen is the first Asian American to serve among the administration’s leadership. “Hung brings extensive experience and a unique perspective that is essential to municipal operations in a city like Worcester.
“With a renewed focus on safe and effective traditional and alternative modes of transportation, Steve’s background and significant accomplishments make him the ideal candidate to serve as the City’s first Commissioner for this newly ordained department.”
