Divisions

Administration & Special Project Management

Paul D. Morano, Jr. - Assistant Chief Development Officer

Headed by the Assistant Chief Development Officer for Administration and Special Project Management, the priorities of the Divisions include:

Facilitating small- and large-scale development projects and disposition of City-owned surplus land.
Engagement in planning initiatives to create new places for Worcester’s growth and expansion.
Marketing Worcester’s assets to the region and beyond.

Vaske Gjino - Assistant Chief Development Officer

Headed by the Assistant Chief Development Officer for Business & Community Development, the priorities of the Division include:

Promotion of private enterprises through financial and site search assistance.
Outreach to key property owners to encourage and support revitalizing opportunities for land redevelopment.
Improving connections between and among the City’s many economic generators.
Connecting entrepreneurs and property owners with public financing opportunities.
Providing advocacy and supportive services to Worcester-based businesses.

Fabian Barracks - Cultural Development Officer

The priorities of the Cultural Development Divisions include:

Facilitating small- and large-scale development projects and disposition of City-owned surplus land.
Management and implementation of City development projects.
Engagement in planning initiatives to create new places for Worcester’s growth and expansion.
Building the vitality of the downtown core and neighborhood centers through the creation of new cultural and entertainment opportunities.
Attracting new residents and visitors through the promotion of cultural offerings and activities.
Marketing Worcester’s assets to the region and beyond.

Andrew Taylor - Assistant Chief Development Officer

Headed by the Assistant Chief Development Officer for Grants Management and Compliance, the priorities of the Divisions include:

Providing neighborhood-based public services and housing development that focuses on the provision of enhanced physical and human infrastructure systems in challenged neighborhood areas.
Facilitating neighborhood redevelopment in collaboration with the neighborhood-based non-profit organizations, neighborhood institutions, stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and other City Departments to address neighborhood needs and concerns.
Securing, managing, and monitoring millions of dollars in intergovernmental grant programs that provide for family and individual safety-net services each year.
Implementing comprehensive neighborhood stabilization and revitalization initiatives.

Michelle M. Smith - Assistant Chief Development Officer

Headed by the Assistant Chief Development Officer for Planning & Regulatory Services, the priorities of the Division include:

Providing board support, as well as program and policy analysis, related to land use issues and regulatory programs.
Providing direct customer service to developers, real estate attorneys, architects, engineers, and residents regarding land use and zoning.
Coordinating interdepartmental analytical efforts.
Playing an important role in the City’s future development by balancing quality-of-life, long term sustainability, and economic competitive advantage.