José F. Massó Appointed Chief of Human Services

The Chief of Human Services is charged with making Boston a more equitable city by ensuring that City services and opportunities for residents are accessible and responsive to the needs of all. The Chief of Human Services will lead the implementation of the Mayor’s human services agenda for Boston, overseeing key departments that provide services to city residents, and working in partnership with social service organizations and service providers across the city. Massó’s first day will be in early May. The Mayor made the announcement today at BCYF Menino in Roslindale.

“The Human Services Cabinet is fundamental to providing direct, necessary services and supports to all Bostonians,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With José’s lifelong commitment to community-centered service, he brings critical leadership and focus as we continue to transform our City facilities and programs into hubs of opportunity and belonging for all Boston families.”

“I am grateful to Mayor Wu for this exciting opportunity to serve the city I know and love. It is an honor and privilege to ensure the well-being of Boston residents, especially those with the greatest needs,” said incoming Chief of Human Services José F. Massó. “I will put my all into carrying on the legacy of community leaders before me, who have laid the foundation for transformational community work. We have an exciting administration focused on making sure city residents are able to do more than survive, that we are all able to thrive. I look forward to being a part of that team and to working with residents and community leaders to make this vision a reality.”

Human Services represents one of the largest cabinets in the City, including the Age Strong Commission, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Commission for People with Disabilities, Veterans Services, Youth Engagement and Employment, Returning Citizens, and newly joined by the Boston Public Library. The departments within the Cabinet prioritize delivering a more equitable city by ensuring that city services and opportunities for Boston residents are accessible and responsive to the needs of all. Along with external partners, departments enhance the life of Boston’s residents with meaningful programs and resources, deliver direct services, provide regulatory oversight, and build partnerships to help all of Boston’s residents thrive. 

Massó is a non-profit leader, community organizer, and lifelong resident of Boston who has twenty-five years experience in building and leading large, complex mission-driven organizations. Most recently before joining the City of Boston, Massó served as the Co-Executive Director at United South End Settlements (USES), where he managed a large team, an annual budget and a portfolio of seven community-based programs. Under his leadership, USES supported children and families during the pandemic by offering learning pods for students and a food distribution program for families facing food insecurity. 

Prior to rejoining United South End Settlements, Massó was the Executive Director of Child Development and Food Insecurity at the YMCA of Greater Boston, where he was responsible for overseeing afterschool programming and anti-hunger initiatives. Massó also held several positions at the Boston Public Health Commission, including managing a city-wide mayoral health initiative to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

Early in his career, Massó served as a community organizer for Urban Edge, where he managed two weekly food pantries in Roxbury. He was able to convene a group of volunteers to beautify the existing food pantry by building food storage shelves, building benches for older participants to sit while waiting for their food, and painting the walls to create a more welcoming experience for participants. His focus on addressing food insecurity continues through his involvement as a board member of the Urban Farming Institute where he currently serves as Chair.

Following his graduation from Boston Latin Academy, he attended Northeastern University. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from University of Massachusetts, Boston.

Massó resides in Hyde Park with his wife and two children. He enjoys cycling, swimming, table tennis and managing a small family ice cream truck business which he operates with his children.