Kiesha Santana Appointed New Roxbury Liaison; Eric James the New Mattapan Liaison

They will serve as the primary contact for constituents and businesses looking to connect with the Mayor's Office, and will facilitate the delivery of services in collaboration with City departments. 

“As a Boston native, Kiesha has proven experience connecting residents facing housing instability with the City resources they need, while Eric has used his talents and Boston roots to help our City’s youth succeed,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Kiesha and Eric both have a demonstrated passion for advocating for Boston’s families, and I’m happy to know they will bring these skills into their new roles in the Office of Neighborhood Services.”

"I am thrilled to have these two talented and dedicated individuals on the team,” said Director of the Office of Neighborhood Services Enrique Pepen. “The liaisons are crucial in connecting Boston's residents and business with the resources they need and ensuring that the City gets the small things right. I know Kiesha and Eric will work hard to realize these goals for their respective neighborhoods." 

Kiesha Santana was born and raised in Roxbury and is of Dominican descent. She attended the John D. O'Bryant High School and went on to study Psychology at Lasell University. She previously served as a Program Assistant at the Office of Housing Stability where she was the first point of contact for constituents with questions and concerns around housing related issues.

“I am honored for this opportunity to serve the community that gave myself and my family a home in a country where we felt out of place”, said Kiesha Santana. “Roxbury holds a special place in my heart and I look forward to being the voice of the neighborhood and its constituents and ensuring that their needs are met.” 

In her free time, Santana enjoys spending time with family, playing basketball and her guitar, and trying local restaurants in Boston with friends.

Eric James was born in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and migrated to Boston at the age of one. He graduated from Brighton High School and then went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. James previously served as a middle school teaching fellow for Neighborhood House Charter School. He brings to the role extensive public service experience and a passion for advocacy, with an emphasis on Boston’s youth.

“I am beyond excited to begin my tenure as the neighborhood liaison for Mattapan,” said Eric James. “I love this City and I will strive to ensure that the great residents of Mattapan are connected to the amazing services and resources it has to offer and that they deserve.” 

When he is not volunteering for various youth programs, James spends his time playing chess, spending time with his friends and family, and riding his bike around the City.

ABOUT THE MAYOR’S OFFICE OF NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES

The Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) encourages, facilitates and maximizes citizen input and participation through service requests, neighborhood meetings, mailings, and emergency responses. To report non-emergency issues to the City, residents are encouraged to connect with BOS:311 by dialing 3-1-1 or by downloading the free BOS:311 app on iOS or Android platforms.