Mayor Walsh appoints new labor relations director
Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Alexis Tkachuk as the City of Boston's Director of Labor Relations. Tkachuk brings over fifteen years of experience in government and joins the Office of Labor Relations from the city's Law Department where she served as Chief of Staff since March 2014.
"Alexis Tkachuk continues to show great skill in managing complex legal issues and leading on strategy development to negotiate some of the most important issues facing the city," said Mayor Walsh. "Alexis is a hardworking public servant and a talented lawyer, and she shares in my goal to bring trust and respect to labor relations in the city. I am confident that Alexis is the right fit for this role and I look forward to continuing to work with her."
"It has been an honor to serve in both state and city governments and I am thrilled to start work for the city's labor relations department," said Tkachuk. "As a lifelong Bostonian now raising a family here I am keenly aware of the positive impacts an effective municipal government can bring to a community. I am dedicated to bringing a prudent and disciplined approach to labor relations for the city in order to afford opportunities for future generations of Boston residents."
With Mayor Walsh taking office in 2014, the City is now under contract with 39 of its 40 unions. The City also reached an agreement with its Public Employee Committee, comprised of representatives of its bargaining units, that will save the City over $45 million in the next five years on its health insurance costs. Contract negotiations for the next round of bargaining will begin next year.
As Chief of Staff to the city's Law Department, Tkachuk oversaw day-to-day legal operations and litigation matters, led the outreach and selection process of the city's Boards and Commissions, analyzed the roles and responsibilities of various city departments and served as a senior advisor to the Mayor on a number of priority initiatives.
Prior to joining the Walsh Administration, Tkachuk worked as an attorney for the Massachusetts House of Representatives and was responsible for reviewing, analyzing and managing negotiations for high-profile legislative proposals before the Judiciary Committee such as sex offender registration, gay marriage, drunk driving, the death penalty, CORI reform and judicial management. In addition, Tkachuk played a primary role in the development and passing of major legislation on a range of issues, including health care, education, and economic development. Tkachuk also worked for the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office.
Tkachuk is a lifelong resident of Boston and was educated in the Boston Public School system, graduating from Boston Latin School. Tkachuk holds a bachelor's degree from Saint Anselm College and a law degree from Suffolk University Law School. Tkachuk was admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2005. She is also a longtime board member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston.
Tkachuk lives in Charlestown with her husband, Kevin, and her son, Jack.
