GLOUCESTER – Mayor Greg Verga is pleased to announce the hiring of two new employees who will fill key roles within the city leadership.
David Fields has been hired as Community Development Director, while Mary Ellen Rose has been hired as Health Director.
David Fields
Fields comes to the City of Gloucester from the Town of Danvers, where he has served as Director of Planning and Economic Development since October 2018.
Fields holds bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology from University of Massachusetts Amherst, and in Urban Studies from Worcester State University, and a master’s degree in City, Community, and Regional Planning from Boston University.
Upon graduation, Fields worked in roles of increasing responsibility, including Technical Planner and Geographic Information Systems Analyst for the Town of Arlington, and Planner in the Town of Lexington.
While in Danvers, Fields was responsible for a number of initiatives, including securing MassBio Gold level status, overseeing mixed-use rezoning, implementing bylaw changes, developing socio-economic trend reporting, and marketing Danvers to prospective businesses.
Fields started in his new role on Aug. 8
“I am looking forward to joining the City, and advancing the Administration’s vision of a more economically vital, accessible, and livable Gloucester,” Fields said.
Mary Ellen Rose
Rose is a native of Gloucester, and a graduate of the Gloucester High School Class of 1979. Rose holds a bachelor’s degree in Health/Physical Education and in Sociology from Southern Methodist University, and a master’s degree in Health Science/Recreation Administration from Baylor University. She earned her doctorate in Health Promotion/Education from American University.
Rose has worked as a consultant and independent contractor for more than 30 years. She has consulted for the U.S. Department of State and its Foreign Service Institute, and the Veterans Health Administration.
Rose has worked as a contractor for large hospital systems and private industry and with social service agencies. She also has worked as an instructor for more than 25 years in the Gloucester Public Schools and other comprehensive districts, at the community college level, and at American University, Baylor, and SMU.
She has authored or contributed to numerous papers, textbooks, professional journals, and curriculum resources, in the areas of health policies, research, and best practices. She holds numerous professional certifications.
“I am thrilled to be returning home to Gloucester,” Rose said. “I look forward to using my skill, knowledge, and experience to help the city that I’ve loved my entire life.”
She succeeds Director Max Schenk, who retired.
“The Board congratulates Max Schenk upon his retirement and wishes him many happy years ahead after leading the Health Department through the recent challenging times,” Board of Health Chair Joseph Rosa said. “After considerable efforts by the Search Committee, the Board is delighted that Mary Ellen Rose, Ph.D., has accepted the position of Director of the Health Department. Mary Ellen is very highly qualified and experienced having spent decades working for and with the federal government in health and wellness areas within departments ranging from Veterans Affairs to the Department of State.”
Rose began her new role on Aug. 15.
“I am happy to welcome David and Mary Ellen,” Mayor Verga said. “Their depth and breadth of experience will be a tremendous asset to our City and I look forward to working with them.”
