Sullivan named to head Environmental Affairs

Richard Sullivan Jr., a former mayor of Westfield and a past president of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, has been appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick as the new secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs.

Sullivan replaces Ian Bowles, who stepped down.

Sullivan has served since 2007 as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation, where he oversaw the state’s 450,000 acres of parks, beaches and forests. He was mayor of Westfield from 1994 to 2007.

He also served as chair of the Massachusetts Turnpike Advisory Board.

“I look forward to continuing to work closely with municipalities across the Commonwealth, developing partnerships of various kinds with EEA agencies, aiding land preservation efforts, and joining forces on any number of projects,” Sullivan said in an interview.

Patrick also announced that several secretaries will remain in his Cabinet, including Gregory Bialecki of Housing and Economic Development, Judy Ann Bigby of Health and Human Services, Joanne Goldstein of Labor and Workforce Development, Jay Gonzalez of Administration and Finance, Mary Heffernan of Public Safety and Security, Jeffrey Mullan of Transportation, and Paul Reville of Education.

Under the direction of Bowles, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs implemented the Green Communities Act. The Green Communities Grant Program has helped 35 communities implement energy efficiency and renewable energy programs by providing $8 million in grants. Twenty more communities have applied for the next round of grants, which should be announced shortly.

Sullivan entered politics in the 1980s to run for a seat on Westfield’s Public Utility Commission. He served three terms on the City Council before seeking the mayor’s office in 1993.

He is a graduate of Bates College and Western New England Law School.