BOB SALSBERG, Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — Steven Kadish, a Northeastern University administrator who served under former Republican Gov. Mitt Romney, was tapped Monday by Gov.-elect Charlie Baker for the key role of chief of staff in the new administration.
Baker, who takes office on Jan. 8, also named Republican state Rep. Matthew Beaton of Shrewsbury to serve as secretary of energy and environmental affairs.
In announcing the appointment of Kadish, a Boston resident who once worked under Baker at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, the governor-elect cited his experience and background in health care, higher education and state government.
In a statement, Kadish said he looked forward to helping carry out Baker’s “ambitious vision,” and ensuring the new administration hits the ground running after inauguration.
Kadish became Northeastern’s senior vice president and chief operating officer in 2012 after stints as a senior vice president at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire and as director of global health equity for Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.
He served as undersecretary of Health and Human Services in Romney’s administration from 2003-2006. He also held earlier posts in government including assistant secretary for administration and finance and assistant vice chancellor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.
Kadish was a vice president at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care while Baker was chief executive and leading a financial turnaround of the health insurer.
Beaton, 36, has represented the 11th Worcester district in the state House of Representatives since 2011. His seat was formerly held by Baker’s running mate, Lt. Gov.-elect Karyn Polito.
As the state’s top energy and environmental official Beaton said he hopes to continue making Massachusetts “a national leader in energy efficiency and clean energy development while confronting the challenges of increasing demand.”
He added that as avid sportsman, he looked forward to promoting the preservation of the state’s natural resources.
Beaton, a graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute who earned a master’s degree in energy and environmental analysis at Boston University, is co-owner of the Beaton-Kane construction firm in Shrewsbury, according to his website.
Beaton was Baker’s second cabinet appointment since winning the Nov. 4 election. The Republican governor-elect last week named Chelsea city manager Jay Ash, a Democrat, to serve as Secretary of Housing and Economic Development.
