SENATOR MICHAEL R. KNAPIK
BOSTON – State Senator Michael R. Knapik (2nd Hampden & Hampshire) announced today several staff changes in his Westfield and Boston Offices. With the departure of Knapik’s longtime Chief of Staff, Peter Miller, the Senator has promoted Zachary Donah of Holyoke to fill that role. Miller, Knapik’s Chief of Staff of nearly 14 years, has left state service to become the Community Development Director in the City of Westfield.
Zach Donah, a 2010 graduate of The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a 2006 graduate of Holyoke High School, joined Knapik’s staff as Legislative Director in April 2011. He will continue to oversee and promote the Senator’s legislative agenda, research and draft legislation and amendments, track the progress of legislation, and assist in constituent affairs, in addition to overseeing and supervising staff operations. He is the son of John and Mary Donah of Holyoke.
Donah is joined in the State House Office by Budget Director, Sean Diamond. Diamond, a resident of Boston, has been on staff since May 2011.
Senator Knapik also announced the return of Helene Florio, on a part-time basis, to assist as Scheduler and Legislative Liaison. Florio returns to the Westfield office after retiring in September. Prior to her retirement, Helene served in the same capacity for over twelve years. Helene and her husband Jon reside in Holyoke.
Joining Helene and Daniel O’Brien, a Holyoke native and current Easthampton resident, in the Westfield Office is Knapik newcomer, Patrick Beaudry, who has served as Economic Development and Community Affairs Liaison since September 2012. Prior to joining Knapik’s staff, Patrick worked for former Holyoke State Representative, Michael F. Kane. He is the son of Jack and Joanne Beaudry of Holyoke.
“We have had several staff changes of the last few weeks and months, and while change is never easy in any capacity, I am confident in each member of my team’s ability to assist me in carrying out the work on behalf of the 2nd Hampden and Hampshire district,” Knapik said. “Each of these staff members comes with a great work ethic, vast intelligence, and an appreciation and understanding of the district. Rest assured, you are all in good hands,” Knapik continued.
Knapik encourages citizens of the Second Hampden & Hampshire District to continue to contact his offices with any inquiries or concerns they might have with regard to Massachusetts government. Individuals can reach Knapik’s District Office, which is open from 9 am – 5pm, at 57 North Elm Street in Westfield or by phone at (413) 562-6454. The Boston Office, which maintains the same hours, can be reached by mail at the State House, Room 419, in Boston, Massachusetts 02133. The Boston phone number is (617) 722-1415. Senator Knapik has official accounts on Facebook (facebook.com/senatorknapik) and Twitter (@senatorknapik) as well as an active website (mikeknapik.com). For the most frequent updates on activities on Beacon Hill and around the district, be sure to visit these sites!
