BOSTON – Thursday, July 2, 2009 – Governor Deval L. Patrick announced today that Arthur Bernard – currently a Senior Advisor to the Governor -- has been appointed Chief of Staff in the Governor’s office. Bernard will replace Doug Rubin who is leaving state government to join the Governor’s re-election campaign.
“Arthur has become one of my closest and most trusted advisors since joining the team last year,” said Governor Patrick. “His experience, judgment and level-headedness have been enormous assets to me already and make him perfectly suited to help lead our ambitious agenda.”
“I am tremendously grateful to Doug for his friendship and invaluable counsel during his time as Chief of Staff and in every way,” said Governor Patrick, commenting on Rubin’s departure. “He has built an exceptional team, and has helped deliver real change to Beacon Hill. I look forward to continuing our partnership on the campaign.”
Bernard, a Duxbury resident and graduate of Boston College Law School and Suffolk University, brings decades of government experience to his new role. Since joining the administration in June of 2008, he served as a Senior Advisor working closely with the Governor’s Cabinet on policy and management.
Prior to joining the Governor’s staff, Bernard was vice chancellor for government relations and public affairs for the University of Massachusetts. He provided leadership and strategic planning for UMass Boston in the areas of urban outreach, public policy, communications, and government and community relations. Specifically, he served as the university’s primary liaison with city, state, and federal governments, various external constituencies, and community and regulatory organizations. With other university officials, he helped advance UMass Boston’s legislative agenda and secure government support for major university initiatives.
Bernard was the chief of staff to former Senate President Robert Travaglini for four years, managing operations and functions of the state Senate and served as the primary contact for state senators, the House of Representatives, the Governor’s Office and external organizations with business before the Senate.
Bernard developed the first women’s business enterprise program while working for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from the 1993 to 1996. He has been awarded the Pride in Performance Award (Executive Office of Transportation and Construction), the YMCA Black Achiever Award, and the Suffolk University Alumni Career Achievement Award.
“Arthur has become one of my closest and most trusted advisors since joining the team last year,” said Governor Patrick. “His experience, judgment and level-headedness have been enormous assets to me already and make him perfectly suited to help lead our ambitious agenda.”
“I am tremendously grateful to Doug for his friendship and invaluable counsel during his time as Chief of Staff and in every way,” said Governor Patrick, commenting on Rubin’s departure. “He has built an exceptional team, and has helped deliver real change to Beacon Hill. I look forward to continuing our partnership on the campaign.”
Bernard, a Duxbury resident and graduate of Boston College Law School and Suffolk University, brings decades of government experience to his new role. Since joining the administration in June of 2008, he served as a Senior Advisor working closely with the Governor’s Cabinet on policy and management.
Prior to joining the Governor’s staff, Bernard was vice chancellor for government relations and public affairs for the University of Massachusetts. He provided leadership and strategic planning for UMass Boston in the areas of urban outreach, public policy, communications, and government and community relations. Specifically, he served as the university’s primary liaison with city, state, and federal governments, various external constituencies, and community and regulatory organizations. With other university officials, he helped advance UMass Boston’s legislative agenda and secure government support for major university initiatives.
Bernard was the chief of staff to former Senate President Robert Travaglini for four years, managing operations and functions of the state Senate and served as the primary contact for state senators, the House of Representatives, the Governor’s Office and external organizations with business before the Senate.
Bernard developed the first women’s business enterprise program while working for the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority from the 1993 to 1996. He has been awarded the Pride in Performance Award (Executive Office of Transportation and Construction), the YMCA Black Achiever Award, and the Suffolk University Alumni Career Achievement Award.
