Cliff Hedges, the director of security at Eastern States Exposition, and Mackenzie Coburn, the sales innovation manager, have been appointed as chairman of safety and security and chair of the Sponsorship Committee, respectively, by the International Association of Fairs and Expos. The IAFE represents over 1,100 fairs worldwide and has more than 900 members from allied fields.
Hedges, with an extensive background in public safety and law enforcement, will oversee the Safety & Security Committee for 2025-2026. Coburn, who has been with The Big E for over five years and has completed the Institute of Fair Management program, will serve as the Chair of the Sponsorship Committee for the same term.
In other news, American International College has appointed Melisa Loa as dean of students and director of residence life, making her the first Afro-Latina to serve in this role at AIC. Her appointment coincides with AIC’s achievement of Hispanic-Serving Institution status, which will make the college eligible for federal grants supporting Hispanic and other students.
Lastly, Norfolk County Sheriff Patrick McDermott, Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi, and Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane have been elected by their fellow Sheriffs to serve as president, vice president, and associate vice president of the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association, respectively. The Massachusetts Health Connector recognized representatives from community Navigator organizations, like Springfield-area Navigators from Caring Health Center, for their work enrolling residents in affordable Health Connector plans.
State Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, has added Silvana Gómez as the new director of constituent services in his State House office. Silvana brings experience advocating for equitable access to services and opportunities for low-income, immigrant, and Latino families.
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