“Somerville is an incredibly exciting, high-energy community, and it’s easy for the job of communications director to become an all-consuming, 24/7 marathon,” said Meehan. “As the father of two young children, I plan to move into a career that keeps me closer to home.  First, however, I intend to slow down the pace for a while, although I will continue to be on call to the Mayor and the City for occasional assignments.”

“Since we needed to move quickly to find someone with the experience and knowledge to hit the ground running, I am very pleased to announce that Tom Champion has agreed to return to his previous position,” said Curtatone.  “This transition came up quickly and unexpectedly, but it does create an opportunity in the months ahead to think about ways to enhance and restructure all of our communications channels.  In his prior service as communications director, Tom had a central role in helping to develop new cable programming, the Connect CTY mass notification system, our revised web site and our 311 constituent service system.”  Champion previously headed the City’s office of Communications and Cable from Dec. 2004 through January 2010, when he resigned to take a job in the private sector.

“Working for the people of Somerville, and for Mayor Curtatone, has been one of the high points of my career – and an enormous privilege,” said Champion.  “I’m honored and excited to have an opportunity to renew that service.”