CITY ANNOUNCES TWO KEY STAFF HIRES

SOMERVILLE -
Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced today the addition of two new City employees,
Mr. Ed O'Donnell and Ms. Betsy Allen filling the positions of Director of
Economic Development and Disability Coordinator, respectively.

Mr. O'Donnell had most recently
served as Predevelopment Director and Permitting Specialist at Waypoint
Construction Consultants in Needham, and held previous positions the Deputy
Director for Commercial and Residential Development for the Boston
Redevelopment Authority, where he oversaw a series of  major development projects including the
Genzyme manufacturing facility, the Millennium Place and Ritz Carlton mixed use
project and the expansions of Emerson College and Suffolk University in  Boston's downtown area.

 "As the Director of Economic Development, Ed will
have a major role in advancing the redevelopment strategies in many of our key
districts, including Assembly Square, Union Square, Brickbottom and the
Innerbelt," said Mayor Curtatone. "He is a seasoned pro whose knowledge and
experience will help us continue to expand our commercial tax base and create
important employment opportunities throughout the City."

The City also welcomes Betsy Allen,
who will serve as the city's Disability Coordinator.  Ms. Allen, a Somerville resident, holds a J.D.
in Law from the Suffolk University Law School, and brings
with her an impressive background in human rights and disability compliance,
including seven years as a Compliance Officer for the Massachusetts Commission
Against Discrimination.  At MCAD she
coordinated public outreach programs and handled discrimination complaints in
housing and public accommodation.

Ms. Allen also has experience as a
Senior Case Technician for the United States Federal Social Security
Administration, where she advised judges regarding applicants who filed for
disability under ADA criteria. Additionally, she spent three years teaching
history at Sharon High School.