Watertown's Rachel Kaprielian Gets New State Leadership Post

Watertown's Rachel Kaprielian will be appointed Secretary of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development by Gov. Deval Patrick on Friday. 

Kaprielian has served as Registrar of the Registry of Motor Vehicles since 2008. Gov. Patrick pointed to her record as Registrar and as a State Representative from Watertown advocating for smart and consumer-friendly policies, innovative job training initiatives, comprehensive pension reform, municipal and regional organizational reforms, aggressive anti-tobacco policies and Early Intervention programs for at-risk children.

“I am thrilled that Rachel has agreed to take on this new role, and I am confident that she is prepared to continue the difficult work of getting our residents back to work, and preparing both our workers and employers for the jobs of the 21st century economy," Patrick said in the announcement.

Kaprielian thanked the governor for the new appointment. 

“I am grateful for this opportunity to continue to serve the public by working towards job creation and economic growth that will benefit Massachusetts residents and businesses," Kaprielian said. "I share Governor Patrick’s commitment to the state’s continuing economic recovery by ensuring that the skills of the Commonwealth’s workforce meet the continuously evolving needs of our employers."

At the RMV Katprielian oversaw the expansion of the Registry's online branch (www.mass.gov/rmv) and implemented a customer service plan to build new branches in rent-free public spaces. Prior to serving as Registrar, Kaprielian represented Watertown and parts of Cambridge for 14 years as a state representative.

She replaces Secretary Joanne F. Goldstein, who will accept a job at Northeastern University as an Associate Vice President, according to the governor's office.