Augustus Joins Holy Cross as Director of Government and Community Relations

WORCESTER, Mass. – The College of the Holy Cross has announced the hiring of former Massachusetts state senator Edward Augustus to direct its newly-created office of government and community relations.

A Worcester native, Augustus most recently managed the successful 2010 re-election campaign of U.S. Representative Jim McGovern (D-Mass.).  Immediately prior to that, he was executive director of the Children's Defense Fund of California, a position he held until April 2010.    Previously, he was elected to the Massachusetts State Senate representing the 2nd Worcester District in 2004 and served two terms.

As part of his responsibilities at Holy Cross, Augustus will serve as the College’s point of contact with City of Worcester elected and appointed officials to help strengthen lines of communication and foster and explore partnerships between the City and the College.  He will also represent Holy Cross in work with state and federal government agencies, key legislators, and other colleges and universities on issues concerning higher education policy development and legislation.

Commenting on Augustus’ appointment, Holy Cross president Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., said:   “We are delighted to welcome Ed to Holy Cross.  He will be able to offer invaluable advice and direction on issues affecting higher education at the federal, state and local levels, including affordability and financial aid, grants, and access to other resources.  He will also help us develop and enhance our community partnerships and strengthen our communication with the Worcester Community. Ed is a well-known advocate for education; and the students, faculty, and families of Holy Cross will benefit from his experience and expertise.”

The new office of government and community relations will have the professional support of Katherine Robertson, who has served as special assistant to the Holy Cross president for community relations since 2003.  Robertson’s expertise in managing partnerships the College has forged with community organizations, including the work of Holy Cross students placed in federal work-study positions with Worcester area nonprofits, will be part of the new office’s ongoing work.

Augustus said:   “I am very excited to be joining the Holy Cross family. The College’s contributions—from helping create the Nativity School of Worcester to opening its campus to Worcester Tornadoes baseball—have made an enormous difference to lives throughout Worcester.  I am looking forward to building on the strong foundation already established, building relationships, and supporting the College’s mission and commitment to the principles of Jesuit education.”

Before his election to the state legislature, Augustus ran McGovern's 1998 re-election campaign and subsequently served as his chief of staff from 1999 through 2004. He directed the activities of McGovern's staff, both in Washington, D.C., and in four district offices.  Prior to joining the Congressional staff, he worked for five years at the U.S. Department of Education. He served as the northeast coordinator for the National Performance Review program, and as chief of staff for the Assistant Secretary of Education.

Augustus, who was elected to the Worcester School Committee in 1989 and served two terms, holds a B.A. degree in government and history from Suffolk University and a master’s degree in government from Johns Hopkins University.