With a vision for revitalization, Swampscott appointed its first Community and Economic Development Director.
Marzie Galazka, 50, was unanimously voted into the position at the Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday night. Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald said the new addition to Town Hall is an effort to solidify the realignment of several key departments to execute their vision of more developments.
“Marzie brings with her great experience in community development and planning, which, together with her knowledge of Swampscott, will provide some great opportunities for advancement of many key goals and priorities,” said Fitzgerald. “We continuously look for ways to improve the quality of life for our residents, while also expanding economic development in order to create more opportunities to further relieve the tax burden on them.”
Galazka, a Swampscott resident for 16 years, most recently served as the town’s chair of the Finance Committee and as deputy director for Planning and Development in Everett. Her new role will help further development ideas in areas surrounding Humphrey Street, the MBTA train station, and Vinnin Square, according to Fitzgerald.
“There are so many initiatives ongoing in Swampscott and the town, administration, and residents have done an outstanding job in putting together all the planning that has gone into the developments,” said Galazka. “I do hope I can start to implement the vision that has already been allocated for the town. My priorities and goals will be working on those.”
Galazka has a degree from Salem State University and a master’s degree in public administration.
Fitzgerald said he is confident Galazka will hit the ground running and contribute to the teamwork that is building a brighter future for Swampscott. Galazka’s hundreds of hours of volunteer efforts for the town’s Finance Committee demonstrate her commitment to the town, said Peter Spellios, chair of the Board of Selectmen.
Spellios said Fitzgerald continues to build a “first-class team” in Town Hall.
Fitzgerald recommended Galazka for the position, and suggested the name of the Swampscott Office of Community Development be changed to the Swampscott Office of Community and Economic Development. The change is meant to place emphasis on revitalizing key commercial property areas in town, he said.
Galazka is set to start the job at the end of February.
“Swampscott is in action mode. We are no longer waiting for a revitalization of Humphrey Street, we are going to actively seek it, partner with property owners, and help make it happen,” said Spellios. “Community development and economic development are interdependent and reinforce each other.”
