LYNN — Mayor-elect Jared Nicholson announced three new staff members for his administration on Thursday.
Danya Smith, Wendy Pena and Sarita Ago will join Nicholson’s staff following his inauguration on Jan. 3.
Danya Smith will join the Nicholson administration as the policy director, and will assist with the development and implementation of Nicholson’s policy agenda and goals for the city.
“I look forward to joining Mayor-elect Nicholson’s team, to focus on an inclusive recovery from the pandemic, as well as help position the city for long-term economic growth for all residents,” said Smith. “I was inspired by the mayor-elect’s vision and focus on equity throughout the campaign, and I’m excited to bring my prior experience and work with a broad set of stakeholders to contribute to this vision.”
Smith is a Lynn resident and graduated from Colby College in 2020. He recently worked as a research analyst with Mt. Auburn Associates in Somerville, where he focused on community economic development, affordable-housing development and workforce and small-business development in communities across the country.
Pena will join Nicholson’s team as the administrative director. She will oversee operations of the mayor’s office, including coordinating Nicholson’s schedule and organizing community events.
Before joining the administration, Pena worked in event management for the Ernst and Young accounting firm for more than 15 years, and recently worked for Nicholson’s campaign as an event manager.
“While working closely with Jared during the campaign trail, and listening to the residents of Lynn, I was able to experience the positivity and energy that he will bring to the City of Lynn,” said Pena. “He encourages people to be their authentic selves while contributing to the greater good. What I’m looking forward to the most is his innovative approach to implementing new ideas and to initiate positive change.”
Ago, who currently serves on Mayor Thomas M. McGee’s staff, will be the constituent-services coordinator for Nicholson’s administration. Ago will assist residents with resolving municipal issues and connect them to available resources. She will also attend community events on behalf of the mayor’s office.
Ago graduated from Lynn Classical High School in 2009 and attended North Shore Community College, where she studied business administration and management. She began working in Lynn City Hall in 2019 as a communications associate before joining McGee’s office in 2021. Ago expressed gratitude towards Nicholson and said she is excited to continue working as constituent-services coordinator.
“Mayor-elect Nicholson has created an amazing team, and I am confident that together we will carry out his vision to create a more inclusive Lynn,” Ago said.
Nicholson himself said he is impressed with the skills these three members will bring to his administration, and that he is prepared to begin his term with a strong team.
“We are so excited to be able to take office in January with a well-rounded, motivated team,” said Nicholson. “These three hires each bring a unique skill set and a passion for serving the city.”
