Framingham Health Director Exits, Second In Role Since 2020

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Health Director Alexandra DePalo will leave the job in October, which will be the city's second health director resignation since 2021.

DePalo took over as acting director in early 2021 after Sam Wong left the role under questionable circumstances. Former mayor Yvonne Spicer nominated DePalo to be the health director in August 2021 after the city council voted down a candidate from North Carolina picked by Spicer.

According to a spokesperson for Mayor Charlie Sisitsky, DePalo will leave Framingham on Oct. 14 to take a job at a nonprofit. DePalo came to Framingham in 2018 from Hudson along with Wong to serve as the assistant health director. DePalo had initially said she wasn't interested in taking over for Wong when he officially left the job in February 2021.

"It has been an honor to work with each member of the Health Department staff, as well as our many colleagues across the City and in the Framingham Public Schools," she said in a news release about her resignation.

Sisitsky hailed DePalo's work as health director, which included the COVID-19 vaccine rollout last year, and opening a nursing clinic downtown.

"Director DePalo’s departure is certainly a loss for the city, considering her talent and impressive
tenure," Sisitsky said. "She leaves the Department with a strong foundation that I am committed to building on as we transition over the next several weeks."