Framingham Names Edwards To City's Top Diversity, Equity Role

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The City Council unanimously approved the appointment of Jesse Edwards to the position of Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at a meeting on Tuesday.

Edwards presently serves as the Associate Director of Equal Opportunity, and the Title IX Coordinator, at Framingham State University, a role he's held since April 2021.

Prior to his role at FSU, Edwards served in the Diversity and Inclusion Office at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he worked for over seven years.

Before his tenure in higher education, Edwards held jobs with the City of Worcester and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, the latter serving as career experience that was particularly impressive to the council.

"The resume speaks for itself," said Council Chair Philip Ottaviani, Jr.

"His whole resume speaks to what I think this job is all about, to be honest with you," he added.

Edwards shared that the decision to move to Framingham came after his wife got pregnant, and they decided they needed to move out of their small apartment. Now with multiple children together, the couple still find Framingham as desirable a place to live as any.

"Framingham fit all the boxes in terms of people, community, people coming together and helping each other," Edwards said.

The council voted unanimously to appoint Edwards at a mark of 11-0.

To watch the full meeting, click here.