Framingham Seeks New Citizen Participation Officer

News release from the City of Framingham.

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The City of Framingham will be advertising for a Citizen Participation Officer.

Heather Gutierrez gave her notice to Mayor Charlie Sisitsky on Friday, December 29, after the close of business.

“I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as Citizen Participation Officer, effective immediately. It has been an honor to serve under your leadership and I am grateful for the time I have spent on your team and the professorial (sic) relationships I have built here and throughout the community with our local partners,” wrote Guiterrez in her resignation letter submitted at 12:38 p.m. on December 29. (see attached.)

Hired in January 2023, Guiterrez is listed on the City of Marlborough’s website today, January 2, as the new administrative assistant to the Marlborough Mayor.

Guiterrez worked for the Massachusetts Department of Revenue before coming to Framingham. She had previously worked for the City Solicitor’s office in the City of Marlborough.

Mandated by the City Charter, the Citizen Participation Officer (CPO) is responsible for assisting and supporting residents to become active members of the community.

“Under the direction of the Mayor and the Chief Operating Officer, and working with City departments, boards, and commissions, the Citizen Participation Officer develops and implements outreach strategies to enhance public engagement, process citizen complaints and inquiries, and ensure compliance with public notice requirements. This position will also analyze data on citizen engagement, complaints and inquires, and shall regularly report on such data. The Citizen Participation Officer is often the initial contact and liaison for constituents,” according to the job description.

The CPO position is responsible for assisting in the nomination process for volunteers to City Boards, Committees, and Commissions. The CPO oversees onboarding and training for those Board and Committee members. The Citizen Participation Officer is responsible for creating and maintaining a handbook for volunteers, who serve on City Boards, Committees, and Commissions.

Another essential function is to “develop and execute outreach and education programs to ensure broad public participation in Framingham’s municipal government, ensuring a wide range of voices, experiences, and backgrounds are engaging with the City’s municipal leadership.”