WORCESTER—Massachusetts Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus is stepping down later this month to become the next chief executive officer of UniBank, state officials confirmed Thursday.
Augustus leaves his cabinet-level post on Friday, Feb. 27, and assumes leadership of the Whitinsville-based bank on March 2.
He succeeds Michael Welch, who announced in January that he would step down after seven years at the helm.
In a statement released by Gov. Maura Healey’s office, Augustus reflected on his time leading the state’s housing secretariat.
“I’m honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll placed their faith in me to help lead this new secretariat,” Augustus said. “Massachusetts’ housing crisis impacts every community, but we know what the solution is — build more housing and strengthen the systems that help people find stability at every stage.”
Healey credited Augustus with helping to launch the state’s first housing secretariat in three decades and advancing major housing policy initiatives during his tenure.
“Together, we’ve passed the state’s most comprehensive housing legislation ever and ushered in the development of 100,000 new housing units,” Healey said in the statement. “His dedication to Massachusetts has always been clear, and we’re thankful for all that he’s accomplished as Secretary.”
Augustus, a Worcester native, served as the city’s manager for more than eight years before stepping down in 2022. He was appointed in 2023 as the first secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, a role created as the state confronts a persistent housing shortage. During his tenure, the administration advanced a $5.2 billion Affordable Homes Act, filed the state’s first five-year housing plan and expanded tools aimed at accelerating housing production and preserving affordability.
UniBank, founded in 1870 and headquartered in the Blackstone Valley, describes itself as the largest bank based in Central Massachusetts. The institution has expanded its regional footprint in recent years, including opening a Worcester branch near Polar Park in 2024.
Timothy P. Wickstrom, chairman of UniBank’s Board of Directors, described Augustus as “a collaborative, results-driven leader with deep roots in Central Massachusetts and a strong record of public service.”
“His substantive interaction with the business community throughout the Commonwealth, as well as his experience with cities and towns, makes him exceptionally well-suited for this position,” Wickstrom said in a statement.
In a separate statement, Augustus said he looks forward to building on the bank’s long history.
“I am honored to join UniBank and build upon the 150-year legacy of this incredible institution,” he said. “I look forward to working with Chairman Wickstrom, the board of directors, and the very talented team that Michael Welch has so capably led over the last many years.”
Healey announced that Juana Matias, currently regional administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in New England and a former state representative, will succeed Augustus as housing secretary. Matias will assume the role April 1. Deputy Secretary Jennifer Maddox serves as interim secretary in the meantime.
“Under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is already seeing more housing development across the state,” Matias said in a statement. “We must continue increasing production while preserving affordability, working in partnership with local leaders, developers, advocates, and residents across the Commonwealth.”
Augustus’ move marks a return to Central Massachusetts leadership in a different sector, shifting from state housing policy to private banking as UniBank prepares for its next chapter.
Charlene Arsenault can be reached at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org
