The Worcester Community Action Council has created a new executive position aimed at giving the anti-poverty organization a stronger voice in the policy decisions shaping Central Massachusetts.
WCAC has hired Giselle Rivera-Flores as its first chief external affairs officer, placing her in charge of the organization’s external communications, community engagement, legislative advocacy and regional partnerships.
The newly created position reflects an effort by the organization to extend its influence beyond the direct services it has provided for more than 50 years, using its experience with poverty and economic hardship to help shape broader conversations about economic mobility and public policy across the region.
Rivera-Flores reports directly to WCAC President and CEO Marybeth Campbell and oversee external communications, research and advocacy initiatives, community partnerships and efforts to bring the experiences of the people WCAC serves into policy discussions.
“We are excited to add Giselle to our team at WCAC,” Campbell said in the announcement. “Her wealth of experience and, most importantly, her connection to the Central Massachusetts community will add immense value, strength, and voice to our work.”
Rivera-Flores brings more than 15 years of communications experience to the position and has deep ties to Central Massachusetts. She most recently served as director of communications for state Sen. Robyn Kennedy and holds a master’s degree in organizational psychology.
In the announcement, Rivera-Flores said she was drawn to WCAC by both its longstanding community relationships and its plans for the future.
“WCAC has built a real connection in this community with trusted relationships, deep roots, and a track record that most organizations spend decades trying to earn,” Rivera-Flores said. “What drew me to this role is the organization’s bold vision for the future and its commitment to backing that vision with action.”
Her first task, she said, will be understanding the organization from within before expanding its presence in regional conversations.
“My first priority is to listen, learn, and understand what makes this organization work from the inside out, and then take that story to every table in the region where decisions about the region’s future are being made,” Rivera-Flores said.
WCAC serves residents throughout Worcester County through programs and advocacy intended to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunity. The organization said the addition of the chief external affairs officer position is part of a broader strategy to strengthen its role in regional policy discussions while deepening partnerships with community organizations and policymakers.
