By Tiffany Williams –
BOSTON, MASS. — Governor maura healey is stocking up her political war room as election season looms, rolling out a slate of seasoned political operatives with deep Massachusetts and national campaign experience in a clear signal that this reelection fight is already in full gear.
The campaign announced a wave of new hires Thursday, framing the moves as the latest step in building what it calls an experienced leadership team heading into a critical stretch of the political calendar. The additions come as the healey-driscoll operation looks to lock down party support early and maintain momentum following a strong launch and a lucrative January on the fundraising trail.
Emma Chinman is joining the campaign as organizing director. A Massachusetts native, Chinman has spent the past six years immersed in the nuts and bolts of political work across the region, serving as an organizer, campaign manager, and coalitions manager for organizations and campaigns throughout Massachusetts and greater New England. Her hire signals a renewed emphasis on ground game and turnout, particularly as election season approaches and retail politics begin to matter more by the day.
Niko Emack has been named political director, bringing a résumé that spans civic engagement, political campaigns, and local government. Emack’s background also includes stints in academia and media, along with time as a youth sports coach — a mix the campaign is betting will translate into coalition-building and message discipline as it navigates a crowded and increasingly nationalized political environment.
Kerry Patrick lyons will take over as press secretary. Lyons most recently worked in communications roles on high-profile campaigns in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including for the Biden-Harris campaign. The hire underscores the campaign’s intent to sharpen its media operation and stay on offense as healey continues to attract attention beyond Massachusetts.
Alexis Algazy rounds out the new additions as press and digital associate, supporting communications and digital efforts across the campaign. Algazy previously served as communications director for a Boston city council campaign and worked as a press assistant in the office of attorney general Andrea Campbell, giving the team another operative with experience navigating both local politics and statewide messaging.
The new staffers will slot in alongside an already established inner circle that includes campaign manager Katie Prisco-Buxbaum, finance director Megan Gillis, digital director Emma Stein, and finance assistant Domenic De Santes. Together, the group represents a mix of institutional knowledge and campaign muscle aimed squarely at reelection.
“We are so thrilled to welcome this talented roster to our team,” said healey campaign manager, Katie Prisco-Buxbaum. “The momentum we’ve seen since our launch has been incredible, and we are looking forward to continuing that enthusiasm over the coming months as we reelect Maura and Kim this November.”
The staffing push follows what the campaign described as a strong opening act, highlighted by a January fundraising haul that topped $500,000 combined for the Healey-Driscoll committees. The campaign is pitching the numbers as proof that donors are energized and ready to bankroll another statewide run, even as national political headwinds continue to buffet Democratic candidates.
Healey and lieutenant governor Kim Driscoll made history in 2022 as the first all-women executive team elected in the nation. Since taking office, they have leaned heavily on messaging centered on lowering costs and improving quality of life for Massachusetts families, while positioning themselves as a counterweight to former president donald trump and his influence on national politics.
The reelection effort is now making clear it intends to run a disciplined, well-funded, and highly professional campaign from the outset. With caucus season approaching and party activists watching closely, the healey team is signaling that it plans to leave nothing to chance — staffing up early, locking in talent, and preparing for a long, hard-fought political season ahead.