Felix G. Arroyo

Felix G. Arroyo (born May 25, 1979) is an American political figure from Boston. Arroyo was elected to an at-large seat on the Boston City Council in November 2009, serving for one term before unsuccessfully running for Mayor of Boston in 2013. He subsequently served as the city's Chief of Health and Human Services from 2014 until his dismissal in 2017 following an investigation into sexual harassment allegations.

Not to be confused with his father, Felix D. Arroyo.
Felix G. Arroyo
Chief of Health and Human Services, Boston
In office
January 2014 – August 2017
Preceded byDaphne Griffin
Succeeded byMarty Martinez
Member of the Boston City Council
at-large
In office
January 2010 – January 2014
Personal details
Born (1979-05-25) May 25, 1979
Boston
Political partyDemocratic
ResidenceJamaica Plain, Massachusetts
Alma materUniversity of Massachusetts Boston
Southern New Hampshire University
WebsiteCampaign website

Early life

Arroyo is the son of former Boston City Councilor Felix D. Arroyo. He attended Boston public schools and is a graduate of University of Massachusetts Boston.[1] He also earned a master's degree from Southern New Hampshire University.[2] Prior to being elected to the Boston City Council, Arroyo served as a field director at Northeast Action and Political Director for the Service Employees International Union Local 615.

Political career

Boston City Council

Arroyo was an at-large member of the Boston City Council from January 2010 to January 2014. During his term, he developed legislation called "Invest in Boston" to invest Boston's money in banks that invest in Boston to help promote economic development.[3] He led the effort on the council to save thousands of youth summer jobs and prevent the closures of libraries.[4][5] He did not seek re-election to the council, due to seeking election as mayor.

Mayoral run

In April 2013, Arroyo announced his candidacy for the Boston mayoral election.[6] He officially kicked off his campaign on June 15, at Villa Victoria.[7] Arroyo lost in the September preliminary election, having received 9,888 votes and finishing fifth in a field of 12, where the top two vote-getters advance to the November general election.

Chief of Health and Human Services

In January 2014, Mayor Marty Walsh named Arroyo as the Chief of Health and Human Services for Boston. Arroyo was the first Cabinet-level position announced by the newly elected mayor.[8] Walsh cited Arroyo's ability to bring people together and work collaboratively, as well as his understanding of the importance of addressing the needs of Boston's most vulnerable population.[8]

Sexual harassment investigation and dismissal

On July 28, 2017, Arroyo was placed on paid administrative leave from his position at the Boston Department of Health. Although this was confirmed by Mayor Walsh, no further details were made available.[9] On August 24, 2017, a spokesperson for Mayor Walsh announced that Arroyo had been fired after a "comprehensive investigation" into sexual harassment allegations.[10] Arroyo's accuser initially filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD); that complaint was withdrawn in November 2017, in lieu of a civil suit against Arroyo and the City of Boston filed in March 2018.[11] As of February 2020, the case was still active and had not yet gone to trial.[12] In August 2020, Arroyo filed suit against the City of Boston and Mayor Walsh alleging breach of contract, negligence, and defamation.[13]

Personal life

Arroyo is a lifelong Bostonian, born in the South End, raised in Hyde Park, and a graduate of the Boston Public Schools. He lives in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston. In addition to his father having previously served on the Boston City Council, his brother Ricardo Arroyo took office in January 2020 representing District 5.[14][15] As of November 2020, Arroyo's LinkedIn profile lists his occupation as Chief Operating Officer at El Mundo Boston, a Latino media outlet.[16]

References
  1. "Felix Arroyo's Journey Through Public Education to Housing the Homeless". The Mass Media. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  2. Ryan, Andrew (22 June 2010). "A new Arroyo blazes own path on council" – via The Boston Globe.
  3. For Boston City Council - The Editorial Page
  4. "City Councilor Felix Arroyo Holds Hearing on Youth Summer Jobs". Jamaica Plain, MA Patch. 12 April 2011.
  5. "Libraries spared from closure – Jamaica Plain Gazette". jamaicaplaingazette.com.
  6. "Boston City Councilor Felix Arroyo announces run for mayor - Politics - WCVB Home".
  7. "Felix Arroyo officially announces run for mayor". 15 June 2013.
  8. "Walsh names Felix Arroyo head of health and human services, fills school committee vacancies". BostonGlobe.com. Retrieved 2015-11-07.
  9. Irons, Meghan E. (31 July 2017). "Boston's human services chief Felix G. Arroyo placed on paid leave". The Boston Globe.
  10. EndPlay (24 August 2017). "Boston city official fired after investigation into sexual harassment allegations". WFXT.
  11. Irons, Meghan E. (15 March 2018). "Lawsuit adds details to sexual harassment claims against Felix G. Arroyo". The Boston Globe.
  12. Stout, Matt (February 25, 2020). "Walsh may be called to testify in Arroyo lawsuit". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  13. McDonald, Danny (August 24, 2020). "Ex-City Hall health chief Felix G. Arroyo sues Marty Walsh". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  14. Valencia, Milton J. (October 30, 2019). "In District 5, the race for City Council is a microcosm of the divide over establishment politics". The Boston Globe. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  15. "Ricardo Arroyo: City Councilor, District 5". boston.gov. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
  16. "Felix G. Arroyo". LinkedIn. Retrieved November 11, 2020.

Further reading
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