City of Boston
William Morales
Will Morales, who is well known in JP for his work with young people in Egleston Square, has been given a big promotion by Mayor Marty Walsh. Morales will become the commissioner of the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, a sprawling network of community centers serving the whole city.
Most recently, Morales has served as executive director of the Egleston Square Youth Center, among other responsibilities.
"William has worked tirelessly for over 20 years to make sure Boston's children and teenagers are getting the care, attention and services they need every day," Walsh said in a press release. "His commitment to his community is astounding, and his strong leadership and compassion for all residents, from our youth to our elders, will continue to benefit the people of the city of Boston."
Things might have gone very differently for Morales, who admits that as a young man he was tempted to try avenge the death of his brother. Hector Morales had fired a shotgun filled with birdshot at cops near the corner of School and Washington. Officers returned fire, mortally wounding his brother.
Morales credits Egleston's Father Jack Roussin for convincing him to contain his anger at that time, setting him on a positive path.
"As a native of Boston who personally saw and felt remarkable change in my community thanks to youth-driven programs and institutions, I am honored to have been named as Commissioner of BCYF," Morales said, according to a city press release. "The youth and families of Boston are incredibly important, and I will do my best to serve their needs and interests in any way I can."
Morales' new role gives him responsibilities far beyond those he has undertaken in the Egleston area. BCYF has programs and facilities in every corner of Boston, including two community centers in JP.
Morales' resume includes responding to youth trauma, such as shootings. At Wheelock College, he was senior director of the school's Office of Community Partnerships and Programs, according to LinkedIn and a bio circulated by the Mayor's Office. He has held several roles at the YMCA of Greater Boston. Morales has a bachelor's of science in criminal justice from Springfield College and an MBA in management from Cambridge College.
His first day as commissioner of BCYF is scheduled for Monday, March 7.