Carlin takes over as state public safety commissioner

Printed from: https://newbostonpost.com/2015/08/14/carlin-takes-over-as-state-public-safety-commissioner/

Written by Colin A. Young

STATE HOUSE — Matt Carlin was sworn in as commissioner of the Department of Public Safety on Wednesday, after having begun his tenure as commissioner last month, a spokesman for the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security said.

“He is a great addition to the administration and will bring fresh eyes to the critical regulatory oversight responsibilities of the Department of Public Safety,” spokesman Felix Browne told the News Service in response to an inquiry about the private swearing-in.

Matt Carlin

Matt Carlin

The Department of Public Safety is a regulatory, licensing and inspection agency tasked with oversight of the state’s elevator inspections, amusement ride inspections, construction-related permitting, and the sanctioning of boxing and mixed martial arts events.

Carlin, who was appointed by Gov. Charlie Baker, is the chief executive officer of Resource Options Inc., a construction, environmental services and design staffing and emergency response company with locations in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey and North Carolina, according to a biography provided by EOPSS.

Carlin has previously served on the Board of Higher Education, the University of Massachusetts Board of Trustees, the State College Building Authority and the UMass Building Authority.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Carlin also has a background in hockey coaching and recruitment. From 1989 to 1991, he served as head coach of the Worcester Academy hockey team before accepting a position as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Dartmouth College and Cornell University.

Last year, in the weeks leading up to Election Day, Carlin donated $5,000 to the Republican State Committee, $500 to Gov. Charlie Baker’s campaign and $500 to Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito’s campaign, according to Office of Campaign and Political Finance reports. Carlin’s wife also donated $500 to both Baker’s and Polito’s campaigns.

Carlin replaces Thomas Gatzunis, who had served as commissioner since at least 2004.
Browne did not respond when asked what had happened to Gatzunis, who accompanied Gov. Baker earlier this year as administration officials toured communities that had been slammed by heavy snow.

Michael Norton contributed reporting

Copyright State House News Service