HOLYOKE — Eric Nakajima, a resident of Amherst, has been appointed director of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, stepping into a role previously held by Aaron Vega, who has transitioned to become President and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council. Mayor Joshua Garcia praised Nakajima’s background in economic policy and innovation, emphasizing his qualifications as a strong match for the city’s ongoing development goals.
Nakajima, 59, brings over three decades of public sector experience, including leadership roles in the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and as former director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. Between 2020 and 2024, he served as director of government relations for the Massachusetts Teachers Association. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a master’s in city planning from the University of California, Berkeley. Additionally, he completed a professional fellowship at MIT in Cambridge.
In his new position, Nakajima will oversee business recruitment and retention, urban planning initiatives, and administrative support for various city boards, including the Planning Board, Redevelopment Authority, and Tourism Advisory Committee.
“Holyoke is experiencing meaningful momentum,” Nakajima remarked upon his appointment. “I look forward to collaborating with city teams to strengthen economic opportunity, community vitality, and long-term sustainability.”
Mayor Garcia expressed confidence that Nakajima will build on the progress achieved under Vega’s leadership, noting that the city’s trajectory benefits from experienced professionals committed to inclusive growth.
— news from Daily Hampshire Gazette
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Nakajima to lead Holyoke’s economic development efforts
HOLYOKE — The city has hired Eric Nakajima of Amherst to lead its Office and Planning and Economic Development.
The Amherst resident was named to the director position last week. He will succeed Aaron Vega, who has accepted a new role as the President and CEO of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council.
“Holyoke is a city on the rise,” said Nakajima following his appointment. “I am excited to join such an outstanding team to support the economic growth, vitality, and livability of the city.”
Mayor Joshua Garcia touted Nakajima’s record as an economic development consultant for the state, saying that his experience put him as a top choice to fill the position.
“We’re fortunate to have attracted a professional whose skills and knowledge are so relevant to Holyoke’s prosperity path,” Garcia said. “The growth that Aaron Vega and his team brought about will continue and expand under Eric’s leadership.”
Nakajima, 59 , has held policy and innovation positions with the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development and is the former director of the Massachusetts Broadband Institute. From 2020 to 2024, he was the director of government relations for the Massachusetts Teachers Association.
Nakajima earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master’s degree in city planning from the University of California at Berkeley.
He held a yearlong fellowship for working professionals at MIT in Cambridge.
The mission of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Economic Development is business recruitment and retention, short- and long-range planning, and providing staff support to the Planning Board, Redevelopment Authority, Economic Development Industrial Corporation, Licensing Board, and Tourism Advisory Committee, among other boards and commissions.