Mayor appoints Michele Cabral to dual positions
Date: 8/22/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comSPRINGFIELD — On Aug. 14, Mayor Gregory C. Neffinger announced Michele Cabral is the new Economic Development Administrator and Director of Emergency Management Coordinator.
"I'm thrilled to be here," Cabral said. Her first order of business — "to get up to speed," so she can define her action plan.
"Michele is going to be a great addition for the town," Neffinger said. "She really has the skills necessary to move the town forward economically and the town departments forward with her management techniques. We [the town] are very fortunate."
When asked how he knew Cabral was the right candidate, Neffinger cited her previous work.
"Michele had helped out when the Department of Public Works (DPW) director left," he said. "She brought in efficiencies and management skills [which kept the DPW organized in the interim]. From that interaction, I could see clearly that she had the ability to drill down into issues and find out what needs to be addressed."
Electronic permitting is one improvement the town seeks to implement because it will enable residents to apply online and direct sharing of the information with the Assessor's Office.
"You have to keep on moving in order to have progress," Cabral said. "I love the mayor's vision of what he wants the town to evolve into."
Neffinger welcomed Cabral's upbeat perspective, "It's great to have people come in with enthusiasm," he stated. "Michele has the excitement to keep the town moving forward. We [the town departments] need to be able to move beyond conversation and into action."
Cabral explained her approach: "My personal philosophy [is] tell me how [we can collaborate] to get to yes [to move from conception into development]," she said. "I'm a resident; I want to be in a community that's thriving and has an attitude of service."
Cabral is a West Springfield resident and graduate of Westfield State College. She has extensive experience in finance, product development and operations. Cabral has been active in her community with the West Springfield Rotary, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce and the Care For Our Troops charity.
