Democratic Whip Katherine Clark Swears in First Woman Elected Mayor of Melrose Jennifer Grigoraitis

The first woman to be elected Mayor of Melrose, Massachusetts, Jennifer Grigoraitis was sworn into office by Democratic Whip U.S. Congresswoman Katherine Clark (D, MA-5) during the City’s 2024 Inaugural Ceremony on Monday, January 8. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll swore in newly elected members of the Melrose City Council and the Melrose School Committee. View inaugural images here.

Melrose Commission on Women Chair Karen Grant Blackburn served as the Master of the Ceremonies, which began with a performance by the Melrose High School Marching Band and welcoming remarks from Congresswoman Clark and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.  City Council President Leila Migliorelli and School Committee Chair Margaret Raymond Driscoll delivered speeches, and Mayor Grigoraitis delivered her inaugural address.

“The inauguration of Mayor Grigoraitis marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the City of Melrose,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark. “It was an honor to take part in this moving celebration, and I am eager to partner with this new Administration to build on all that Mayor Brodeur achieved and deliver the brighter, stronger future that our community deserves.”

“What a personal, professional, and civic honor it is to be sworn in as the next Mayor of Melrose,” said Mayor Grigoraitis. "Civic engagement is one of the most hopeful endeavors you can pursue, and to be successful, local government requires individuals, of all ideologies and walks of life, who look around their community and think: together, we can do better.”

Led by Melrose Police Chief Kevin Faller and Fire Chief Ed Collina, the following individuals walked in the ceremonial processional: Democratic Whip Katherine Clark; Lt. Gov. Driscoll; Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis; the Melrose City Council; the Melrose School Committee; State Auditor Diana Dizoglio; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; State Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian; State Senator Jason Lewis; outgoing Mayor Paul Brodeur; former Mayor Gail Infurna; and City of Melrose Department Heads.

Other traditional inaugural events observed included the posting of the colors by the Melrose Police Honor Guard; the pledge of allegiance led by the Melrose Unified Basketball Team; and the singing of the “National Anthem,” performed by Melrose High School student Clio Mook.

Performances that tied the ceremony together included a reading of the poem “A New Day’s Lyric,” by Melrose Public School students Piper Casey, Morgan Pagnini, Maura Eckler, Molly Rosen, Abby Harney, and Sukey Hampson, as well as a performance of “This is My Song,” by Melrose acapella group, Blue of a Kind. Event attendees were greeted by members of the Melrose Girls Scouts, Helen-Lily Ballew and Yvonne Burke, and Melrose Cub Scouts, Barnaby Horne, and Nassim Ferahi.

The ceremony, which took place at the City’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building, is available for streaming on MMTV’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@MelroseMATV/videos

About Mayor Jennifer Grigoraitis

Jen Grigoraitis is the first woman to be elected mayor of Melrose, Massachusetts. She was sworn in on January 8, 2024. With deep professional experience in state and local government, Jen brings executive leadership expertise in large-scale budgeting, cross-organizational collaboration, and human resources management. As Mayor, Jen is ready to shape and set the agenda for the City of Melrose, working with the City staff, local officials, and state and federal partners to build on these priorities and ensure strong, long-term fiscal stability and sustainable city and school services for Melrose. To learn more about Mayor Grigoraitis, visit https://www.cityofmelrose.org/mayor