Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has appointed Carleton Jones as executive director of the city’s Public Facilities Department, with Rohn MacNulty chosen as deputy director, according to a June 3 announcement from the mayor’s office.
The PFD has 92 employees and supports city agencies with planning, design, construction and major renovations of municipal buildings.
The department manages over 100 projects that account for 43%, of those included in the mayor’s fiscal 2025-2029 capital plan, according to the mayor’s office. The $4.7 billion capital plan invests in resources and infrastructure for public health and safety, climate and greenspace initiatives and city services. The capital plan includes 427 projects set to begin or end over the next five years, spanning renovations of recreation centers and construction and upgrades at schools and libraries. It also includes structural and HVAC repairs at buildings across the city, according to Boston’s capital projects tracker.
Jones takes charge of the PFD with more than 30 years of public service. He previously served as assistant director and most recently as deputy director of the department. Prior to his work at PFD, Jones led the Boston Public Schools capital, strategic planning and facility management teams, after serving as chief operating officer for the Providence Public Schools Department from 2009 to 2012.
MacNulty has been with PFD since 2019 and was most recently assistant director at the department. Prior to joining PFD, MacNulty was senior project manager at the Massachusetts Port Authority, where he managed the design and construction of the $90 million South Boston Waterfront Transportation Center project, according to his LinkedIn profile. While at Massport, MacNulty also worked on projects at Logan Airport, per the release from the mayor’s office.
Jones succeeds Kerrie Griffin, who served as executive director of the PFD from February 2021 through May 2024. During her term, Griffin helped the department execute on the mayor’s capital plan, opening and renovating buildings through projects at the Boston Arts Academy, BCYF Mattahunt Community Center and Engine 42 Fire Station, per the release from the mayor’s office.
MacNulty said in the release that he will support Jones in “overseeing and advancing construction projects vital to the city’s growth.”
Jones and MacNulty will work with Dion Irish, chief of operations for the city of Boston, and other various city departments on ongoing renovation and construction projects in city facilities. These include the new Carter School, Josiah Quincy Upper School, Boston Fire Engine 17 and White Stadium, per the release.
