MA Housing Secretary Ed Augustus To Step Down, Become Bank CEO

Augustus served as Worcester City Manager before joining Healey administration.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Ed Augustus, the Massachusetts Housing and Livable Communities Secretary, is stepping down from his state role to become the new CEO of UniBank, the largest bank headquartered in Central Massachusetts. Augustus previously served as Worcester's city manager from 2014 to 2022 before being appointed as the state's first housing secretary in 30 years by Governor Maura Healey in 2023.

Why it matters

Augustus' departure marks a significant transition in Massachusetts housing policy, as he played a key role in passing the state's most comprehensive housing legislation and overseeing the development of 100,000 new housing units. His move to the private sector as a bank CEO also highlights the ongoing challenges of retaining top talent in state government.

The details

During his three-year tenure as Housing Secretary, Augustus helped pass the Affordable Homes Act, a $5.2 billion investment in housing production that included 50 policy initiatives to expand housing tools throughout Massachusetts. Prior to his state role, he served as Worcester's full-time city manager from 2014 to 2022. The Healey administration has now appointed Rep. Juana Matias (D) to take over as the new Housing and Livable Communities Secretary.

  • Augustus will step down from his state role next Friday, February 25, 2026.
  • Augustus served as Worcester City Manager from January 2014 to May 2022.
  • Augustus was appointed as Massachusetts Housing Secretary by Governor Healey in 2023.

The players

Ed Augustus

The outgoing Massachusetts Housing and Livable Communities Secretary, who is leaving his state role to become the new CEO of UniBank, the largest bank headquartered in Central Massachusetts.

Maura Healey

The Governor of Massachusetts, who appointed Augustus as the state's first housing secretary in 30 years in 2023.

Juana Matias

The Democratic state representative who has been tapped by the Healey administration to take over as the new Housing and Livable Communities Secretary.

Eric Batista

The current City Manager of Worcester, who was one of Augustus' key deputies during his time as Worcester's city manager.

UniBank

The largest bank headquartered in Central Massachusetts, based in Whitinsville, where Augustus will become the new CEO.

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What they’re saying

“I'm honored that Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll placed their faith in me to help lead this new secretariat. This team delivered with creativity, rigor and heart, and I leave confident that HLC under Secretary Matias' leadership will keep pushing forward to make housing more affordable and more available across Massachusetts.”

— Ed Augustus, Outgoing Massachusetts Housing and Livable Communities Secretary (Patch)

What’s next

The Healey administration has appointed Rep. Juana Matias (D) to take over as the new Housing and Livable Communities Secretary following Augustus' departure.

The takeaway

Augustus' move from state government to the private sector as a bank CEO highlights the ongoing challenges of retaining top talent in public service, even as he leaves behind a significant housing policy legacy in Massachusetts. His successor, Rep. Juana Matias, will now be tasked with continuing the state's efforts to address the affordable housing crisis.