Special to the Times-Free Press
Rep. Adrian Madaro announced the departure of his longtime Chief of Staff, Gloribel Rivas-Soldz, who will be leaving the Massachusetts House of Representatives at the end of August to pursue a law degree and a career in public interest law. Rep. Madaro proudly named Roberto Gomez, an experienced neighborhood liaison and community advocate, as the office’s next Chief of Staff.
Rivas-Soldz has served as Chief of Staff since 2021, leading a team dedicated to constituent services, legislative advocacy, and office operations for the First Suffolk District, which comprises East Boston. Previously, she served as a Researcher and Legislative Aide in Representative Madaro’s office. She began working for him in 2019.
During her tenure, Rivas-Soldz helped Rep. Madaro secure several major policy wins, including:
• An executive order expanding language access across state agencies
• A reduced-fare MBTA program for low-income riders
• Access to driver’s licenses and in-state tuition for all qualified residents, regardless of immigration status
As staff director of the Joint Committee on Revenue and, previously, Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, she oversaw the review of hundreds of bills and played a central role in helping Rep. Madaro facilitate critical policy debates. She also provided Rep. Madaro strategic support for two major legislative reforms: a 2022 mental health omnibus bill and a 2024 substance use treatment and coverage law.
As an immigrant from El Salvador and a nearly life-long East Boston resident, Rivas-Soldz will begin law school this fall, with the goal of advancing justice and equity through the legal system.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have worked for Rep. Madaro alongside a team of passionate public servants at the State House,” said Rivas-Soldz. “Rep. Madaro is a dogged advocate for East Boston. Over the last six years, he has taught me the value and the art of deep, meaningful collaboration to solve our greatest challenges. He leads with his heart and an earnest commitment to seeing every person for who they are. I am excited to use all that I have learned from him in my future endeavors.”
Rep. Madaro also announced that Roberto Gomez will succeed Rivas-Soldz as Chief of Staff. Gomez most recently served as East Boston’s Neighborhood Liaison in Mayor Michelle Wu’s Office of Neighborhood Services, where he was known for his deep care and commitment to uplifting East Boston residents and his natural ability to connect with others.
Before joining City Hall, Gomez worked at Eastie Farm and collaborated with nonprofits and city agencies to combat food insecurity and promote environmental justice. His leadership during the pandemic earned him the Zumix Luminary Award in 2021.
Gomez brings with him a rich personal and professional background. Gomez was raised near the U.S.-Mexico border in Laredo, Texas and is the son of Mexican immigrants. He grew up navigating life between cultures. His work in environmental stewardship has helped him reconnect with his heritage in meaningful ways, particularly through gardening and community work that reflects his family upbringing.
“I am very grateful for Gloribel’s dedication to my office and East Boston as my Chief of Staff. While I will miss her contributions to the day-to-day work of the State House, I am excited for her to take the next step toward becoming a public interest attorney,” said Rep. Madaro. “I am also incredibly excited to welcome Roberto Gomez to the role. Roberto’s deep commitment to serving our community and uplifting others makes him the perfect person to help lead our team into this next chapter.”