AMHERST — Bringing more than 20 years of experience in education, community engagement and human services leadership, Daniel Garcia is being appointed as the next director of Senior Services.
Garcia, the program manager for the Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service department, was named to the vacant position by Town Manager Paul Bockelman on Thursday. Garcia’s appointment is subject to confirmation by the Town Council on Monday.
“I am passionate about helping people thrive, building stronger communities and creating
engagement opportunities for seniors,” Garcia said. “My focus as director will be to
work with our talented staff, the Council on Aging, and Friends group to make Amherst a great place to be an older adult while addressing the shared needs of our senior community.”
Garcia, whose first day in the role would be July 20, would succeed Lisa Borchetta, who was hired last September, but resigned in March, citing health complications. Health Director Kiko Malin has been temporariily overseeing the Senior Center operations.
Born and raised in Southern California, Garcia spent 33 years in Houston, Texas, before
relocating with his wife, Angela Cardenas, and their two children, to western Massachusetts last August. In his current role in a grant-funded position, Garcia has managed a major grant and developed community outreach initiatives, strategic partnerships and supported residents through trauma-informed and equity-centered services.
Prior to joining the town, Garcia served in higher education leadership, directing federally funded student success programs and helping first-generation college students, of which he is one, navigate pathways to academic achievement.
“Daniel has a strong work history in higher education and social services that is directly
transferable to the work he will be doing with the town’s seniors,” Bockelman said. “In his time working for the town, I have observed Daniel quickly distinguish himself as a leader, bridge-builder, and dynamic member of a diverse team.”
As director of Senior Services, Garcia will oversee programs and services to support the town’s older adults, ensuring the Senior Center, housed in the Bangs Community Center, remains a welcoming and inclusive community hub. His priorities include expanding programming for active and younger seniors; strengthening partnerships with organizations such as the Council on Aging, Friends of the Senior Center, and Amherst Neighbors; addressing food insecurity; improving transportation options; and reducing social isolation.
In his time with CRESS, he has helped strengthen partnerships with local organizations like the Amherst Survival Center, faith communities and regional service providers.
“Dan has been a compassionate, conscientious and adaptable member of the CRESS
Department, consistently centering people in his work,” said CRESS Director Camille
Theriaque.
Garcia holds a bachelor of business administration and a master of business administration from the University of St. Thomas and is currently pursuing a doctor of dducation degree.
The Director of Senior Services Search Committee screened 29 applications and
invited eight candidates to participate in interviews. The committee members were Jeanne Horrigan, chair of the Council on Aging, Barbara Slovin from the Friends of the Senior Center, Tony Butterfield, chair of the Personnel Board, Malin, Angela Mills, executive assistant to the Town Manager and Serena Harris, manager for Human Resources.
Director of Human Resources Melissa Loiodice-Walker and Sustainability Director Stephanie Ciccarello joined Bockelman for the final interviews.
