BOSTON – PRESS RELEASE – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she is nominating Rafael Ortiz to serve on the Massachusetts Parole Board. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Ortiz will fill the final vacancy on the Parole Board.
“Over the course of his career, Rafael Ortiz has proven to be a dedicated probation officer with a deep understanding of our criminal justice system,” said Governor Healey. “He brings an empathetic, compassionate and fair perspective to his work, and we’re thrilled to nominate him to the Parole Board. We’re thankful to members of the Governor’s Council for their consideration and look forward to their decision.”
“We’re excited to nominate Rafael Ortiz to Parole Board,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “His service as a probation officer and his experiences in his community make him a qualified and eager candidate. We look forward to working with the Governor’s Council as they consider this nomination.”
The Massachusetts Parole Board’s mission is to promote public safety through supervised, conditional release of incarcerated people to the community and to provide the support needed for a successful transition back into the community. Parole Board members conduct face-to-face parole release hearings, provide notice and assistance to victims, supervise parolees in the community, and provide reentry services to those leaving custody with no mandated post-release supervision.
“I am honored by Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll’s nomination,” said Rafael Ortiz. “I have spent my career working with my community and am proud of the work I have done supporting the needs of youths and emerging adults. I look forward to continuing my life’s work advocating for a fair and just system.”
Ortiz has served as a probation officer in central Massachusetts for more than three decades with a focus on juveniles and emerging adults. He has dedicated his career to working in a culturally diverse environment to facilitate re-entry while maintaining community safety. He has been instrumental in several partnerships between the courts, probation, and Worcester Public Schools designed to deter and divert court involvement for youth. Born in Puerto Rico, Ortiz moved to the United States at age 11. He received a Bachelor’s in Legal Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and has completed additional coursework in Criminal Justice at Anna Maria College. He currently resides in Worcester.
