Gov. Deval Patrick’s former chief of staff is returning to his old job at UMass Boston, university officials said Tuesday. Arthur Bernard, who also served as chief of staff to former Senate President Robert Travaglini, is rejoining UMass Boston as vice chancellor for government relations and public affairs, starting on Feb. 7.
Bernard took the same job in 2007 before leaving to become a top aide to the governor in June 2008. He was eventually promoted to chief of staff, when top adviser Doug Rubin left to handle Patrick’s re-election campaign.
“Mr. Bernard’s return will further enhance the division’s support for the university, particularly as we move toward implementing a new strategic plan, begin construction of new buildings, and plan for the future development of the former Bayside Expo Center property,” Chancellor Keith Motley said in a Tuesday afternoon email to the university community.
The job carries a $175,000-a-year salary.
Bernard served as Travaglini’s chief of staff for four years. Between 1993 and 1996, he also worked at the now-defunct Mass. Turnpike Authority.
Associate Vice Chancellor John Ciccarelli filled in at UMass Boston while Bernard was working for Patrick.
