Politics

RMV chief named to post in Patrick cabinet

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick on Friday named Rachel Kaprielian, the state's registrar of motor vehicles for the past five years, to serve in his cabinet as secretary of labor and workforce development.

Kaprielian replaces Joanne Goldstein, who said she was accepting an offer to become an associate vice president at Northeastern University. Goldstein, who had served as secretary since 2010, called the job the highlight of her career to date.

Patrick lauded Kaprielian for improving customer service within the Registry of Motor Vehicles, citing the opening of new RMV branches and the expansion of online services.

As secretary of labor and workforce development, the governor said she will help to lead a "busy agenda" in the final year of his administration. Patrick is not seeking re-election.

"I'm looking forward to engaging people who are out of work and looking for work and want new opportunities, and how we can bring the state forward," Kaprielian said.

The secretary oversees several departments including unemployment assistance, career services, labor standards, industrial accidents and labor relations.

Kaprielian served 14 years in the state House of Representatives before being appointed by Patrick to head the RMV in 2008.

Celia Blue was named Kaprielian's successor at the registry. Blue served as MassDOT Assistant Secretary in the Office of Performance Management and Innovation prior to her appointment.