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If you are ever on the fifth floor of Boston City Hall for more than five minutes, chances are that you will run into Elizabeth Sullivan, a spirited, energetic person who scoots through the doors holding a million different things while trying to move in countless directions at once.  Elizabeth Sullivan, BLS Class of 1996, is doing impressive things these days.  She works as a liaison to the Mayor in the Mayor’s Office of Public Information.

Ms. Sullivan is totally enthralled with her job, and with Boston.  She feels very privileged to have taken part in such engaging activities as the Ward Fellowship and the Boston Mayor’s Youth Council. “It was an opportunity that gave me a unique perspective and insight into the world of public service that few teenagers can claim to have experienced.  When I had the opportunity to meet with such prestigious public officials as President Clinton and Senator Kennedy I gained the confidence to know that public officials were interested in what young people have to say.”

“Public service is in my blood,” says Elizabeth, “My family instilled in me a sense of the importance of getting involved in my community.  That’s why I jumped at the chance to become a Ward Fellow.  I wanted to see government from the inside and see how it worked.”

Working in the Treasurer’s Office, Elizabeth felt a call to public service. “After completing my first summer as an intern, I was offered the opportunity to work in the Treasurer’s Office for the remaining summers during my college years.  As I continued there I was given an increasing amount of responsibility, which led me to take courses in college that would build my communications skills.”

After she graduated from Boston University a semester early, Elizabeth, with an eye toward getting back to the experience she had really loved during her Ward Fellowship, pursued her current position as a liaison to Mayor Menino in the Press Office

As a liaison to the Mayor, Elizabeth lists her duties one by one on her fingers.  “My main focus is to keep the people well-informed about the Mayor’s policies. I have to make sure that the press get the facts and that the public finds out how to access resources.  The information that I transmit should be constructive and provide a valuable service to the citizens of Boston.”

Liz fields calls from local and regional media about different programs and policies that City Hall is promoting. From development issues to the “Kick Off for Kindergarten” campaign, Ms. Sullivan is responsible for making sure that people are clear and focused in their coverage, and that attention is paid to the people of our neighborhoods who are the real driving force behind success in programmatic implementation. “Government is a great thing.  Laws don’t get written and streets don’t get paved without the cooperation of people who work toward a common goal.”

What advice would Elizabeth give to Ward Fellows who are thinking about their own future?  “I guess I would tell those Ward Fellows to remember that it comes down to taking advantage of all the opportunities you have to get involved in your community.  Whether it is by working in government, volunteering for charitable or non-profit organizations, or participating in your local civil association, we each have a responsibility to give back.”