Longtime City of Malden employee Deborah Burke, Executive Director of OSPCD, retires

Special to The Advocate

Mayor Gary Christenson congratulated Deborah Burke, Executive Director of the Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development (OSPCD), on her retirement. Previous to the establishment of the OSPCD, Debbie served for many years as the Executive Director of the Malden Redevelopment Authority and was instrumental in the merger of the former MRA from a separate entity to a department under the City of Malden. Debbie also has the unique distinction of working under five Malden Mayors! For nearly four decades, Debbie devoted tremendous energy to innumerable successful projects, including the construction of the new City Hall and Police Station, revitalizing the downtown area and renovating and establishing several monuments as well as overhauling just about every park in Malden.

“Debbie has truly left her mark on the City of Malden,” said Mayor Christenson. “We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Alex Pratt, former OSPCD Deputy Director of Housing and Community Development, has been named the new Executive Director.