Gov. Patrick Taps DCR Chief As Energy Secretary

Gov. Deval Patrick has tapped former Westfield Mayor Rick Sullivan to be his new secretary of energy and environmental affairs.

He will replace Ian Bowles, who announced his resignation on Tuesday.

Sullivan has worked most recently as head of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. He is now charged with implementing Patrick's solar, wind, biofuels and energy efficiency initiatives.

The job also oversees land preservation efforts and implementation of environmental laws and regulations.

"The governor does have a great track record on clean energy and environmental protection," Sullivan said. "And I've certainly been part of that in the land conservation agenda that the governor's had in the last four years, so we will certainly be continuing those efforts as well."

The 49-year-old Sullivan served as mayor of Westfield from 1994 to 2007.

He is a past president of the Massachusetts Mayors Association, past chairman of the Turnpike Advisory Board and a past member of the Governor's Local Advisory Committee.

He is a graduate of Bates College and Western New England Law School.