Wu hires former Healey aide as policy point person

Ahead of her noontime swearing-in, Boston Mayor-elect Michelle Wu on Tuesday announced a series of hires for her City Hall team, bringing on board a former chief of staff to Attorney General Maura Healey as well as drawing from her campaign and City Council staffs.

Former Healey aide Mike Firestone will join the Wu administration as chief of policy and strategic planning. Firestone has been working as director of the Coalition to Protect Workers' Rights, the campaign opposing a proposed 2022 ballot question that would overhaul worker status and benefits for app-based drivers.

Wu's mayoral campaign manager, Mary Lou Akai-Ferguson, will serve as her interim chief of staff. Wu also tapped a series of senior advisors, most of whom come from her council office — Brianna Millor, currently her civic engagement director; Tali Robbins, currently her policy director; and the current chief of staff for her council office, Dave Vittorini. Mariangely Solis Cervera, who was constituency director on the campaign, will also be a senior advisor to the mayor.

Wu's transition director, Mariel Novas, will continue to lead transition efforts "through the early days of the Administration," according to a release.

"I'm thrilled to have this dynamic team in place on day one," Wu said. "Each brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion for service to City Hall, and they will be instrumental in helping our Administration hit the ground running, continue to build and listen to community, and deliver for the people of Boston."

Wu, the first woman and first person of color elected mayor of Boston, is set to take her oath of office in a 12 p.m. ceremony in the City Council Chamber. Gov. Charlie Baker is among those planning to attend the ceremony, which will be livestreamed on the city's website, and at wbur.org.