Following a management shakeup last year, the Baker administration has named a new superintendent at the only long-term care facility for veterans in western Massachusetts.
A 24-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps has been picked to run the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home. Lt. Col. Bennett Walsh, a Springfield native, will take the helm on May 31st, according to an announcement by the state’s office of Health and Human Services.
State Senator Don Humason ( R-Westfield) praised the appointment.
" I obviously respect very much his service to our country and the Marine Corps and his leadership abilities. I think he will do a very good job at the home," said Humason.
Management at the home has been in flux since three key people departed at the end of last year. Paul Barabani retired as Superintendent after five years because he said the facility was not getting enough funding from the state.
Walsh is the son of Springfield City Councilor Kateri Walsh and Dan Walsh, the retired veterans’ services director for the city of Springfield.
