Ava Callender Concepcion has been appointed to the Cannabis Control Commission, filling the public safety seat vacated by Britte McBride, officials said Tuesday.
Concepcion, of Dorchester, was appointed by the office of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.
Most recently, Concepcion served as the director of governmental affairs and external partnerships for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, where she advised on legislation and policy, Healey’s office said in a statement.
“Ava brings a strong background in public safety and experience working with a range of stakeholders including law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and constituents on important policy matters,” Healey said. “As a lifelong resident of Boston, Ava has dedicated her career to social justice and her perspective will be extremely valuable to the Commission in promoting safety, equity, and opportunity.”
Concepcion has filled a variety of roles in public safety, officials said. As counsel to state Sen. William Brownsberger, Concepcion served as staff to the Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Conference Committee on the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2018, a wide-ranging bill.
“I am honored and humbled by this appointment and want to thank Attorney General Healey for the opportunity to continue serving the Commonwealth,” Concepcion said. “I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners to implement regulations that foster thoughtfulness, transparency, and equity.”
Concepcion started her career as a Victim Witness Advocate in Boston Municipal Court and has also had roles with the city of Boston’s Department of Neighborhoo
