Representative James Arciero Appoints Tonakarn-Nguyen as Staff Director for Office and Joint Committee on Transportation
Published by WestfordCAT
Press Release
April 30, 2025
BOSTON — State Representative James Arciero, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation, has announced the appointment of Anita Tonakarn-Nguyen as Staff Director for both his office and the committee.
In this expanded role, Tonakarn-Nguyen will oversee daily operations and staff management while serving as the primary liaison to government officials, constituents, agency leaders, and advocacy groups. She will also provide strategic counsel to Representative Arciero on legislative initiatives, budget priorities, communications, and district-related matters.
Previously, Tonakarn-Nguyen served as District Director and Researcher in Representative Arciero’s office, where she led constituent services and managed district affairs in the 2nd Middlesex District. She also researched housing issues while Arciero chaired the Joint Committee on Housing, supporting his efforts to pass the landmark Affordable Homes Act—the largest housing investment in Massachusetts history.
“Anita has been an invaluable member of my team since joining in 2022,” said Representative Arciero. “Her leadership has strengthened our outreach and services in the district and improved our internal operations. She played a key role in advancing the Affordable Homes Act, and I have every confidence she’ll thrive as Staff Director. I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of the district and the Commonwealth.”
Before joining Arciero’s office, Tonakarn-Nguyen spent 15 years in state and federal health and public policy consulting. She also served on the Westford Select Board from 2020 to 2023 and has held leadership roles in regional organizations, including Vice Chair of the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments and President of the Board of Directors for the Freedom’s Way Heritage Association.
A native of Arlington, Virginia, Tonakarn-Nguyen earned her Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences from James Madison University and a Master of Public Health from Boston University. She lives in Westford with her husband and two children.