WORCESTER — City Manager Eric D. Batista has appointed Alexandra H. Kalkounis as Worcester’s new City Solicitor, marking a first for the city. Kalkounis, the first woman to hold the role, will officially assume the position on Monday, January 13th.
“Kalkounis is a seasoned attorney with a proven track record of contract negotiations, policy updates, litigation, and management,” Batista said in a statement Friday. “She has been an asset to the Law Department since her start in 2011. I look forward to now seeing her lead the department.”
Kalkounis has worked for the city for more than 13 years, beginning as an Assistant City Solicitor in 2011 and rising to Deputy City Solicitor in 2021. During her tenure, she led major initiatives, including implementing Worcester’s recreational marijuana program, managing eminent domain projects for key road improvements, and advising on zoning and land use amendments.
“I am honored to take this role and grateful for the opportunities I have received throughout the years,” Kalkounis said. “I am thrilled to be leading the law department in this next chapter.”
A first-generation Greek American, Kalkounis earned her Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Boston University. She succeeds Michael E. Traynor, who is retiring after serving the city for 37 years.
In addition to her legal expertise, Kalkounis has played a key role in supporting housing, neighborhood development, and small business initiatives, including administering grants under the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
In The News
>WEATHER: Mark Rosenthal's 7-day forecast (:56). High of 55 today in Worcester
>TOP OF THE NEWS
+6:00: Probe into fatal officer-involved shooting continues in Boylston (1:19)
+6:00: Worcester police seek public's help to find owner of emaciated, abused dog (:39). Article
+6:00: Turtleboy agrees to stay away from Karen Read witnesses
-Earlier: Prosecutor says Turtleboy still harassing witness in Karen Read case
+6:00: WuXi construction at $300 million Worcester facility moving slowly
+1:00: Search underway for Fitchburg woman and her 5 kids
+1:00: Worcester has new public health leader with a job history of unanswered questions
+1:00: Police collaborate to stop car chase
+1:00: Things to Do: The Pourmen, the Irish Tenors, and more ....
+1:00: Black History Month events at Q.C.C. events focus on business leadership
-Fatal officer-involved shooting under investigation in Boylston (1:38). Article
-Online video of local arrest sparks outcry, scrutiny
-Related: Video (10:52)
-Police thank clerk for saving senior from $15,000 Bitcoin scam
-Worcester mother and son pass away days apart
-Worcester leaders enthusiastic about Healey transportation plan
-50 years later, Shrewsbury remembers fallen officer James Lonchiadis
-Aislinn Doyle: March 6th Worcester School Committee meeting agenda preview
-Radio Worcester (14:42): New Worcester D.P.W. Commissioner John Westerling on storm response, staffing & parks
-Radio Worcester Roundtable (33:14): Worcester mayoral race heats up early
>DINING OUT: Phantom Gourmet's Great 8 Outrageously Delicious Desserts (5:13)
-ICYMI: Worcester housing plan says city needs this much more housing in 8 years
-New grocery store coming to Downtown Worcester
-JetBlue's 3-day Spring Sale has rates as low as $49
-Site of proposed Worcester daycare sold to developer for $1.4 million
-See the rest of the day's Worcester news
>HOLDEN (brought to you by Lamoureux Ford): Wachusett Echo — Seniors look forward to final activities
-Longtime customer salutes Lamoureux Ford (3:53)
>THE BURBS (brought to you by North End Motor Sales): Fitchburg nonprofit to close 2 shelters, layoff 20 staff
-Mother of Holly Piirainen, who sought closure for decades, has died
-St. Mary’s in Shrewsbury to host Fish Fry Friday
-Patel Brothers supermarket in Shrewsbury files permits to add bakery, expand
-Gardner-based paper manufacturer acquires German firm
-Doors opening Monday to Sturbridge senior center after $13 million in renovations
-Uxbridge agrees to separate with Superintendent Michael Baldassarre
-Celebrities take part in Community Reading Day
>BARS & BANDS: The Mayor's Live Music List for Thursday
-Eclectic Shrewsbury Street bar quietly closes
>SHOWTIME: "Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire" at Central Mass. Jewish Film Fest
-Voice actor Kat Cressida is set to appear at NorthEast ComicCon
-W.S.C. Stay Connected (51:07): Jimmy Buffett tribute
-Worcester Arts Council announces 51 grants awarded
-Baseball poetry festival back at bat in Worcester
>OPINION: Shaun Connolly — March Horrorscopes
-City of Worcester (:57): Ready Worcester Episode 8 — Preparing for power outages
-WCCA-TV's Soapbox No. 1372 (22:40): Jason Homer, Worcester Public Library
>OBITUARIES: Tribute to Worcester woman who found joy in volunteering her time
>SPORTS: Celtics beat Blazers, 128-118
-Bruins trade Trent Frederic and Max Jones to Oilers in 3-team trade
-Bravehearts, Railers to host used youth sports equipment drive
-Surging Holy Cross men's hockey team set for Atlantic Hockey America playoffs
-Holy Cross women's basketball team falls to Army
>NATIONAL: Divided Supreme Court rejects foreign aid freeze
-U.S. holding direct talks with Hamas about release of American hostages from Gaza
-Tragic: Young grandfather fatally shot while trying to tackle converter thieves
>NEW ENGLAND: Recapping Karen Read's 2 big hearings in 1 day (14:01)
-State watchdogs take aim at Keolis management of commuter rail
>COLLEGES: WPI announces faculty promotions and tenure awards (5:51). Article
-String art collaboration allows Clark students to explore without boundaries
>TRAVEL (brought to you by Fuller RV & Rental): The subtle design tricks used in airports
>BUSINESS: DoorDash to pay millions to drivers after company pocketed tips
-LPL Financial Research: Earnings season recap — Strong growth, big upside, now what?
-Biggest mistakes people make when writing a will
>HOMES: 7 U.S. homes that look like they belong in the future
>SHOPPING: Best toys from Toy Fair 2025 (6:53)
>HEALTH: Lifestyle, environment have greater impact on lifespan (:47)
-Pancreatic cancer vaccine shows promise, according to study (:56)
>FOOD: This 3-ingredient breakfast boosts brain function and memory
>TV/STREAMING: Trailer for new Netflix doc, "The Twister: Caught in the Storm" (1:50)
>MOVIES: Trailer for new Pedro Pascal movie, "Freaky Tales" (2:09)
>CELEBRITY: Tatum O'Neal shares reaction to late dad Ryan O'Neal cutting her out of will: "Keep it, motherf--ker"
>ANIMALS: Couple invites over 15 feral cats to move in with them (1:44)
>HISTORY: What was it really like to fly on the Concorde?
>GOOD NEWS: Nebraska grad's lost ring turns up in Missouri garden 44 years later
-Meanwhile, in Maine, truck hauling load of curly fries catches fire on highway
Latest obituaries | | Wednesday's highlights | | Today's horoscope | | Local Sports
Quick Links: Personalize your news | | Browse members | | Advertise | | Blogs | | Invite friends | | Videos
Animals | | Boston Sports | | Business | | Cars | | Celebrity | | Colleges | | Commute & Travel | | Crime | | Faith | | Food | | Good News | | Health | | History | | Homes | | Local Sports | | Lottery | | Movies | | National | | New England | | Politics | | Shopping & Deals | | SHOWTIME! | | TV & Streaming | | Weather
