Jesse Purvis Named to Serve as Councilor Edwards’s Director of Policy

Last week District 1 City Councilor Lydia Edwards announced she has hired Jeffries Point resident Jesse Purvis as her new Director of Policy and Communications.

Purvis joins Edwards’s office after successfully graduating from UMass Law where he served as a Public Interest Law Fellow and founder of the school’s local chapter of the National Lawyers Guild.

“I’m thrilled to have Jesse join the team as our new Director of Policy,” said Councilor Edwards. “His legal aid background and commitment to bettering the community will help me better serve the residents of District One.”

Purvis also received the Thurgood Marshall Award for Social Justice for his work on and off campus.

“I’m excited to give back to the community that has given me so much,” said Purvis. “Public service under Lydia Edwards, as her Director of Policy, is a dream job come true.”

Purvis added that he is thankful for his Eastie community who have helped him put down roots as he navigates life as a new parent

Purvis grew up in southern California after immigrating to the United States from Australia at a young age. After attending Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he decided not to leave and has since made Eastie his home.

Purvis has worked in primary schools as a paraprofessional teacher in math and science, and in out-of-school time as a program director for pre-teen youth services. His interests include environmental justice, table tennis, hiking, technology and bicycles.

He currently lives in East Boston with his partner, Tanya Hahnel, their young daughter Ida Jean, and senior greyhound, Cary Grant.

Purvis can be reached by calling Councilor Edwards’ office at 617-635-3200 or by email at jesse.purvis@boston.gov.