Marcos Devers

Marcos Devers is a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, having served the 16th Essex district as a member of the Democratic Party from 2019 to 2023. He has a diverse background that includes significant contributions to education, civil engineering, and local governance. Devers is also notable for his historic role as the first Dominican-American mayor in the United States and the first Latino mayor in Massachusetts during his tenure as acting mayor of Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Early life and career

Marcos Devers was born on October 25, 1950, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He spent his early years in Villa Duarte, a neighborhood in the eastern part of the city, where he attended grammar school. After completing his secondary education, he pursued higher education and earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo in 1978. His academic journey continued in the 1980s when he received additional training in remote sensing in both Japan and Italy.

In 1982, Devers emigrated from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, where he began his family; three of his four children were born there. From 1984 to 1986, he worked as a math instructor at Santurce Community College in Puerto Rico. Following his teaching stint, he contributed to the field of infrastructure development in the Dominican Republic by writing technical papers. In 1987, Devers relocated to Lawrence, Massachusetts, where he furthered his education at Salem State College and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. This academic pursuit enabled him to meet the requirements to become a certified educator in Massachusetts.

Devers spent sixteen years teaching high school mathematics at both Lawrence High School and the Greater Lawrence Technical High School. In addition to his teaching career, he founded and served as the Chief Executive Officer of MDJ Incorporated Engineering & Construction, a civil engineering firm that reflects his professional background and expertise in the field.

In his personal life, Devers has been married to his wife, Vicky, since 1986. Together, they have four children, contributing to their family's presence in the Lawrence community.

Legislative service

Marcos Devers's political career began in local government when he decided to run for an at-large seat on the Lawrence City Council in 1991. After several attempts, he was finally elected to the City Council in November 1999 on his fifth try. His tenure on the council included re-elections in 2001 and 2003. During his time as a City Councilor, Devers held various leadership positions, including Council Vice President from 2000 to 2002 and Council President from 2002 to 2004. He also served as Interim Mayor of Lawrence from September to November 2001, following the resignation of Mayor Dowling. This role marked a significant milestone in his career, as he became the first Latino mayor in Massachusetts and the first mayor of Dominican descent in the United States.

In 2005, Devers ran for the mayoral position but was defeated by the incumbent, Michael J. Sullivan. He made another attempt in the 2009 mayoral election, finishing in third place. Additionally, Devers sought a position in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in both 2006 and 2008, competing against former state representative and former Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua. His 2006 campaign was particularly challenging, as it was a write-in campaign due to his removal from the ballot.

Devers's opportunity to serve in the Massachusetts House of Representatives arose during a special election in 2010, where he sought to succeed William Lantigua, who had vacated the seat. Lantigua endorsed Devers for the North Lawrence Representative position after Devers had previously endorsed Lantigua for mayor. On June 15, 2010, Devers won the election, securing a majority of votes against independent candidate Rafael Gadea. He was subsequently elected to a full term in November 2010, where he garnered over 75% of the vote against Republican Enrique Matos and Independent Rafael Gadea.

During his time in the Massachusetts House, Devers was an active member of several committees, including the Joint Committees on Transportation, Education, Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. He served as Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities and was a member of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, reflecting his commitment to issues affecting diverse communities.

Devers's legislative career faced challenges as he ran for re-election in the 2016 primary but was defeated by Juana Matias. He returned to the political arena in 2018, winning the Democratic nomination for his previous seat against former Lawrence Mayor William Lantigua. After facing no opposition in the general election, he was re-elected. However, in 2022, Devers was defeated for re-nomination by Francisco Paulino, marking the end of his legislative tenure.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Marcos Devers focused on various policy areas that were relevant to his constituents in the 16th Essex district. His involvement in the Joint Committees on Transportation and Education indicates a commitment to improving infrastructure and educational opportunities within the district. Devers's background in civil engineering likely informed his perspectives on transportation issues, while his experience as an educator shaped his approach to education policy.

As Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities, Devers demonstrated a dedication to advocating for vulnerable populations, ensuring that their needs were addressed within the legislative framework. His membership in the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus further highlights his focus on issues affecting minority communities, aiming to promote equity and inclusion in state policies.

Devers's district, the 16th Essex, encompasses parts of Lawrence, a city with a diverse population and a rich cultural heritage. His background as a Dominican-American and his long-standing ties to the community positioned him as a representative who understood the unique challenges faced by his constituents. His legislative efforts were likely influenced by the demographic makeup of the district, as well as the socio-economic factors affecting the residents.

In summary, Marcos Devers's career reflects a blend of educational, engineering, and political experiences. His service in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and his previous roles in local government illustrate his commitment to public service and community engagement. Through his legislative work, Devers sought to address the needs of his constituents while advocating for policies that would benefit the broader community.