Chase Mack might be a fresh face on Beacon Hill, but as the Civic Association’s newly hired administrative assistant, he won’t remain a stranger to the neighborhood for long.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the Beacon Hill community better,” Mack said. “I’ve met a few people in my short time here, and have received a really warm welcome so far.”
Born in California and raised in Harrisburg, Pa., Mack, age 24, graduated from Lycoming College of Williamsport, Pa., with a bachelor’s degree in English in 2012. He served as business manager for the Lycoming College Tour Choir as an undergraduate, handling a wide range of tasks for the musical group, including setting up tour locations and hosts for its annual “Spring Break” tour.
Mack started working as a consultant for the non-profit American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division, last May. In this role, he has helped oversee the editorial contents of the project booklet for the group’s annual conference, which takes place next month in Hershey, Pa.
Last summer, Mack also began pursuing his master’s degree in English, with a focus on fiction, from Montpelier’s Vermont College of Fine Arts. He said he expects to complete the “low-residency program” next year.
In January of this year, Mack relocated to Davis Square in Somerville, where he was immediately struck by the contrast between the Boston area and the Pennsylvania suburbs where he was raised.
“I love how accessible [the Boston area] is, and that something is always going on here,” Mack said. “It’s always busy and always exciting.”
Since assuming his role with the Civic Association on Feb. 20, Mack has begun working to forge a personal connection with Beacon Hill and its residents.
“I’m excited to bring my customer service experience into a more personal setting and work with the people in this neighborhood,” Mack said. “I really love that the position has given me the opportunity to use my skills in helping to foster neighborhood relationships.”
MaryLee Halpin, executive director of the Civic Association, told the Times that the group is “thrilled” to have Mack on board.
“His involvement in co-curricula activities during college and his non-profit work post graduation make him an ideal candidate for our administrative assistant position,” Halpin wrote in an e-mail to the Times.