New Bedford’s Mayor Jon Mitchell makes appointments to local boards

“Mayor Jon Mitchell has made several appointments to local boards.

William Comeau, who was named this year’s Grand Marshall of the City’s Veterans Day Parade, has been appointed to the Veterans Advisory Board. Comeau is a United States Army Vietnam veteran. He was awarded a combat infantry badge, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service for his service in Vietnam from 1966-1967, the Presidential Unit Citation for his participation in the Battle of Suoi Tre in March 1967, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Unit Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross.

He serves as the president and newsletter publisher of ‘Alpha Assocation,’ a veterans’ organization of soldiers who served in his company in Vietnam. He also is a 10-year office holder at both the Acushnet VFW and the New Bedford Regional DAV Chapter, and recently published a book called, ‘Duel with the Dragon at the Battle of Suoi Tre,’ which recounts his history in New Bedford, his entry into the U.S. Army, and the history of the men with whom he served.

The Mayor has also appointed James Gagnon to the Veterans Advisory Board. Gagnon is a U.S. Airforce Vietnam veteran and a member of several groups including the Vietnam Veterans of America CH 499, VFW Freetown Post 6643, American Legion Acushnet Post 265, Patriot Guard Riders, and the New Bedford Disabled American Veteran CH 7.

Pamela Kavanaugh, previously the Compliance Director at the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center before she retired in December 2021, has been appointed to the Board of Health.
She will replace Dr. Patricia Andrade, who earlier this year stepped down after a long term on the board. Kavanaugh was previously responsible for Federal, State, and local COVID-19 tracking and reporting, participated in the Mayor’s COVID Task Force, and was responsible for the planning, development, and execution of programs and services including the Dental Center, Pediatric and Adult Obesity Programs, Radiology Unit, Laboratory Services, Smoking Cessation Programs, and the Pharmacy Assistance Program.

She is currently still a member of the People Acting in Community Endeavors (P.A.C.E) Head Start Program and the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) of the Southeastern MA Advisory Board.

All appointments are subject to the approval of the New Bedford City Council.” -City of New Bedford.