’93 alum is the city of Springfield’s three-term mayor
Domenic Sarno’s resume has leadership written all over it.
The ’93 alum has been the mayor of the city of Springfield since 2007, and he’s the former executive director of the South End Community Center, a former aide to Hampden County District Attorney William Bennett and former aide to Springfield Mayor Mary Hurley.
The son of two Italian immigrants, Sarno heard continual reminders of the value of education from his parents. After working in the flooring industry early on in his career, he knew it was important to go back to school and obtain his bachelor’s degree. Taking classes at night, he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Westfield State, and it’s taken him to the top.
“It’s helped me have a better understanding of peoples’ needs and wants and a better understanding of adverse situations,” Sarno says. “By utilizing psychology aspects, you’re able to establish a plausible compromise.”
“My time at Westfield State has been helpful in shaping decisions that I’ve had to make, in good times and bad,” he adds.
Sarno said his father’s blue collar background—and the time he spent in his father’s barber shop—are what inspired him to pursue a career in politics. He saw customers from all walks of life treated with the same amount of respect.
Sarno is currently serving his third term as mayor, and this term is especially unique. In 2009, Springfield voters approved a change to the city’s charter, allowing mayors to serve four-year terms instead of two.
“I campaign or work every day,” Sarno says. “That’s how you continue to garner the confidence and support of the city. You work on your ‘off’ time.”
Sarno said his most difficult experience as mayor was managing the 2011 tornado that devastated the city, but it also proved to be rewarding. “Due to the resiliency of the people, we were able to weather the storm and able to come back, bigger, better and stronger,” he says.
Sarno said his team was together nearly 24/7 for the three months that followed the disaster, handling the situation—from search and rescue to stabilization and rebuilding.
In addition to the tornado, Sarno says he’s proud that he’s helped the city improve its financial standing in various ways. He also relishes his efforts in education, including rehabilitating local schools as well as establishing satellite programs in the city with area colleges.
In his current term, Sarno continues to focus on education, hoping to improve student test scores and the graduation rate, as well as on preventative programs and public safety.
One hot topic Sarno has faced is the siting of the MGM Grand casino. As of the end of 2013, it was unclear whether the casino would be developed in the city and what effect it could have on the local economy.
Sarno says, in politics, it’s important to be empathetic; to surround yourself with knowledgeable, trusting individuals; and most importantly, to refrain from being financially motivated.
“If you’re coming into this looking to make a million, you’re in the wrong field,” Sarno says. “But the legacy you leave can be priceless.”
These alumnae work under Springfield’s Mayor Sarno ’93:
Jennifer Winkler ’01 Budget Director
Yolanda Johnson M ’87 Director of Student Support Services, Springfield School Department
Rhonda Jacobs ’87 Principal, Springfield Alternative Schools
Susan Kacoyannakis ’86 City Council Administrative Aide
