Boston will have a new executive director leading its Election Department beginning September 8, as the city prepares for the 2026 election cycle.
Mayor Michelle Wu announced on August 19 that Kerry Jordan, currently chief of staff for the city’s Department of Innovation and Technology, will take over the position after the September 1 state primary.
Until Jordan begins his new role, Paul Chong, commissioner of City Records and acting head of the Elections Department, will continue overseeing the department’s daily operations.
Jordan will lead the department as Boston continues efforts to “modernize” election operations and make it easier for residents to register, vote and access election information.
The city expanded its use of electronic poll books in 2025. Boston said the technology reduced check-in times for most voters from three to five minutes to about 15 to 30 seconds. The systems also provide real-time ballot tracking and can help direct voters who arrive at the wrong polling location.
Boston also launched an Election Day call center last year and assigned its 311 team to handle election-related calls. The city has worked with its Emergency Operations Center to improve how resources are deployed and problems are addressed at polling locations.
Ahead of the 2026 elections, Boston said it is expanding poll worker training and updating staffing models.
“The stakes are always high when it comes to our elections,” Jordan said. “I’m excited to join a team that is diligent, dedicated and hardworking.”
The Election Department oversees all municipal, state and federal elections held in Boston. It also registers voters, conducts the city’s annual census and provides election information and resources to residents.
Jordan has more than 15 years of experience in municipal government. His work has included efforts to expand digital access, improve services for residents and city employees, and implement technology systems.
He began his public-service career as TV Programming Manager for the Boston City Council. A lifelong Boston resident who was raised in Dorchester, Jordan graduated from Boston Public Schools and holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Curry College.
The appointment comes shortly after Wu announced another leadership change within the city’s technology operations. On August 13, she named Shin-pei Tsay as Boston’s chief information officer for the Department of Innovation and Technology.
