Acting Worcester city manager Eric Batista to be sworn in on Augustus’ last day

Eric Batista, Worcester city manager

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By Katherine Hamilton

Eric Batista will be sworn in as Worcester’s acting city manager on Tuesday, as Edward Augustus finishes his last day after eight and a half years as city manager.

Augustus announced in March he would step down from his position, which he has held since 2014. During his tenure, he spearheaded the development of the $160-million Polar Park baseball stadium, added city government departments for urban innovation and diversity & inclusion, and sanctioned improvements on public schools and the public library.

Batista, who had been serving as an assistant city manager since October, was named acting city manager in April and will fill Augustus’ shoes until a permanent replacement is appointed. Augustus was appointed permanent city manager after serving as an interim city manager, so it is possible Batista will follow the same path.

Before being named acting city manager, Batista was also filling in for the role of chief diversity officer, which former CDO Stephanie Williams left open when she resigned in March. The City has not yet hired a permanent replacement for Williams.

The length of Batista’s term is unknown and depends on how long the City Council takes to choose a permanent city manager.

In his resignation, Augustus did not state the reason for his departure, nor his future plans after he leaves.