Egleston Square Announces Hiring of New Executive Director

Luis Edgardo Cotto

The Egleston Square Main Street (ESMS) board is excited to announce the hiring of Luis Edgardo Cotto as its new executive director.

Cotto took over March 31 from interim Executive Director Giovanna Tapia, who in turn replaced Betsy Cowan when she left last fall to join the City’s Department of Neighborhood Development.

“The board conducted a very competitive hiring process and it is so glad with the results,” said Juan Gonzalez, board co-chair of ESMS. “Luis is bringing to the organization significant experience and skills to continue building our organization and improving the district.”

Born and raised in Hartford, CT, Cotto served as a two-term City Council member from 2008 through 2012 before moving upto the Boston area with his spouse, Mercedes and son Angel. During his time on the council, he wrote and helped get passed immigration legislation that assured equal service to all Hartford residents regardless of documentation status. Cotto’s other legislation accomplishments include the “Ban the Box” ordinance, which removed barriers to employment for people with criminal backgrounds.

Cotto also led the City’s commitment to the arts and creative economy by re-establishing the City’s Office of Cultural Affairs and the citizen-led Commission on Cultural Affairs. Cotto helped pass an arts stimulus program that put nearly $2 million into the local economy.

Luis is the founder of the community building initiative, the Center Without Walls and also founded and manages the online literary site El Bohemio.

Help in giving Luis a big Egleston Square hello next time you see him around the neighborhood!