Karen Almeida
Karen Almeida has served as Chief of Staff to Senator Michael Rodrigues since his election to the State Senate in 2011 and previously held the same role during his tenure as State Representative beginning in 1996. A lifelong resident of Westport, Karen has deep roots in the First Bristol and Plymouth District and a personal understanding of the communities she serves. With nearly three decades of service in the State House, Karen’s work reflects her unwavering commitment to delivering responsive, effective service to constituents, leading the office, and supporting the legislative priorities that strengthen the South Coast. In her free time, Karen loves to work on her garden and travel with her husband Carlos.
CHIEF OF STAFF | (617) 722-1114 Ext. 1109
Jeremy Spittle
LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR | (617) 722-1114 Ext. 1116
Jeremy Spittle serves as Legislative Director for State Senator Michael Rodrigues, a role he has held since 2011. He manages policy initiatives, directs government relations, and oversees legislative affairs for Senator Rodrigues and the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. Jeremy works closely with intergovernmental offices, state agencies, local officials, lobbyists, and public policy stakeholders to advance key legislative priorities. Graduating with a B.S in Geography from Salem State University and an M.S in Political Science from Suffolk University, Jeremy has served as a Legislative Director for then–State Representative Rodrigues and as a Legislative Aide to State Representative Anthony J. Verga. He brings over 18 years of legislative expertise to Senator Rodrigues' team. In his free time, Jeremy enjoys being outside with his wife Mandee and their two daughters, Sophia and Emma.
Sean Fitzgerald
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR | (617) 722-1114 Ext. 1117
Sean Fitzgerald is a seasoned press and media relations professional, keeping the Senator extensively networked across federal, state, and local governments, advocacy, and non-profit agencies, and traditional mainstream media and social media network paradigms. He previously served as Chief of Staff and Communications Director for Representative Jay Kaufman and served in a similar role for Senator Charles Shannon. Prior to his State House service, Sean was Director of Communications for Somerville Mayor Dorothy Kelly Gay, the first woman Mayor in the City’s history. Before his public sector experience, he was Sales & Marketing Director for the Cambridge Athletic Club. Sean holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Economics from Northeastern University and is married with two children and lives in metro-Boston and his two Australian Shepards dogs, Blue and Apollo. Sean enjoys sports, travel, and coaching the Somerville High School Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country teams.
Maureen Flanagan
DISTRICT DIRECTOR | Somerset Office - (508) 673-8408, Fall River Office: (508) 646-0650
Maureen Flanagan currently serves as District Director for Senator Michael Rodrigues, where she manages constituent services, community outreach, and local engagement across the First Bristol and Plymouth District. A graduate of Bridgewater State University, Maureen has held this position for over three years, forging strong relationships with all seven communities in the district. In her free time, Maureen likes to go sailing with her husband George, and can always be found on a dancefloor showing off her moves.
Kyle Neves
Kyle Neves is the legislative aide for Senator Rodrigues and has held this position since his graduation from UMass-Amherst in May of 2023. Born and raised in Fall River, Kyle is a Durfee High School alumni and uses his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science to track legislation, draft memos, monitor committee hearings, and manage the Senator’s schedule. A son of two Portuguese immigrants, Kyle is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish and has made it his goal to build bridges between government and people who speak English as their second language. In his free time, Kyle can be found watching his beloved FC Porto, traveling with his girlfriend Magnolia, or coaching his local youth soccer team.
LEGISLATIVE AIDE | (617) 722-1114 Ext. 1115
Stephen Sylvia
Stephen Sylvia is the Principal of Squantum Elementary School in the Quincy Public School system and a former staff member for State Representative William M. Straus in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Bringing a strong background in education and public service, Stephen has recently joined Senator Michael Rodrigues’ team as the Director of Constituent Services, where he contributes his experience in community engagement and government relations to support the Senator’s work for the First Bristol and Plymouth District. A resident of Lakeville, Steve is active in his community and serves as a school committee member for the Freetown-Lakeville Regional School District.
DIRECTOR OF CONSTITUENT SERVICES | Somerset Office - (508) 673-8408, Fall River Office: (508) 646-0650
Cheryl Nocera
Cheryl Nocera earned her B.A. in American Studies from Lesley University and brings over twenty years of experience in education, having served in the Revere and Wilmington Public School systems. A former employee of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Cheryl has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service and community engagement. Recently joining Senator Michael Rodrigues’ team, Cheryl is the first person you see upon entry into the Boston office and always greets visitors with a smile. In her free time, Cheryl enjoys writing and photography, pursuits that reflect her creativity and love for storytelling.
RECEPTIONIST | (617) 722-1114