City of Medford, Medford, MA 02155
Zac Bears is an accomplished professional with a strong background in operations, public service, and advocacy for education. Currently serving as the Director of Operations for Massachusetts Jobs with Justice since May 2022 and as a City Councilor for Medford since January 2020, Zac demonstrates a commitment to community representation and support. Previously, Zac held the role of Executive Director at PHENOM, where responsibilities included organizing for debt-free education and overseeing various administrative functions. Experience also includes positions with the Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance as Secretary and freelance writing. Earlier roles involved digital communications within AFSCME and work as an Economist for the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Zac holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and Economics from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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City of Medford, Medford, MA 02155
The name Medford is thought to have come from "the ford by the meadow" or "Meadford" thus commemorating the importance of the fordable part of the Mystic River located just west of present-day Medford Square. The original area of Medford was owned by Mathew Cradock, the first Governor of the Massachusetts colonies. Although Cradock never saw it, he employed men to develop his land into a plantation. After his death, the plantation passed to his heirs and then was sold en masse in 1652 to Edward Collins. The area was designated a "peculiar" which signified that it was private property and not a properly incorporated town. Collins began selling pieces of land to others after 1656. In 1684, Medford was granted the right to raise its own money by the General Court. In 1892, Medford became incorporated as a city.