Alumni Spotlight
Alex Geourntas ’79: “My English High Years Prepared Me Well”
In 2022, Alex Geourntas, English High School Class of 1979, son of Greek immigrants, was unanimously elected by the Boston City Council to the key post of City Clerk. His department has a $1.7 million budget and 15 employees who serve the needs of the municipal government and the city’s 675,000 residents.
It’s apparent that his years at English High School prepared Alex well for college and for his career. After English, he earned a BA in Political Science at UMass – Boston and an MA in Public Administration at Suffolk University. He also attained the Certified Municipal Clerk designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks. He says, “I’m so proud of the fact that I am the first Boston City Clerk of Greek descent.” Previously he served as Assistant City Clerk and Interim City Clerk, then was elected City Clerk in 2022.
English High Lessons for A Lifetime
Alex credits EHS English Teacher Deborah Feldman, shown here in the 1979 EHS yearbook, with teaching him the importance of effective writing, punctuation and conveying your ideas through the written word. They remain in touch.
Alex says EHS English teacher Deborah Feldman stands out and, to this day, her lessons daily impact his life: “She taught the importance of effective writing, punctuation, and conveying your ideas through the written word. This remains a constant for me. I participated in many writing workshops and writing became an important tool as it prepared me for college and for my career. We still keep in touch after all these years!”
The Office of the City Clerk is responsible for registering businesses, filing claims, notarizing documents, posting public meeting notices, ensuring timely filings of quarterly reports by city lobbyists, clients and entities, creating City Council Meeting Agendas and Minutes; swearing-in Mayoral appointees, and acting as parliamentarian during City Council meetings.
Also under the office’s purview are the City Archives that preserve and showcase Boston’s history allowing for dynamic educational opportunities for all. He says, “I chose this career path because I wanted to help people and serve the city I love. Growing up in Jamaica Plain, I worked in my family’s restaurant almost every day serving and interacting with customers, gaining valuable skills that helped me in my eventual career path.”
Decades of Service to the City and the Community
Alex and his wife Nancy, center, with the assembled Boston City Councilors after having been unanimously elected as City Clerk in June, 2022.
Involved in his community for over 35 years, Alex is Past as President of the Board of Directors of the Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center, past Chair of the Archdale Community Center Council, past Member of the Roslindale Day Parade Committee and a Life Member of the Ward 20 Democratic Committee. Also active with the Greek community in Boston and throughout New England, Alex serves as President of the Greek Spirit of Boston Association and is a member of the National Board of Trustees for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA). He also co-hosted The Greek Program on BNN from 1996-2006. He was a candidate for State Representative in 1982.
Alex says, “My advice for today’s students: Continue working hard, have a positive attitude, become active in your community, and stay focused on your education as this accomplishment will forever be a part of your success in whatever you decide to pursue as a career.”
Alex is extending an invitation to EHS juniors and seniors who may be thinking about careers in government to schedule a visit with him at City Hall. He also hopes to make presentations to students in the English High Career Pathways Program.
Alex shown in the 1979 English High yearbook.
