Zoe, David, Skye, Yelena, and Emma
David Narkewicz was elected to the Northampton City Council from Ward 4 in 2005 and re-elected to a second term in 2007. His tireless efforts to address both neighborhood and citywide issues and concerns, his extensive knowledge of government and policy issues, and his proactive communication and outreach to residents have earned him praise and respect both in Ward 4 and around the city during his four years in office. He is respected citywide for his leadership on issues including transportation, sustainability, education, economic development, the budget, and government reform, and for the thoughtful, professional, intelligent, and level-headed approach he brings to his work on the City Council.
David is also actively involved in numerous community organizations, most notably the Northampton Education Foundation, where he is a ten-year board member and has served as Co-President.
Prior to seeking elected office, David served as a citizen appointee to the Transportation and Parking Commission (2003-2005) and the Zoning Board of Appeals (1999-2003).
David is a former district aide to U.S. Congressman John Olver (D-MA), for whom he directed federal funding and economic development initiatives in western and central Massachusetts. He had previously served on the Washington D.C. legislative staff's of Congressman Doug Walgren (D-PA), Congressman Dennis Eckart (D-OH), and Congressman (now Governor) Ted Strickland (D-OH), working on a broad range of public policy issues.
David is a proud alumnus of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. in Political Science. He was the University's first-ever recipient of the George Goodwin, Jr. Public Policy Scholarship and was awarded the Alumni Association's "Senior Leadership Award."
Prior to college, David served on active duty in the United States Air Force as a personnel specialist. After assignments in Texas, Mississippi, Maine, and Washington, D.C, he completed his military service as a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard while attending UMass.
David was born in Greenfield, Massachusetts on April 25, 1966 and grew up one of nine children in nearby Shelburne Falls. His late father, Joseph Narkewicz, was a 35-year employee of Massachusetts Electric and a World War II veteran. His mother, Madeline Narkewicz, was a homemaker and later a Realtor. A product of public education, David graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional High School in 1984.
David and his spouse, Dr. Yelena Mikich, have lived in Northampton since 1993. Their two daughters, Zoe (10) and Emma (11), attend Bridge Street School and J.F.K. Middle Schools respectively.
Their third child - Skye the border collie -- herds sticks, balls, Frisbees, small children, and all other moving objects and keeps her family well-loved and exercised.