Meet Holly Simione

Holly grew up in Somerville. Her parents Kemon and Sybil Sermos were both well-known local artists and advocates in the community. Kemon grew up in Brick bottom and  attended Somerville High School along with his 3 siblings, and later helped his father deliver ice in the 1940's. He was a Union worker at General Electric in Lynn, and taught Holly the importance of never crossing a picket line, and how to stand up for workers rights.

 

Sybil was born in Boston, graduated from MA College of Art, and taught Art classes. Governor Michael Dukakis appointed Sybil to the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities.  

 

Holly graduated from Somerville High School where she first met her husband John. She graduated from Lesley College and spent more than 28 years laser-focused on Healthcare delivery to improve patient outcomes, protect patient privacy and eliminate medication errors through the use of specialized technology. Married 26 years, they have two daughters, and reside in Winter Hill with the family rescue cat, Sunny Bean.  

​

Holly was appointed by Governor Baker to the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council for 6 years, during this time she also served as Chairperson and advocated for human rights, healthcare safety, dignity and education for all.

​

Holly was appointed by Mayor Ballantyne to the Somerville Commission for Persons with Disabilities and has served as Chairperson, expanding membership to 13, ensuring the by-laws reflected the current state laws, and identified the specific MA Law for adoption by City Council to fund the work of the Commission to benefit persons with Disabilities in Somerville.  

​