The Office of Mayor Robert J. Van Campen

Mayor Robert J. Van Campen was first elected in 1999 as Ward 5 representative on the Everett Common Council. Two years later, at age 26, he became one of the youngest individuals ever elected to the Board of Aldermen.

During his time on the Board, Mayor Van Campen was elected by his colleagues to serve as President three times, in 2004, 2008, and 2010.

After a brief hiatus from elected office, he returned to the Everett City Council in January and was again chosen by his peers to serve as City Council President for 2024.

Mayor Van Campen has long believed there is nothing wrong with Everett that cannot be fixed by what is right with Everett. Located just outside Boston and strengthened by its geography and infrastructure, he sees Everett as a city with real potential.

With strong, professional leadership, Mayor Van Campen believes Everett can continue to grow into a thriving, equitable community that works for everyone.

While serving on the Board of Aldermen, Mayor Van Campen led efforts to amend zoning laws to protect neighborhoods and school zones from outpatient drug treatment centers.

He introduced the Whiz Kids Foundation to Everett Public Schools, expanding access to after-school academic programs. He authored and passed a Responsible Employer Ordinance to prevent cost overruns and negligence on public construction projects.

Mayor Van Campen also advocated for economic development initiatives, co-sponsored legislation addressing overcrowding, and pushed for stronger enforcement of health, parking, and zoning laws. In collaboration with the City Clerk, he helped draft Everett’s first Code Enforcement Ordinance.

Long before holding public office, Mayor Van Campen was active in Everett’s civic life. His service includes time as a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the Saugus-Everett Elks, a religious educator at Our Lady of Grace Church, a youth coach, and an active Everett Democrat.

Mayor Van Campen brings more than 20 years of legal experience in labor, employment, and public law. He began his career as an in-house labor attorney with AFSCME Council 93, serving as Associate General Counsel.

He later entered private practice, then returned to municipal service as in-house counsel for a Massachusetts city, where he rose to Deputy Mayor and City Solicitor.

In June 2021, Mayor Van Campen returned to AFSCME Council 93 as General Counsel. As chief legal officer, he represents approximately 32,000 public and private sector workers and plays a key role on the organization’s senior leadership team.

Mayor Van Campen graduated magna cum laude from Suffolk University and earned his law degree from Suffolk University Law School.

A lifelong Massachusetts resident, he lives in Everett with his wife, Lisa, and their children, Lily and John.