Rob grew up in Hyde Park and attended the Boston Public Schools before graduating from Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury. After earning his degree in Political Science from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rob eventually returned to Boston where he met his wife Michelle, a Roslindale native, while volunteering on the board of the Thomas M. Menino YMCA. Rob and Michelle are the proud parents of Amanda (18), Anthony (17), and Austin (11), all of whom are currently attending the Boston Public Schools.
Rob developed a love for public service at a young age as he grew up watching his parents Bob and Diane Consalvo become involved in the civic and social life of the community. He knocked on doors and campaigned for many local candidates and was involved as a youth in the community, coaching youth sports.
Nearly thirty years ago, Rob started his career in public service as an aide to Massachusetts Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He began as an intern in the Senator’s office and later held the positions of Staff Assistant and Press Assistant, working out of Senator Kennedy’s offices in Washington, DC and Boston. Rob was eager to come back to Boston and was honored to serve as a Legislative Aide to State Representative Angelo Scaccia. Encouraged by mentors like Sen. Kennedy and Rep. Scaccia, and with the strong support of Michelle and his family, Rob was inspired to put his name forward as a candidate for public office.
In 2002, Rob was elected to the Boston City Council. It was the beginning of a 12-year period of public service in a role representing a district that encompassed the neighborhoods of Hyde Park, Mattapan, Readville, and Roslindale. During his time on the Boston City Council, Rob Chaired the committees on Public Safety, Housing, and Ways and Means. As a Boston City Councilor, Rob proposed new and innovative ideas that were passed and have an impact to this day. Rob spearheaded efforts to bring Boston its first ShotSpotter acoustic gunshot technology, which continues to enhance public safety. He authored a first-in-the-nation foreclosure ordinance, as well as a groundbreaking anti-drunk driving ordinance that has been recognized nationally.
A champion for public open space, Rob is most proud of his efforts to work with community members on the restoration and renovation of parks and playgrounds, such as Almont Park in Mattapan. Through Rob’s time on the Council, he became known first and foremost for his robust responsiveness to constituents and for his effective and strong voice working on constituent service issues. He has also served as a trustee on the City of Boston’s Neighborhood Housing Trust, working to provide affordable housing opportunities all across Boston.
After the City Council, Rob returned to his public service roots when he was appointed as the Deputy Director for the Boston Home Center, where he was instrumental in executing the new administration’s housing and homeownership policy. During this time, he also became a trustee on the SEIU 888 Housing Trust.
In 2017, Rob was appointed Chief of Staff of the Boston Public Schools, and he later served as the Senior Adviser to the Superintendent. In this work, he led intergovernmental affairs, interdepartmental relations, and constituent services, in addition to a host of other special projects. Rob’s perspective as a BPS parent and his lifelong dedication to public service fueled his daily efforts to help transform the lives of all BPS students.
Rob ran to be the State Representative for the 14th Suffolk District because he still believes that government is about helping people and making a difference in the lives of others. He brings his passion for public service, vast experience in government, and ability to build bridges and coalitions to the State House to fight every day for the people of Hyde Park, Roslindale, Readville, and West Roxbury.