Norwich -- The city has announced that it has hired Tara Booker, a native of New London, to be its new director of human services.

Booker, who will begin work Dec. 6, will replace Lee-Ann Gomes, who is retiring Dec. 30 after 36 years. Booker has a master's degree in nonprofit management and a bachelor's degree in sociology and applied social relations from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Booker most recently was the chief operating officer for Suncoast Partnership to End Homelessness in Sarasota, Fla.

“I have loved every minute of serving the City I love so much. I have every confidence Tara is the right person for this job and I am comforted and relieved that the Department and the City will be in good hands for years to come,” said Gomes in a statement announcing the hiring.

Booker said in the announcement that after spending the last decade working in the Sarasota/Manatee area of Florida on public/private collaborations involving initiatives, systems, and services that enhance the quality of life for all community members, she is "excited for this opportunity to bring that knowledge and experience home to serve the Norwich community.”