HOLYOKE – Eight Holyoke residents have stepped up to serve in volunteer positions in several board and commissions in the city.

Mayor Alex Morse released the names last week. The appointments must now be approved by the city council.

According to the mayor’s office, “The mayor has also made it a priority to diversify city government, greatly increasing the number of women and people of color on these boards.”

There are additional opportunities for residents to serve as there are two unfilled seats on the board of the Holyoke Public Library.

Library Director Maria Pagan explained to Reminder Publishing, she is looking for candidates who “really want to be part of the team to help us the provide the best service we can.”

If interested Pagan said, people should contact her at 420-8101 with any questions.

List of appointments follows which include descriptions from the mayor’s office:

• Michael Moriarty - License Board

“Executive Director of OneHolyoke CDC since 2013, Moriarty is dedicated to transforming distressed neighborhoods and improving lives for residents of the city of Holyoke.”

• Daphne Board - Holyoke Redevelopment Authority

“A Holyoke resident since 2003, previously volunteered her time on the Citizen Participation Committee of the Holyoke Redevelopment Authority, developing and providing input on the 2012 Urban Renewal Plan. She is passionate about the ongoing revitalization efforts in the city.”

• Dr. John A. Perdrizet - Conservation Commission

“President and chief clinician at the Sanctuary Animal Clinic in Holyoke who has dedicated his time in restoring a patch of land that once was only grass into a ‘garden oasis’ which has attracted diverse birds and wildlife as well as food-producing shrubs, trees, vines, and a variety of flora for aesthetic and environmental enrichment.”

• Rosanna Lopez - Planning Board

“Lopez has dedicated her work to improving the quality of life for many in the city through different organizations that focus on employment opportunities, quality housing for low-income families, and a social advocate for the less fortunate.”

• Gurninder Dhaliwad - Planning Board

“Owner of Dino’s Pizza and treasurer of the World Sikh Parliament. A resident of Holyoke since 2002, Dhaliwad has devoted his time in helping those in need and a fierce example of someone who has made a difference in the lives of many in our community.”

• Luis Salazar - Holyoke Historical Commission

“Salazar has a special interest in historic preservation and the role it plays in the economic development in Holyoke. With a professional background and business in journalism and film, he has a unique perspective to bring to the commission.”

• Harry Montalvo - Holyoke Historical Commission

“As a Community Outreach and Economic Development Specialist in Holyoke, Montalvo works with low-income families and neighborhoods to improve and revitalize communities. Since working in Holyoke, Montalvo was struck by the beauty and diversity of the city’s architecture and plans to conserve it for future generations to enjoy.”

•Rosa Pantoja - Holyoke Economic Development & Industrial Corporation

“Pantoja is a driven entrepreneur with various businesses in the city of Holyoke and passionate about helping others starting their journey on building a new business.”