Massachusetts Commission for the Blind chief David D’Arcangelo will depart his role Friday, the Healey administration confirmed, several days after The Boston Globe reported about deteriorating workplace conditions and a series of human resources complaints under his leadership.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh wrote to staff at the commission Tuesday afternoon to announce that D’Arcangelo “has decided to step down from his role” as commissioner, effective Friday.

John Oliveira, MCB’s deputy commissioner, will take over as acting commissioner until a permanent successor is appointed, and D’Arcangelo will “stay on in an advisory capacity to support a smooth transition while a search for his replacement takes place,” Walsh said.

“Please join me in thanking David for his service to the Commonwealth, and thanks to John for stepping in to this new role,” Walsh said.

The Globe first reported about D’Arcangelo’s resignation Tuesday, and a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services on Wednesday morning provided a copy of Walsh’s message to staff confirming the news.

Gov. Charlie Baker appointed D’Arcangelo, a former Malden city councilor who was the Republican nominee for secretary of state in 2014, as commissioner in 2018.

The Globe reported over the weekend that D’Arcangelo has been the subject of several complaints by workers who allege verbal abuse and inappropriate comments, and that his leadership had lost the confidence of union workers and advocates.

Before news emerged about his plans to resign, SEIU Local 509 officials planned a noontime rally Wednesday at the State House with MCB workers and members of the blind community to call for D’Arcangelo’s removal. The event will still take place but will now have a “celebratory” focus, organizers said.

– Chris Lisinski / SHNS