WORCESTER, Mass. - City leaders in Worcester are reacting to the city council's decision to appoint Eric Batista as city manager.

Batista was named acting city manager after former city manager Ed Augustus left the role in May after eight years on the job.

Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Murray said Batista is an example of what makes the city a special place.

"He came here from Puerto Rico when he was 7-years-old with his family, and I think his success is the quintessential Worcester story," Murray said. "It reinforces that we're a city that's increasingly diverse and that there's opportunity here for people regardless of where and when that they come."

Batista will now enter into contract negotiations with the city.