State Rep. Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), house chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means
One of the highlights of the Massachusetts Bar Association's
Annual Dinner will be the presentation of the Legislator of the
Year Award to State Rep. Brian S. Dempsey (D-Haverhill), house
chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means.
The MBA's Legislator of the Year Award is presented annually to
a state or federal legislator who has distinguished him/herself in
public service through outstanding contributions to the legal
profession, courts and administration of justice.
"Chairman Dempsey brings more than two decades of hands-on
legislative experience, many of these years as a strong advocate
for the courts and access to justice for the commonwealth's
citizens," MBA Chief Legal Counsel and Chief Operating Officer
Martin W. Healy said. "He has distinguished himself as chairman of
Ways and Means through his vigorous support of the bench and bar
and has been instrumental in passage of many legislative reforms
benefiting the public and the bar including the Uniform Probate
Code."
Dempsey, 45, represents the Third Essex District. Prior to being
elected state representative he was a member of the Haverhill City
Council from 1988 to 1991, serving as council president from
1990-91. In 1991 he was elected to the Massachusetts House of
Representatives, where he is serving his 12th term.
During his time in the Legislature he has served as chairman of
the Committee on Public Service, chairman of the Committee on
Science and Technology, and House Chairman of the Committee on
Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. He also served as
chairman of the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and
Energy where he coauthored the Green Communities Act. In
January 2011, he was appointed the chairman of the House Committee
on Ways & Means.
In addition to the MBA's Legislator of the Year honor, Dempsey
has been recognized for his dedicated public service and leadership
by the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the Massachusetts
Medical Society, the Boys and Girls Club of Massachusetts and the
Massachusetts Extended Care Federation. In addition, he was
awarded in 2000 with the prestigious AMVETS "Pilgrim Award" for his
work in the Legislature.
Dempsey remains active in his hometown community of Haverhill,
where he lives with his wife and their three children. He has
served on many local boards including the Glynn Memorial Nursing
home, the Haverhill Boys and Girls Club, the Foster Kids of the
Merrimack Valley and the Haverhill YMCA. He has taken the lead on
securing more than $7 million in state aid for the city, working
tirelessly to help offset the debt incurred by the sale of Hale
Hospital.
Born and raised in Haverhill, Dempsey received a Bachelor of
Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 1999. He is
the owner and president of the Brian S. Dempsey Insurance
Agency.
MBA Treasurer Marsha V. Kazarosian will present Dempsey with the
MBA's Legislator of the Year Award as part of the May 9 Annual
Dinner program. The dinner will also feature a keynote address from
Gov. Deval L. Patrick and the presentation of the 2013 Access to
Justice Awards.