2014 MBA President's Award recipient Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh
Massachusetts Bar Association President Douglas K. Sheff is
pleased to announce that Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh will receive
the 2014 President's Award at the MBA's Annual Dinner on May 15. A
16-year elected member of the House of Representatives,
representing the 13th Suffolk District in Boston, Walsh served on
the MBA's Workplace Safety Task Force prior to his election as
mayor.
"Throughout his career in public office, Mayor Walsh has stood
apart with his ability to bring people together to forge creative,
meaningful resolutions that benefit all involved," said Sheff. "As
a member of our MBA's Workplace Safety Task Force, he helped build
our multi-industry coalition, which was instrumental in our efforts
to pass Right to Know legislation that benefits more than 100,000
workers a year in Massachusetts. The city of Boston is fortunate to
have a leader of Mayor Walsh's stature, and we are proud to count
him as a true friend of the MBA."
The President's Award is given to individuals who have made a
significant contribution to the work of the MBA, to the
preservation of MBA values, to the success of MBA initiatives and
to the promotion of MBA leadership roles within the legal community
in Massachusetts.
During his 16 years in the House, Mayor Walsh established
himself as a leader on job creation and economic development. He
authored landmark public construction law reforms, helped pass
"smart growth district" legislation, and was a strong supporter of
infrastructure and zoning improvements.
A co-founder and former board member of the Neighborhood House
Public Charter School, Mayor Walsh has long been an aggressive
advocate for strong public schools. A champion for civil rights,
Mayor Walsh was a vocal early advocate for marriage equality and he
compiled a strong record in support of communities of color,
immigrants, and seniors. He also became known as the State House
leader on substance abuse and recovery issues.
The Annual Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 15, at the
Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel. It will feature a keynote address
by Chris Matthews, a highly respected political news commentator
who hosts the top-rated "Hardball" program on MSNBC. In addition,
the dinner will include the presentation of the Legislator of the
Year Award to Rep. Garrett J. Bradley (D-Hingham), First Division
Chair of the House Rules Committee and the 2014 Access to Justice
Awards.