Photo Credit: Jeff Thiebauth
Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants speaks to Leadership Academy graduates on June 20.
The Massachusetts Bar Association hosted a graduation ceremony for its 2017-18 Leadership Academy Class on June 20 at the John Adams Courthouse.
The 19 graduating Leadership Academy fellows were selected to participate in the program because of their demonstrated commitment to community and bar involvement. Throughout the year, the fellows gained insights from successful leaders in the legal and business communities, judges, and elected officials through programming focused on how to become compassionate, open-minded and thoughtful leaders. They also participated in training sessions on public speaking and how to run a meeting.
"Each of you came to us having already demonstrated the innate qualities and the foundational experience that make you an outstanding leader," said MBA President Christopher P. Sullivan. "You are the future leaders of the bar, profession and our society."
The ceremony included a keynote from Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Chief Justice Ralph D. Gants, who applauded the graduates on being leaders of the bar at a time when there is so much to do.
"It is extraordinarily important to be a lawyer and make sure the rule of law is honored," said Gants.
The 2017-18 graduating fellows included:
- Jason E. Armiger
- Katherine A. Bagdis
- Shara M. Benedetti
- Barry James Bisson
- Gary M. Bloom
- Robert F. Callahan Jr.
- Vincent N. DePalo
- Jonathan R. Eaton
- Andrew Giarolo
- Jared L. Hubbard
- Travis J. Jacobs
- Maren L. Law
- Sean M. McKendry
- Anthony H. Melia
- Shayla Mombeleur
- Rita M. Ryan
- Amanda J. Shuman
- Stephen A. Smith
- Tinia Snow
The MBA's Leadership Academy, co-chaired by MBA Past President Jeffrey N. Catalano and MBA President-elect Christopher A. Kenney, is ideally suited for individuals who want to give back to society in important ways, such as becoming members of a board of directors or creating new pro bono programs. The deadline to apply to the 2018-19 class is July 13.