The 78 presidents of the Massachusetts Bar Association, over the
last 100 years, have come to reflect the diversity that was part of
the association's original mission -- to represent all lawyers of
the commonwealth.
Leadership has hailed from many of the commonwealth's cities,
including Fall River, New Bedford, Brockton, Lowell, Springfield,
Worcester and Boston, among others. Likewise, Bay State towns have
been well represented -- Pittsfield, Clinton, Greenfield,
Lancaster, Northampton and Walpole, to name a few. In concert with
being geographically diverse, the presidency has represented a wide
variation of practice expertise.
In addition, milestones have been set over the years with the
association's top position. Wayne A. Budd served as the MBA's first
African-American president, as well as its youngest at age 38. In
1986, Alice Richmond served as the first woman president, and in
2006, Mark Mason became the MBA's first openly gay president. And,
earlier this association year, members witnessed the first passing
of the gavel from one woman to another, from Valerie A. Yarashus to
Denise Squillante.
Collectively, the past presidents of the MBA represent the
diversity and strength of the Massachusetts bar. Each has worked
hard to advance the mission of the organization and the progress of
those who served before him or her. Of the 78 past presidents of
the organization, nearly 40 are still able to provide collective
wisdom to each of the presidents as he or she begins his or her
term.