Joseph O'Brien

November 25, 1965

From 2010–2012, he served as Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts. He earned a B.A. in urban studies from Fordham University and a M.A. in public administration from Harvard University. After graduating from college, O'Brien worked as a community organizer in the Bronx and Worcester. In 2001, O'Brien was elected to the Worcester School Committee. He served on the School Committee for three two-year terms and led efforts to improve programs for at-risk students and to expand student health services. From 2003-2004 O'Brien woerked as the Director of the Mass Voters For Clean Elections and then as Director of the Commonwealth Coalition. In 2006 he served as campaign Manager for then Worcester Mayor Tim Murray's successful campaign for Lt. Governo. From 2007-2009, O'Brien worked as District Director for U.S. Congressman and Worcester resident Jim McGovern. O'Brien launched a campaign for Mayor of Worcester in 2009. He faced off against incumbent Konstantina Lukes and City Councilor Kathleen Toomey. His campaign received support from Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, himself a former mayor of the city. As Mayor, O’Brien initiated and led a special Mayors Task Forces on Job Growth and Retention that created a comprehensive strategic plan for economic growth in the city. () He also created the Mayors Civic Academy to teach civic participation to community leaders and this model program has been continued by current Mayor Joe Petty. () As Char of the Worcester School Committee he spearheaded a comprehensive effort to address the capital needs of the city’s public schools that resulted in more than 13 million dollars of funding for school renovation and technology upgrades (). () To better support the cities growing immigrant population he helped launch the Mayors Immigrant and Refugee Roundtable. O'Brien aroused controversy by spearheading a boycott of Arizona due to its law regarding illegal immigration, Arizona SB 1070. He also supported a resolution made by the U.S. Conference of Mayors that called for the United States to pull its troops out of Afghanistan. O'Brien took stances on taxes, such as supporting shifting taxes from businesses to homeowners and raising the state income tax, generated opposition. O'Brien then served for one term as an at-large seat on the City Council. O'Brien currently works as the Political & Finance Director for Congressman James McGovern and is an Adjunct Professor at Clark University in Worcester. He also works as an EMS Paramedic part-time in Central Massachusetts.

Joseph O'Brien

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politician

Background

O'Brien was born and raised in Worcester.

Education

Harvard University; Fordham University.

Career

From 2010–2012, he served as Mayor of Worcester, Massachusetts. He earned a B.A. in urban studies from Fordham University and a M.A. in public administration from Harvard University. After graduating from college, O'Brien worked as a community organizer in the Bronx and Worcester.

In 2001, O'Brien was elected to the Worcester School Committee. He served on the School Committee for three two-year terms and led efforts to improve programs for at-risk students and to expand student health services. From 2003-2004 O'Brien woerked as the Director of the Mass Voters For Clean Elections and then as Director of the Commonwealth Coalition.

In 2006 he served as campaign Manager for then Worcester Mayor Tim Murray's successful campaign for Lt. Governo. From 2007-2009, O'Brien worked as District Director for U.S. Congressman and Worcester resident Jim McGovern. O'Brien launched a campaign for Mayor of Worcester in 2009.

He faced off against incumbent Konstantina Lukes and City Councilor Kathleen Toomey. His campaign received support from Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, himself a former mayor of the city. As Mayor, O’Brien initiated and led a special Mayors Task Forces on Job Growth and Retention that created a comprehensive strategic plan for economic growth in the city.

() He also created the Mayors Civic Academy to teach civic participation to community leaders and this model program has been continued by current Mayor Joe Petty. () As Char of the Worcester School Committee he spearheaded a comprehensive effort to address the capital needs of the city’s public schools that resulted in more than 13 million dollars of funding for school renovation and technology upgrades (). () To better support the cities growing immigrant population he helped launch the Mayors Immigrant and Refugee Roundtable.

O'Brien aroused controversy by spearheading a boycott of Arizona due to its law regarding illegal immigration, Arizona SB 1070. He also supported a resolution made by the U.S. Conference of Mayors that called for the United States to pull its troops out of Afghanistan. O'Brien took stances on taxes, such as supporting shifting taxes from businesses to homeowners and raising the state income tax, generated opposition.

O'Brien then served for one term as an at-large seat on the City Council. O'Brien currently works as the Political & Finance Director for Congressman James McGovern and is an Adjunct Professor at Clark University in Worcester. He also works as an EMS Paramedic part-time in Central Massachusetts.

Achievements

On November 3, 2009, O'Brien won the mayoral election with 50% of the vote. He also created the Mayor’s Task Force on Latino Student Excellence to address the growing achievement gap for Latino students.

Membership

He is currently an at-large member of the Worcester, Massachusetts City Council.

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Joseph O'Brien

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