Legislative Fellow
The Legislative Fellow is a BSCES member who serves as a technical resource at the Massachusetts State House. The Legislative Fellow generally works with the staff of the Joint Committee on Transportation on current issues that can benefit from the input of an engineering professional. Most efforts focus on transportation or environmental initiatives but can vary. A Legislative Fellow has the ability to solve real world problems at the state house that impact the Commonwealth. This highly visible position also provides the participant an opportunity to serve the public while giving back to BSCES and the civil engineering profession. Other benefits include office space at the state house, access to State House News Service, access to state house tours, attendance at legislative conferences, access to the legislative chamber, and the ability to meet and work with our legislators. Legislative Fellows develop a further appreciation of how rules and regulations are developed.
The Legislative Fellow receives a stipend from BSCES dependent on time of service.
The position of BSCES Legislative Fellow is currently unfilled while the BSCES Board of Government and Legislative Fellow Committee assess the viability of the fellowship program moving forward. Look to this landing page for an announcement of applications for the next Legislative Fellowship.
Click here to read some frequently asked questions about the Legislative Fellowship.
Most Recent Legislative Fellow:
Heather M. Ford
hmford@comcast.net
Heather served as the 2019-2020 BSCES Legislative Fellow and worked at the Massachusetts State House in conjunction with the Joint Committee on Transportation staff to provide technical expertise on a range of current issues relating to the engineering profession. Her responsibilities included acting as a liaison between the Massachusetts Legislature and the engineering community, researching legislative initiatives, drafting bill summaries, and providing policy and technical advice to legislators. Heather also served as the 2005-2006 BSCES Legislative Fellow. Commenting on her role Heather noted:
"While I was a Legislative Fellow, I found the most important aspect of my day was to make personal connections with the staff of the representatives and senators. Once you know people, it gets easier for them to seek you out."
Past Legislative Fellows:
2018-2018: Bryon Clemence, PE
2016-2017: Michael Sullivan, PE
2013-2014: David "Doc" Westerling, PE, PLS
2011-2012: Sudhir Murthy, PE, PTOE
2009-2010: William F. Lyons Jr., PE, Esq.
2007-2008: Michael W. Hurley, PE
2005-2006: Heather M. Ford
2004: Melvin E. Jones, PE (d. 2007)
2003: Tony Centore, PE
2002: Anatoly Darov, PE, Esq.
2001: David "Doc" Westerling, PE, PLS
For more information about the program, please contact the Legislative Fellow Committee.