Massachusetts Select Board Association Newly Elected Training

Friday - June 12, 2026
8:30 am – 3:30 pm

The Massachusetts Select Board Association will hold a free training session for newly elected select board members on Friday, June 12, in Devens.

The training will include sessions on municipal finance, the open meeting and public records laws, and other key topics for members of select boards.

Attendees will also have opportunities to network with colleagues from around the state and hear from veteran select board members.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m. The program will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be served.

Agenda

8:30 a.m.
Registration and Networking Breakfast

9 a.m.
Welcome Remarks and MSA Overview
• Debra Roberts, MSA President, Stoughton Select Board
• Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Executive Director and CEO

9:20 a.m.
From Campaigning to Governing: Navigating Your First Select Board Term
• Kathryn Coughlin, MSA Secretary, Natick Select Board Chair
• Kiana Baskin, MSA District 3 Representative, Sharon Select Board
• Peter Cusolito, MSA District 5 Representative, Leicester Select Board
• Moderator: Debra Roberts, MSA President, Stoughton Select Board

10:15 a.m.
Introduction to Open Meeting and Public Records Laws
• Attorney Karis North, Partner, Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP

11:30 a.m.
Break

11:35 a.m.
Regional Networking

12:15 p.m.
Lunch

1 p.m.
Municipal Finance 101
• Jessica Ferry, Project Manager at Division of Local Services’ Financial Management Resource Bureau
• Jamie Farnum, Project Manager at Division of Local Services’ Financial Management Resource Bureau

2 p.m.
The Select Board Member’s Guide to Municipal Labor & Employment
• Attorney Jaime Kenny, Clifford & Kenny LLP
• Attorney Caitlin Morey, Clifford & Kenny LLP

3:15 p.m.
Adjournment
• Debra Roberts, MSA President, Stoughton Select Board

The training is targeted to newly elected select board members, but any select board member is welcome to attend for a refresher.

Newly elected select board members are encouraged to share their contact information with the MMA (by email, to [email protected]) in order to receive information about MSA events.

Location
Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens

Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Martin Davis

Registration
Register