Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
After much reflection and consideration, I have decided to share the news that I will be retiring as MMA Executive Director & CEO in September, when I celebrate my 65th birthday.
This has not been an easy decision, as I still feel great energy and passion for this amazing job, which I love very much. I am inspired every day by our extraordinary members and staff, and I know that MMA has exciting and important work to do in the months and years ahead.
Yet, after 31 years in this role, this feels like the right time for me to transition to a new phase in my life, so I can dedicate more time for my family, and make more space for other pursuits such as writing, researching, teaching, and mentoring.
I’ve spent seventy-five percent of my career and nearly half my life at the MMA. During this time, my colleagues on the staff have improved every part of our operation. They have expanded our services, modernized our systems, and built a truly impactful organization. The credit for all our gains belongs with these dedicated and gifted professionals. My only real accomplishment has been to hire and support them as best I could along the way.
The MMA has grown and evolved in so many ways since 1992. Our transformation and progress has been made possible by you and your predecessors in local government – you have stepped forward to volunteer countless hours to guide, advise, and support the MMA. Your involvement with MMA has been on top of your service to your neighbors and neighborhoods, which makes me doubly grateful. You are public servants in the highest and best sense of the expression, giving your time and talents to the mission and vision of building strong and vibrant communities in your hometown and across Massachusetts.
I’ve made this announcement early, giving the Association eight months to plan for this transition. I will support the Board of Directors, staff, and members as the Board moves forward with a search process to select my successor, and I will devote my full energy to leading our organization until my retirement later this year.
Working at MMA has been an honor that I will cherish always, and I head into my next chapter confident that this change will present new and exciting opportunities for MMA, and certain that our best days are ahead of us!
With deep gratitude,
Geoff Beckwith
Executive Director & CEO
