Beacon College Welcomes Esteemed Business Leader to Its Board of Trustees
Beacon College is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. James T. Brett to its Board of Trustees. A nationally respected business advocate and longtime champion for individuals with disabilities, his decades of leadership experience in business operations, strategic planning, policymaking, and governance will provide invaluable insight as Beacon College continues to advance its mission and long-term growth.
James. T. Brett: As president and CEO of The New England Council since 1996, he has transformed the organization into the region’s premier business advocacy group, significantly increasing membership and advancing federal policy on critical issues like healthcare, energy, and technology. A former 15-year member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, Brett is also a renowned champion for the disabled community, having led the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities under three administrations and played a key role in passing the federal ABLE Act.
Recognized with 19 honorary degrees and numerous lifetime achievement awards, he currently leads the Governor’s Commission on Intellectual Disability and the Massachusetts Disabled Persons Protection Commission. He holds degrees from American University, Suffolk University, and Harvard University, and remains active in his community through nonprofit service.
Beacon College Board Chair Sarah Flanagan welcomed Brett’s appointment: “I know that I join President [George] Hagerty, my fellow trustees, and the entire Beacon community in welcoming Jim to the college’s board,” Flanagan said. “His election continues Beacon’s strategic ambition to strengthen the institutional governance by attracting national leaders whose work has prepared them to shepherd the college’s development and influence at a time demanding higher education innovation and sound judgment. We consider ourselves enormously fortunate to have brought his experience to the institution.”
With Brett’s appointment, Beacon College continues to strengthen its leadership team with individuals deeply committed to advancing the college’s mission and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
Leadership
Beacon’s Senior Leadership Team, along with the Board of Trustees, are entrusted with envisioning a present and future that both safeguards the College’s singular undergraduate mission and anticipates evolving student expectations. Learn more about the College’s Leadership Team!
Leadership