ABCD is pleased to honor a tireless advocate for disadvantaged New England residents, James T. Brett. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of The New England Council – a position he has held for more than ten years.

The Council - established in 1925 - is an alliance of schools, hospitals, corporations and other private organizations throughout New England, working together to promote economic growth and a high quality of life in the New England region.

Under Jim's leadership, the Council’s efforts on Capitol Hill have helped secure a five-year high level of federal funding for New England institutions, with consistent increases in the health and science areas. The Council has also become financially stronger and broadened its base under Jim's leadership. In the past five years, membership has increased more than 46 percent, and annual assets have increased more than 700 percent.

Before joining the Council, Jim served for more than 15 years as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. He held a succession of important leadership positions, including the chairmanship of two significant committees in the Massachusetts legislature. In these positions, he brought together various constituencies to create economic opportunity for the Commonwealth's citizens and businesses.

Jim was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as a Member on The President's Committee on Mental Retardation, renamed in 2003, The President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. Tommy Thompson, Former Health and Human Services Secretary said of Jim: “Every day, the lives of people with intellectual disabilities are enriched by the work of this committee. James Brett is a leader who is helping to strengthen those lives.” Jim is also Chairman of the Governor's Commission on Mental Retardation.

He was named Humanitarian of the Year by Hospice of Boston. In 1996, Bay Cove Human Services of Boston named a new community home for disabled adults "Brett House" in his honor.

“Jim Brett has done so much for ABCD programs and for disadvantaged residents throughout Massachusetts,” said ABCD President/CEO Bob Coard. “In the State House, he advocated tirelessly for increased fuel assistance funding, and spent countless hours fighting for legislation that protects our community health centers. He is always there for people and communities in need. It’s an honor to work alongside him.”

In June of 2001, Jim received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the UMass-Boston. In addition to a bachelor's degree from American University, he holds master's degrees in public administration from both Suffolk University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Mr. Brett and his wife Patricia reside in Dorchester, Massachusetts.