Downing Lauds Local Appointment To Statewide Commission
Pam Malumphy Appointed to Massachusetts Commission on the Status of WomenState Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D-Pittsfield) announces that the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators has appointed local leader Pam Malumphy to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.
“Pam brings to the table a unique perspective gained from her professional career in public service and community involvement,” said Downing, who submitted a letter of support to the Women’s Caucus for Malumphy’s appointment. “Pam is a natural fit to the Commission and her sincere understanding of the issues facing women in western Massachusetts will add great value to the Commission’s work.” Ms. Malumphy is a former Pittsfield City Councilor and currently serves as the Regional Director for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD).
The Legislature established the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women in September of 2004; the first commissioners were sworn in the following February. At that time Ms. Malumphy was elected Chair of the Berkshire County Commission on the Status of Women, a post she served until September of 2007.
Malumphy will continue to serve as a commissioner on the Berkshire County Commission however Susan L. Brown, Special Assistant to MCLA President Dr. Mary Grant will assume the role of Chair.
Upon learning of her appointment, Malumphy said, “I am thankful to the Caucus of Women Legislators for appointing me to the State Commission on the Status of Women. Challenges faced by girls and women are issues for which I have great passion and I look forward to bringing my commitment and skill to the State Commission. I am also thankful to those who supported my candidacy including Senator Benjamin Downing, Mayor James Ruberto, President Mary Grant and Jennifer Tierney Stoked, founder of Women Helping Empower Neighborhoods (WHEN!).”
During her tenure as Chair, Malumphy and the Berkshire Commission have committed to one single focus- teen pregnancy prevention. County-wide meetings are being held to discuss ways to develop a united, collaborative community response to this burgeoning crisis. Berkshire County’s rural setting presents a set of challenges unique in the Commonwealth including transportation, childcare and broadband access. These issues compound the challenges faced by girls and women in the county. In her new role, Malumphy will bring the issues of Berkshire County to the State Commission and will continue her advocacy for girls and women by embracing the issues the State Commission focuses on including wage equity, access to education, poverty.
“We applaud Pam’s leadership on the Berkshire County’s women’s commission,” said Representative Marty Walz (D-Boston), House Chair of the Caucus of Women Legislators. “We are honored to appoint Pam to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women and look forward to working with her on the important issues affecting the women in Berkshire County and across the Commonwealth.”
In 1998, the Legislature established the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women as an independent state agency to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The Commission unites 19 diverse members appointed by the Governor, Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Caucus of Women Legislators. Commissioners serve on a voluntary basis and the work of the Commission is aided by a staff of four. To learn more about the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, visit www.mass.gov/women.
