Patrick-Murray Administration To Launch Webpage For Available Boards And Commissions Positions

02:55PM / Friday, May 15, 2009

BOSTON, Mass. – In keeping with the administration’s commitment to government transparency and consistent promotion of public service, Governor Deval Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray have launched a new website for vacancies on boards and commissions to which the Governor makes appointments.

For the first time, Massachusetts residents will have better access to participate in state government by applying to serve on these important governing bodies.  The Governor will make roughly 2,500 appointments to over 700 boards and commissions in his first term, made up almost entirely of volunteers willing to contribute their time and expertise to the betterment of the Commonwealth.

“This website will continue to boost accessibility to and engagement with state government for citizens throughout Massachusetts,” said Governor Patrick. “I encourage people to get involved in public service, and to apply for a board or commission.”

"We encourage Massachusetts residents to visit this webpage to find out what opportunities exist for participation on boards and commissions or simply to learn more about the roles these bodies play in state government and the lives of people everyday," said Lieutenant Governor Murray.

To date, Governor Patrick has appointed 1,272 active citizens to state boards and commissions. Reflecting his dedication to diversity, Governor Patrick’s appointments represent a range of demographics from all over Massachusetts:

* Approximately 25% are persons of color

* Approximately 40% are women

* Appointees hail from 248 cities and towns across the Commonwealth

* 12% Western Massachusetts

* 12% Central Massachusetts

* 6% North Shore

* 5% Cape and Islands

* 9% South Shore

* 42% Greater Boston

* 7% Metro West

* 6% Merrimac Valley

The boards and commissions website will make it easy to learn more about and apply online for opportunities to serve on a wide range of boards, from boards of trustees at state and community colleges to the bodies that regulate professional licensure. There are boards associated with virtually every area of policymaking, from the over 300 Housing and Redevelopment Authorities to the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources. Every facet of Massachusetts government holds opportunities for active citizenship through a related board or commission.

Visitors to the web site will be able to easily search for boards by policy area and by keyword. When using the application submission feature, candidates can specify a specific board of interest or up to three relevant policy areas. The site allows uploading of résumés and cover letters in any common format as well as through direct text entry. Submitted applications will instantly be added to a new central database of all individuals who are interested in serving on boards and commissions.

The boards and commissions website can be found at www.mass.gov/governor/boards.