Thomas J. Keady Jr. (Photo courtesy of Northeastern University)
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Thomas J. Keady Jr. (Photo courtesy of Northeastern University) |
An Allston native who resides in West Roxbury, Keady brings extensive experience to the position, including 15 years with Northeastern, where he served as director of city relations (1981-1991) and director of government relations and community affairs (1991-2000) before being named vice president of government relations in 2000.
While at Northeastern, he was responsible for all aspects of the university's relationships with federal, state and city governments as well as its interaction with local community groups. He played a key role in securing increased federal support, including a $15 million grant, the largest in Northeastern's history, and helped to strengthen Northeastern's relationships with city agencies and various neighborhood associations.
Prior to joining Northeastern, Keady served as staff director to former Boston City Councilor Michael McCormack and as a legislative aide to former City Councilor James M. Connolly. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Boston, where he earned a degree in political science.
"Tom Keady brings a wealth of experience in government and community relations at the university level to this important position at Boston College," said University President William P. Leahy, SJ. "He is a well-respected practitioner who has the knowledge, background and proven track record in higher education and government affairs that are needed to help advance the mission of Boston College."
Keady said he is eager to embrace the challenge of directing BC's government and community relations efforts.
"Boston College is a premier, Top 40 university that is internationally recognized for its academic excellence," said Keady. "I grew up nearby in Allston and worked 10 years for two city councilors, so I know many of the political, civic and neighborhood leaders with whom I will be working. I look forward to developing an open relationship with them, and I believe that my appointment will be a positive experience for Boston College, the cities of Newton and Boston and particularly the Allston-Brighton communities."