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Dec. 14, 2006 • Volume 15 Number 8
Kevin Shea
Archdiocese Communications Director Shea to Join BC
Will succeed Lehane as executive assistant to University President
By Sean Smith
Chronicle Editor
The way Kevin Shea sees it, he's already worked for two of the most prominent institutions in New England - the Boston Red Sox and the Archdiocese of Boston - and now he's about to join a third: Boston College.
This Monday, Shea will officially become executive assistant to University President William P. Leahy, SJ, after serving as director of media relations and communications for the Archdiocese of Boston since 2005. He also worked for the Boston Red Sox for 15 years, holding positions in marketing, media and community relations and internal and external communications.
"I think there are many similarities between the three institutions," said Shea, the successor to Jim Lehane, who resigned last June to become director of the Sandwich Community School in Sandwich.
"The passion and devotion they inspire among their constituents is profound. We know how much people care about the Red Sox, of course; and we've seen a renewed level of dedication expressed towards the Archdiocese of Boston these past few years.
"I've been similarly struck by the vibrant enthusiasm of people who've studied, and who work, at BC. It's clearly an exciting place and I look forward to being a part of it."
As executive assistant to the president, Shea will oversee the day-to-day operation of Botolph House and serve as Fr. Leahy's liaison within the University and to the larger community.
A Milton native and 1989 graduate of the College of Holy Cross, Shea has cultivated numerous personal and professional ties to the University - beginning with his grandfather, a BC alumnus who arranged to have his wedding take place on campus. His wife Marlene is also a graduate of the Class of 1995.
Shea notes that when he began his tenure with the Red Sox, the team was still under the direction of CEO John Harrington '57 and then-Executive Vice President John Buckley '66, who impressed Shea with their loyalty to their alma mater. The Red Sox later created more formal ties with the University when they established a partnership with BC through the Fenway Sports Group.
As communications director for the Archdiocese of Boston, Shea says, he saw first-hand Boston College's commitment to aid the Catholic Church, most notably through the Church in the 21st Century initiative, and its assistance to struggling Archdiocesan schools.
"Working for the Red Sox straight out of college was a dream job for a kid from Milton," Shea said. "My decision to work for the Archdiocese was based on a number of factors, in particular out of my own personal desire to put my skills and experience to use in helping the Church and Cardinal O'Malley at a time of great need.
"I have been extremely fortunate during my professional career. Coming to BC is another dream job. And, as with the Red Sox and the Archdiocese, it goes right to the passion and devotion you see before you. That passion can also present challenges, but largely it is a unique force for something positive."
Shea sees other parallels in past, present and future employers.
"I've worked with John Harrington and with [Boston Archbishop] Sean O'Malley, and found them both to be humble, reserved, reluctant to be in the spotlight, but extremely intelligent and exceedingly capable people.
"From what I've observed, Fr. Leahy is much the same way. His dedication, his work ethic, his leadership and his vision are remarkable. He has achieved so much at BC over these past 10 years and he has positioned the University to take its next major leap forward. I look forward to helping him in any way I can."
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