New England Council President and CEO Jim Brett will be honored by Community Work Services as the first recipient of their Lifetime Achievement and Advocacy Award for Individuals with Disabilities. Community Work Services is turning 140 years old, and will be having a gala party on November 9, 2017 at the Omni Parker House Hotel.
Mr. Brett has been President and CEO of the New England Council since 1996. The Council, a nationally respected and influential regional organization, was established in 1925. It 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 region.
“We selected Jim for this prestigious award for his work at the local and the national level over decades to promote and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities” said Craig Stenning, Executive Director of Community Work Services.
“I can think of no better way to celebrate Community Work Service’s birthday. Thanks for honoring Jim Brett” said Paul Davis, Chair of the Community Work Services Board. “He embodies both the deep commitment and the pioneering spirit that drives Community Work Services.
Throughout his career, Mr. Brett has been an outspoken advocate for People with Intellectual Disabilities. In 2016, The United States Congress appointed Mr. Brett to the National Council on Disability. He is the former President of the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health. In 2013, The University of Massachusetts Boston established the James T. Brett Chair in Disability and Workforce Development, the Nation’s only endowed chair in Disability and Workforce Development. In 2011 President Barack Obama appointed Mr. Brett as Chairman of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities and reappointed him in 2014 and 2015. In 2002, President George W. Bush appointed Jim as a member of the President’s Committee on Mental Retardation and reappointed him as a member in 2004. In 1996, Bay Cove Human Services of Boston named a new Community Home for Disabled Adults “Brett House” in his honor.
He has received numerous awards for his outstanding public service, leadership, citizenship, and generosity. He has been recognized by Hospice of Boston as Humanitarian of the Year and the Boston Red Sox designated Mr. Brett as Disability Advocate from 2009-2011, which included throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Fenway Park.
Mr. Brett has been inducted into the Hall of Fame of both Massachusetts Special Olympics and Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD).
He has been awarded with Papal Honors including being named a Knight of Malta and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.
