2024 Cushing-Gavin Awards Recap

Elizabeth Neumeier was awarded the Father Edward F. Boyle Award for her outstanding service to the labor movement in the public sector for over forty-one years. She provided her services in labor arbitration and to many New England regions. Ms. Neumeier was admitted to the National Academy of Arbitrators (NAA) in 1990 and served as a member of the NAA Board of Governors and as Vice President, and she continues to serve on numerous committees, nationally and for the New England region. She chaired the Program Committee for the Labor Arbitration Conference, sponsored by the University of Rhode Island Charles T. Schmidt, Jr. Labor Research Center in partnership with the NAA New England Region in 2022 and 2023. In 1991-1992 she served President of the Society of Professionals in Dispute Resolution (SPIDR), now the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). Ms. Neumeier and her colleague Sheila Mayberry are Faculty Members of the Guild Labor School, most recently presenting a workshop on Arbitration this past November. Ms. Neumeier has a B.A. in Economics from New York University, a J.D. from Boston University School of Law and is a member of the Massachusetts bar. Massachusetts Governor Deval L. Patrick appointed Ms. Neumeier to the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board in 2008, where she served for eight years. She volunteers with the Maine Adaptive skiing program and on the Gloucester Local Cultural Council.

Jim Pinkham was awarded the Labor Award for his excellent service and contributions to Massachusetts. He began his career in 1982 as a cleaner at the L Street Power Plant before becoming an underground cable splicer for Boston Edison/ Eversource. Since being severely injured in a manhole explosion in 1989, Jim has remained very active in Local 369 and the labor movement. For 15 years, he served as President of the Plymouth/Bristol Central Labor Council, representing labor in 26 communities throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. He also served as Treasurer of the Brotherhood of Utility Workers Council and director of the Pilgrim Foundation Council, a non-profit with a $5 million endowment that provides funding for municipal projects and community programs in Brockton. Since 2019, Jim has served as a director of the Wound Healing Foundation. Jim also served on the Executive Council of the Massachusetts AFL-CIO from 2008 until this year when he stepped down. His experience also includes nine years as a Director for Members Plus Credit Union, and seven years as a Director for the South Shore Workforce Investment Board (2006-2012). His political experience includes serving on the transition team for the Massachusetts State Treasurer. He is a past Vice Chair of the Norwell Democratic Town Committee and remains an active member. He is also a member of the Town of Norwell Board of Registrars. Jim and his wife of 48 years, Anne Marie, live in Norwell. They have two sons, Jason and Craig, as well as five grandchildren.

Roland N. Goff was awarded the Labor Attorney Award. Roland has collaborated with the nurses and health care professionals of the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA) since 2000. During this period Roland negotiated numerous collective bargaining agreements with local unit committees, assisted in organizing several strikes, represented the MNA as various state and national organizations, and assisted in the pursuit of the MNA legislative agenda – including the yet to be achieved nurse to patient limits required for safe patient care. Before coming to the MNA, Roland worked as an associate at Schwarzwald, Robiner & Rock, in Cleveland, Ohio, Harlem Legal Services in New York City, and the Office of Management and Budget for the City of New York. Prior to attending law school, Roland spent two years in a volunteer program operated by the Sinsinawa Dominicans. During his first year in the program while in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he operated a shelter for homeless people and worked with the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition (JRLC) lobbying Minnesota legislators on social welfare legislation. During his second year in the program, on the Southside of Chicago, Roland operated a food distribution program for neighborhood residents and coached the St. Basil’s School basketball team. Roland was born in Taunton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Coyle and Cassidy High School. He received a B.A. in Political Science from Marquette University, a J.D. from Cornell Law School, and a M.P.A. from Columbia University.

Henry Vitale, C.P.A was awarded the Management Award. Henry F. Vitale is an accomplished leader with a robust track record in strategic business management, organizational development, and company leadership. With over two decades of experience in steering transformative projects and delivering measurable results, Henry has consistently driven growth through innovative approaches and a people-centric ethos. Henry began his career at the Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) in 1992 as a Financial Analyst. As a proud Bostonian with a passion for helping people, Henry saw BWSC as the ideal place to build his career. In March 1995, he was appointed Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, roles in which he demonstrated significant expertise and dedication. His distinguished service and leadership culminated in his appointment as Executive Director in January 2013, where he has since led BWSC with a focus on maintaining its high standards as New England’s oldest and largest water, sewer, and stormwater management system. Under Henry’s stewardship, BWSC has earned multiple distinguished accolades. Notably, the Commission’s tap water was named “Best of the Best” by the American Water Works Association. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health recognized BWSC with the “Regional Recognition Award” and a “Citation for Consistent Service.” Henry’s leadership was further acknowledged when he received the Henry L. Shattuck Chairman’s Award, an honor given to city department heads who have made exceptional contributions to Boston. Central to Henry’s leadership philosophy is a steadfast commitment to labor management excellence. He champions transparent, collaborative relationships between management and employees, fostering an environment where open dialogue and mutual respect are paramount. This dedication ensures that workforce needs are met equitably, promoting productivity while upholding worker rights. Henry is deeply committed to addressing issues of justice within the workplace. By fostering an environment where every team member is treated with dignity and fairness, Henry empowers employees to excel in their roles, ensuring that Boston residents receive the highest quality water service. Henry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Marketing from Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and is a Certified Public Accountant. He is an active member of professional associations, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Society of Public Accountants, the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Water Works Association, and the Government Finance Officers Association. Additionally, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, is a Trustee of the Boston Ground Water Trust and a member of the Climate Control Commission. A lifelong Boston resident, Henry is committed to civic engagement and actively participates in various community and professional endeavors, exemplifying his dedication to public service and the continuous improvement of his beloved city.