MAAPS Honors Secretary Marylou Sudders at International Women’s Day Celebration
MAAPS honored former Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders for her leadership in disability advocacy at its International Women’s Day event, held this year on Friday, March 7. The Secretary received the James V. Major Award, created to recognize outstanding service to the association, its member schools and their students. During the event, Sudders joined MAAPS Executive Director Elizabeth Dello Russo Becker for a fireside chat that highlighted the importance of resilience, community, and focus during challenging times.
“Transformative leadership from Secretary Sudders and her team throughout the COVID-19 pandemic supported our schools in providing essential services to students and families amidst unprecedented challenges,” said Elizabeth Becker, Executive Director of MAAPS. “As we again navigate uncertain times, MAAPS membership is grateful for her expertise and contributions to ensure every child in Massachusetts can access the education and services to meet their needs.”
Friday’s Women in Leadership event brought together nearly 100 women leaders from across MAAPS membership to build connections and support a talent pipeline for emerging leaders. The James V. Major award, renamed in 2019 for former MAAPS executive director of 30 years Jim Major, is presented to individuals who demonstrate their commitment to the association through the contribution of their time, expertise and leadership. “The James V. Major award is the highest honor we can provide as a community of approved special education schools, and no one is more deserving of our highest honor than Secretary Sudders for her leadership and lifetime of support of the students we serve,” said Shaun Cusson, President and CEO of Hillcrest Educational Foundation, Inc. and President of the MAAPS Board of Directors.
“I’m humbled to receive the James V. Major award and resolved to continue this critical work with MAAPS and its members to protect the rights of children with disabilities,” Marylou Sudders said. “Massachusetts has always led on special education, and our continued leadership in the coming months and years has the potential to shape special education for the next generation.”
A social worker committed to well being, equity and high quality care, Marylou Sudders dedicated over 25 years to public service, including as Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Commonwealth under Governor Charlie Baker. During her tenure as the Commonwealth’s longest serving secretary, Massachusetts was consistently ranked among the healthiest states – for prenatal and maternal care access, mental health care and access, child well-being, and long term services and supports for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Her accomplishments include overhauling Medicaid into a population-based health program, instituting systemic child welfare reforms, spearheading significant investments in behavioral health, and resolving two longstanding judicial consent decrees involving children’s mental health and acquired brain injury services. Prior to serving the Commonwealth, Sudders led the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, working for the rights and well-being of around 24,000 children and families.