As the John
& Abigail Adams Benefit -- slated for January 29 at the MFA's new Art of
the Americas Wing -- continues to gain momentum, the Boston Bar Foundation today
announced that John F. Fish, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Suffolk
Construction Company, Inc. will be honored with the BBF's prestigious 2011
Public Service Award that evening.
The Adams Benefit is the premier fundraiser of the BBF, a charity dedicated
to improving access to justice for those who need it most, promoting public
understanding of the law and supporting innovative community outreach programs
in Boston. To date, the event has already raised more than $430,000 with a goal
of $550,000.
"John Fish personifies commitment to the community and strategic
philanthropy," said Christopher Kenney, Co-Chair of the 2011 Adams Benefit and a
partner at the law firm of Kenney & Sams. "In addition to providing
significant resources where they can make a real difference, John also gives
generously of his time and talent."
Under Mr. Fish's leadership, Suffolk has grown into one of the most
successful privately-held general building contractors in the country. In 2010,
Suffolk was listed #31 on Engineering News Record's (ENR) list of "Top 400
Contractors" list, and #30 on the publication's "Top Green Contractors" list.
Mr. Fish has also reinforced a strong corporate culture focused on giving back
to people in need. He encourages his employees to become influencers in their
local communities and consistently lead by example while striving to exceed
expectations with clients, partners, and the people and businesses in the
surrounding neighborhoods.
Mr. Fish is heavily involved in community and philanthropic initiatives. He
received the "New Englander of the Year Award" from the New England Council and
a special Public Service Award from the National Association of Industrial and
Office Properties (NAIOP) recognizing his civic accomplishments. He also
received the Lewis Family Foundation "CEO Social Leadership Award" for his
commitment to inner city children, and the Anti-Defamation League's "Torch of
Liberty" award for his efforts in raising awareness around discrimination. He
has been the recipient of the Tabor Academy" 2008 Distinguished Service Award"
for his generosity to the school's campus and students. Mr. Fish has also been
recognized for his work on national organizations such as the Anti-Defamation
League (ADL), Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and National
Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).
Mr. Fish serves on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of
Boston. He is also the Chairman of the Red & Blue Foundation, Suffolk's
non-profit initiative, and sits on boards and executive committees for the Boys
& Girls Clubs of Boston, Salvation Army, Catholic Schools Foundation, Boston
College, Tabor Academy and Boston Symphony Orchestra.
He is a trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and serves on the
Executive Committee for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the
Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jobs for Mass, Boston Plan for Excellence and
the Private Industry Council. He also serves as the Chair of the Board of
Directors for Mass Competitiveness.
Among previous winners of the BBF's Public Service Award are Edward C.
Johnson 3d, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Investments;
Theresa Heinz, Chairman of Heinz Family Philanthropies; Jeffrey Swartz,
President & CEO of The Timberland Company, and Jack Connors, Jr., Founding
Partner and Chairman, Hill Holliday Connors & Cosmopulos, Inc.