Westwood Select Board Member, Michael F. Walsh

I want to share some basic information about myself and my family. I was born in Mission Hill, raised in the Lower Mills Section of Dorchester, and moved to West Roxbury with my wife, Linda (Carroll) Walsh, in 1997. I am the son of Frank (former Boston Police Officer) and Cathy Walsh (former VP of Meetinghouse Cooperative Bank). I am the brother of Cam Walsh, Carolyn Kain, and John Walsh.

I moved to Westwood in 2005 with my wife and 3 children for a better public education and a high quality of life. I attended Don Bosco Technical High School, graduated from Suffolk University with an undergraduate degree, and then went on to law school at Suffolk. I worked for Wynn and Wynn, P.C., before starting my own private practice in Westwood 24 years ago.

My wife and I have been actively involved in the town. We raised 3 wonderful children in the town and put them through Westwood Public Schools, where they later attended highly ranked colleges and are thriving.

Marissa, a 2017 graduate, attended Bentley University and is currently working in finance in Boston. Christopher, 2019 graduate, attended Providence College, and then went on to the MGH-Institute for Health Professionals and became an RN, now working at BWH in Oncology. Julie, a 2021 graduate, went on to Elon University, and is currently seeking her master’s degree in social work from Boston College, while working at Broderick's Gymnastics as a coach.

My wife, Linda, has dedicated her life to working in the public sector. She is currently a Project Manager with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and sits on the executive board for her union, MOSES. She attended St. Clare’s High School and graduated from Northeastern University. She has also served on the town’s long-range land-use committee and is currently a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA).

Many people leave Westwood after their children have graduated. My wife and I have decided to continue our lives here in Westwood because we value everything about the town. I would be honored if I could gain your trust and vote to be back on the Westwood Select Board. Thanks in advance.

RESUME

Law Offices of Michael F Walsh, PC*- Westwood, MA (2002 to date)
As the founding partner responsible for managing all aspects of a law practice, including payroll, budgeting, and human resources. The practice focuses on Workers' Compensation, Social Security Disability, and personal injury claims. (* Now d/b/a WC & SS Law Group)
Voted Best of Boston for Workers Compensation Attorneys 2022, 2023, 2024.

Westwood Selectmen (now Select Board) (2014 to 2023)
A member of the Select Board, including as Chair (2015-2016, 2018-2019, 2020-2021). Responsible for the community's leadership, including all aspects of decision-making for all municipal issues, setting and adjusting the town budget, making appointments to various town committees, and selecting important town officials. Duties included community engagement, and chairing numerous committees and sub-committees. We constructed a new East Street Bridge and three new municipal facilities within the Proposition 2 ½ during my tenure. We redeveloped the Islington Center of town with vibrant businesses while preserving the charm of the village's appearance, working closely with the Town Administrator and department heads to find the best solutions for the town and all resident issues.

Wynn & Wynn, PC (1988-2002)
Associate and then Partner in the Workers Compensation Department at the largest firm in southeastern Massachusetts. Manager of the Boston office.
Murphy & Beane (1988)
Associate in the Workers Compensation Department, Defense work for clients, including the MBTA

Professional Experience:
Massachusetts Municipal Selectman Association President (2022-2023)
Massachusetts Municipal Selectman Association 1st Vice President (2021-2022)
Massachusetts Municipal Selectman Association Secretary (2019-2021)
Professional Associations & Memberships
Current President of the Bar Association of Norfolk County (2025-2026)
ProVisors® New England Group Leader (2017 to date)
Vice-President of the Suffolk University College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Board, 2004-2008
Former Member of the Suffolk University Law School Alumni Board, 2001-2003
Westwood Rotary Club (2015 to date)
Adjunct Professor, Suffolk University (2008-2010)
Suffolk University Legal Studies Advisory Board (2008 to 2022)
Dorchester YMCA Board of Directors (1996-2000)
Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Association (2021 to 2027)

Education
Bachelor of Arts, (cum laude) - Suffolk University, 1984
Juris Doctor - Suffolk University Law School, 1987

Bar Admissions
United States Supreme Court (1993)
United States District Court (1988)
United States Court of Appeals (1998)
Massachusetts State Bar (1987)

Town Boards, including as Chair
Chair of the Conservation Committee (2025-present)
Cemetery Commission Executive Board (2022 to date)
Council on Aging Executive Board (2022 to date)
Housing Partnership Fair Housing Committee Member
Lien Process Board Member
Local Emergency Planning Committee Member
Islington Center Task Force Member (Chair)
John J. Cronin Public Service Award Committee
Long-Range Financial Planning Committee Member
Massachusetts School Building Authority Member
Norfolk County Selectmen's Association Member
Westwood Emergency Management Agency Member
Norfolk County Advisory Board Member
Wild Harbor Yacht Club Commodore (2015-2017)
Wild Harbor Yacht Club Vice Commodore (2013-2015)
Wild Harbor Yacht Club Rear Commodore (2011-2013)
Wild Harbor Yacht Club Board of Directors (2008 to date)
Member of the Massachusetts Bar Association

Volunteer Services
Volunteer Meals on Wheels Program 2021 to date
Rotary Club of Westwood (2015 to date)

Other Experience
Certified Mediator for MA Probate & Family Court
Certified Attorney Representing Children before the Probate Court
Part-time Professional DJ assisting with the Westwood Day Road Race (annually), Sheehan School Fundraisers (2021-2022), Westwood Youth Hockey, IAM Strong Foundation, & Westwood Community Chest.