BOSTON, Mass. /Massachusetts Newswire/ — Governor Deval Patrick today announced two appointments to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD): attorney Julian T. Tynes as the new MCAD Chair and Jamie R. Williamson as an MCAD Commissioner, based in Springfield. The MCAD, the state’s chief civil rights agency, works to eliminate discrimination on a variety of bases and areas, and strives to advance the civil rights of the people of the Commonwealth through law enforcement, outreach and training.
“Julian and Jamie bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Commission,” said Governor Patrick. “Each has demonstrated a deep commitment to working for justice and equality throughout their careers, and I thank them for their willingness to serve the Commonwealth in this important role.”
Julian T. Tynes has served as Assistant General Counsel for Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services in the Department of Developmental Services since 2001, where he primarily handles labor and employment cases. Tynes is a former teacher in the Boston and Springfield public school systems, and also taught Black History in the University of Massachusetts College Preparatory Program. Tynes is a graduate of University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Eastern Nazarene College and Western New England College School of Law, and currently resides in Springfield. Tynes will succeed Malcom Medley as Chair of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
Jamie R. Williamson has held the position of Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fair Housing Center in Holyoke since 2003, where she designs and implements agency programs including education and testing as well as conducting fair housing and lending research. Ms. Williamson serves on the Board of Directors for a number of community organizations including the Norman Rockwell Museum. Williamson was the first African-American elected as Councilor-at-Large for the City of Pittsfield and still resides in Pittsfield today. Williamson is a graduate of Smith College. She is slated to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Marty Ebel.
Outgoing Chair Malcolm S. Medley has served as Chairman of the MCAD since November 2007 and plans a return to private practice. “I want to thank Malcolm for his service and commitment to justice. I wish him well in this next stage of his career,” said Governor Patrick.
For more information about the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination visit http://www.mass.gov/mcad .
