Mayor Thomas M. Menino presided over the swearing in of Michael D. O'Neill to the Boston School Committee for a new term. Mayor Menino appointed Mr. O'Neill last July to fulfill the term vacated by former member Michele Brooks who was named Assistant Superintendent for Family and Student Engagement for the Boston Public Schools. His term will now expire on January 7, 2013.
"I am proud that Michael will continue his service to the Boston School Committee," Mayor Menino said. "Michael's 20-plus year career in financial services combined with his direct experience supporting programs that serve at-risk youth make him a valuable addition to the School Committee."
Mr. O'Neill, 47, is currently Senior Vice President, U.S. Trust, Bank of America. In this capacity, Mr. O'Neill plays a key role in developing business for local investment, trust and banking professionals. Prior to this, Mr. O'Neill held various positions at Citizens Financial Group, including President of Insurance Services as well as at the U.S. Trust Corporation, where he served as Regional President.
Mr. O'Neill has a long involvement with programs that work with at-risk youth. As the Chairman of the Boston Private Industry Council's Youth Council, Mr. O'Neill has worked closely with the Boston Public Schools and local Community Based Organizations focused on curbing the drop out crisis and re-directing off-track youth. Mr. O'Neill has also served as a Board Member on Boston's School to Career Planning Committee and on the Academy of Finance at the former Hyde Park High School. He is the founding Board Member of the Massachusetts Bankers Insurance Association and sits on the Board of Directors of the Savings Bank Life Insurance Company.
A graduate of the Boston Public Schools (Manning Elementary and the Boston Latin School) and a life-long resident of Boston, Mr. O'Neill has lived in Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, West Roxbury, and Charlestown. He holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Boston College and an MBA from Babson College.
The Boston School Committee is a seven-member board, which governs and sets policy for the 143 Boston Public Schools. Any Boston resident is eligible to apply for a position. A 13-member citizens nominating panel accepted nominations last spring before recommending candidates to Mayor Menino last June. The Mayor interviewed finalists before making his selection.