Elaine Driscoll-Holbrook Cited for Excellence in Public Administration

ELAINE DRISCOLL-HOLBROOK ’94

CITED FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Elaine Driscoll-Holbrook ’94 is one of three recipients awarded the 2020 Harvard Bradford Fellowship Program for Excellence in Public Administration at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Founded in 1996 by the family of Governor Robert Bradford, the Bradford Fellowship is one of the state’s most esteemed programs for leaders in public service. The Mid-Career Master in Public Administration (MC/

MPA) program at Harvard’s Kennedy School is designed for experienced managers who demonstrate a strong potential for continued achievement and leadership in public service. “Elaine has been an integral contributor to the success of MGC’s operations, executing effective communication strategies that have consistently supported accountability and transparency fundamental to the Commission’s implementation of the Expanded Gaming Act and subsequent licensing and regulatory process, ” said MGC Chair Cathy Judd-Stein. “Her strong passion and dedication to leadership in public service make Elaine an ideal recipient of this prestigious award,” continued Judd-Stein. Driscoll-Holbrook has worked in government for 15 years, serving in consecutive communications roles for municipal public safety and state casino regulation. In 2012 shortly after the legalization of expanded gaming, she joined the newly created Massachusetts Gaming Commission as its first communications director. She was tasked with developing the Commission’s comprehensive communications strategy to advance the establishment of a new public agency and facilitate the introduction of the state’s nascent casino industry. Driscoll-Holbrook serves as primary media liaison and supports critical internal functions such as workforce development, diversity and inclusion, and responsible gaming and problem gambling mitigation. Before joining the MGC, Driscoll-Holbrook spent over six years as the communications director for the Boston Police Department (BPD), where she was responsible for guiding the modernization of that agency’s overall approach to external communications, enhancing community and media relations. “Bradford Fellows learn from world-renowned faculty and staff and engage with other students from around the world. We recognize the opportunity and capacity for our Bradford Fellows to dramatically impact the future of the Commonwealth, through the innovations

they will inspire and the contributions they will make to their agencies and secretariats,” said Jeff McCue, HRD Assistant Secretary and Chief Human Resources Officer, in an emailed announcement to all state employees. “We salute their dedication to leadership and learning, and look forward to welcoming them back upon their graduation.” “I am profoundly grateful and honored to represent the Commonwealth and the MGC as a Bradford Fellow,” said DriscollHolbrook. “As the nation continues to address urgent matters related to public health and systemic inequality, there has arguably never been a more important time to explore effective government policy and the meaningfulness of public service. This program prepares public servants to take on the most daunting government challenges and to expand one’s contribution to the greater good, precisely what I hope to accomplish with this remarkable opportunity.” Driscoll-Holbrook resides in Canton, Mass., with her husband, Luke Holbrook, a sergeant in the Boston Police Department, and her son, Shane.

“My Ursuline education continues to benefit me in ways both significant and transformative – 26(!) years after graduation. Ursuline’s academic rigors ingrained in me the value of discipline and inspired a commitment to lifelong learning. The influence of my teachers and peers instilled the importance of women empowering women, a value I have held and will continue to practice throughout my career. I also credit UA for leading me to my life’s most enduring friendships. My appreciation is beyond measure.”