President 2025 – 2026

MHA President – Roby Whitehouse

Hello Massachusetts Highway Association Members!

I hope you enjoyed the Winter Meeting, on February 5, 2026, where you experienced a packed and diverse agenda led by C. N. Woods, Katherine Boshar, who kept the event on schedule for our First Vice President Michael Hale who graciously stood in for me.

Thanks to speakers State Procurement Officer, Mark Fine, Assistant Secretary, Commonwealth of MA, Operations Services Division; Patricia Leavenworth, District 2 Highway Director, MA DOT; Colby Cousens, CIO and Angelica Medina, Business Manager, Danvers; Moderator Chris Cronin APEX and panelists Michael Hale-Gloucester, John Borghesi-North Andover, Kevin Cafferty-Scituate, and Sean Divoll-Worcester.

Connect 351

Massachusetts Highway Association Workshop called From Hired to Higher: Public Works Recruitment, Retention, and Succession Planning: I would like to thank the panelists whose presentations outlined how their communities are finding new ways to recruit employees.  It was a pleasure meeting and working with Jen Breaker, Assistant Town Manager and Communications Direct in Danvers; Ricardo Moralas, Commissioner of Public Works in Pittsfield; and Andrew O’Malley, Deputy Chief of Police. 

Have you heard that MHA now has a Membership Committee? The Board of Directors voted for this new committee to enable our membership to have an avenue to create surveys and encourage member engagement. Brenda Codella is the committee chair and can be reached at bcodella@yahoo.com.

Chapter 90 / Transportation Bond Bill Hearing

The Joint Committee on Transportation held a hearing on the transportation bond bill in March, which included Chapter 90 funding. Massachusetts Municipal Association testified in support of the legislation, and MHA’s own, Jeffrey Colby (2^nd Vice President) joined the MMA panel representing MHA.

Final comments as President:

As I conclude my term as President, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our membership for the trust and support you have shown me. It has truly been an honor to serve our association and to work alongside such dedicated and passionate individuals.

During my term, we accomplished a great deal together. I am especially proud of the progress made in strengthening member engagement, including increased participation at meetings and events, and successfully hosting educational and networking opportunities. I am hopeful that the new Membership Committee will continue to find innovative ways to improve communication and provide timely updates to the membership.

In addition, the association made important strides in organizational growth and will continue to advance the goal of a cohesive Mutual Aid program through the committee, members, and work with MEMA, advancing front line workers’ education with the Annual Driver Skills, which will be held on July 15^th at Mount Wachusett. Watch for sign up through Bay State Roads. These efforts were made possible through collaboration with the Board, committee members, and volunteers who generously gave their time and expertise.

I look forward to seeing you all at the Annual Meeting on May 7, 2026, at Pleasant Valley Country Club, in Sutton MA.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve in this role. I am confident that the association is on a strong path forward and that our incoming leadership will continue to build on this momentum. I wish the membership continued success, good health, and fulfillment in the year ahead, and I look forward to remaining an active and supportive member of this organization.

With sincere appreciation and best wishes,  

Thank You

Roby Whitehouse

President

President, Massachusetts Highway Association