Who we are

James B. Leary, Esq., brings three decades of experience as a lobbyist, public policy advocate, attorney, and policymaker, with a proven track record of advancing impactful public policy, securing legislative funding, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and counseling executive leaders.  

Jim led government and community relations for one of the commonwealth’s largest hospital and healthcare systems, UMass Memorial Health, and prior to that, for the commonwealth’s only public medical school, UMass Chan Medical School. He was a senior advisor to the Massachusetts Governor and of chief of staff to the Lieutenant Governor and served six years as an elected member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives, representing the city of Worcester and town of West Boylston. As an attorney, he represented clients in a wide variety of matters, including criminal and civil litigation. 

In addition to his professional experience, Jim has been an active member of a variety of professional and civic organizations, including:  

  • America’s Essential Hospitals: Mentor for AEH Government Relations Academy (2023) 

  • Association of American Medical Colleges: Chair, Government Relations Steering Committee (2021) and Steering Committee Member (2016 – 2024) 

  • Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives: Member, Board of Directors (2019 – 2022) 

  • RFK Community Alliance: Member, Board of Directors (2021 – present) 

  • United Way of Central Massachusetts: Chair, Board of Directors (2014 – 2016); Member, Board of Directors (2010-2016); Member, Finance Committee (2016 – present) 

  • Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce: Member, Board of Directors (2018 – 2025) 

  • Worcester Regional Research Bureau: Member, Board of Directors (2021 – Present) 

  • Worcester RISE for Health: Member, Board of Directors (2025 – present) 

Jim is an alumnus of Assumption University and Georgetown University Law Center.