Speakers
Keynote Address
Each year, a prominent legislator or government official speaks to the participants to commence the Model Congress. The keynote speaker addresses delegates on the first day of legislative sessions, after the Emergency Session has been held. Speaker's topics often address current concerns of both the speaker and the students, and questions from the audience are welcomed. Past keynote speakers include former President Gerald Ford, Congressman Joseph Kennedy, Congressman Richard Neal and former presidential candidate, Senator John Kerry.
Richard Neal
Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) will deliver the keynote address at the 70th Model Congress. Neal, an AIC graduate, will speak to the joint session on Friday, January 15 at 10:00 a.m.
He is a 1972 graduate of American International College, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and was a member of the National Honor Society. He received his Master's Degree in Public Administration from the Barney School of Business and Public Administration at the University of Hartford in 1976.
Congressman Neal was first elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1988. He represents the Second District of Massachusetts, which includes cities and towns in western and central Massachusetts. He is a member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee and the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures. He is also a member of the Trade Subcommittee.
Congressman Neal is an At-Large Whip for the House Democrats. He is a co-chairman of the New England Congressional Caucus, where he continues to advocate for the unique regional interests of the six New England States. Congressman Neal serves as the Chairman of the Friends of Ireland and has been recognized repeatedly by Irish America Magazine as one of the Top 100 Irish Americans
Congressman Neal began his public service career in 1973 as an Assistant to Springfield Mayor William C. Sullivan. In 1978, he was elected to the Springfield City Council and served as President of the Council in 1979. He served as Mayor of the City of Springfield from 1984 until 1989.
Awards Banquet Address
To end each Model Congress, an Awards Banquet is held to recognize the efforts of all participants of the Model Congress program. It is at this banquet that scholarships are awarded to the top three delegates. Also, an address is given by a prominent and influential person. It is additionally the role of the Awards Banquet speaker to select the Best Bill recipient.
Richard Cohen
Richard A. Cohen, recently re-elected mayor of Agawam, will be the speaker at the 70th annual Model Congress Banquet and Awards Ceremony. Cohen will deliver his remarks on Saturday, January 16 at 5:00 p.m. in the AIC Dining Commons.
Cohen defeated Agawam mayor Susan Dawson in the November election to regain the position he held from 2000-2008.
As mayor of Agawam, Cohen was responsible for a $73 million budget, including all municipal departments and the Agawam Public Schools. He was also responsible for all aspects of personnel management of over 400 municipal employees.
Cohen planned for all capital needs of the municipality and school system, and served as Chairperson of the Agawam School Committee. He negotiated all collective bargaining agreements and managed and consulted with all department heads, state and federal agencies.
Cohen developed and promoted customer service policies for all city departments and employees, analyzed all operations of the city and instituted methods for increased control and efficiency.
He earned a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Springfield College.
He has received several awards, including the Andrew C. Gallano Award, the Friends of the Senior Center Friendship Award, Massachusetts Cultural Council Leadership Circle Award, the Parish Cupboard Distinguished Servant Award and the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, Inc. Award.
