Mayor Dorothy A. Kelly Gay

BIOGRAPHY

Personal Information

Born in Ireland, 1943
Emigrated to the United States, 1968
United States Citizen, 1977
Registered Nurse
Former Administrative Coordinator of Nursing,
Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged, Boston
Married; 2 children; 5 grandchildren

Public Service

• Re-elected Mayor of Somerville, November 1999, November 2001
• Founded and served as Chair of the Metropolitan Mayor’s Coalition, 2001
• Elected Mayor of Somerville, May 1999
• Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, Los Angeles, 2000
• Democratic Candidate for Lieutenant Governor of MA, 1998
• Elected Governor’s Councillor, 6th District, 1992-1998
• Delegate to the Democratic National Convention, Chicago, 1996
• Elected Somerville School Committee Member, 1986-1993

Recognition

• RESPOND, Leadership in Preventing Violence Against Women Award, 2003
• Brazilian Immigrant Center-Centro do Imigrante Brasilero, Heloisa Souza Award, 2003
• Dream of Freedom Museum, Boston, MA. Dorothy A. Kelly Gay featured as the only elected official among influential Irish-American Women. Fire Upon the Hearth, 2003
• New England Chapter, Ireland Chamber of Commerce in the USA, Always the Irish Heart Award, 2002
• Somerville Homeless Coalition, Inc., Honored for efforts of helping the needy and the homeless, 2002
• Caspar, Inc., Certificate of Gratitude, 2002
• Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Theodore Mann Regional Leadership Award, 2002
• Visiting Nurse Association of Eastern Massachusetts, Humanitarian Award, 2001
• Caspar, Inc., Heart In Hand Award, 2001
• Somerville Community Corporation, Norris Weston Award for commitment to Affordable Housing in Somerville, 2000
• Massachusetts Department of Social Services, Certificate of Appreciation for gracious support of the annual Youth Excellence Awards, 2000
• Fatherhood Conference, Certificate of Appreciation for dedication and commitment to children and families, 2000
• King Solomon’s Lodge, Certificate of Appreciation, 1999
• St. Patrick’s College, All of Ireland is Proud of You, 1999
• The Irish Voice Newspaper, Dreamer of Dreams Award, 1999
• MA NOW, Women of Courage Award, 1998
• Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences, Friend of Adult Literacy Award, 1998
• Battered Women’s Resources Inc., Award for Contributions to Battered Women’s Rights, 1997
• The Support Committee for Battered Women, Voice of Justice Award, 1997
• MA Nurses Association, Frank Hynes Award for Exceptional Contribution to Nursing & Health Care, 1997
• MA Pace, National Association of Social Workers, Outstanding Public Official, 1996
• MA Nurses Association, Nurse PLAN, for Outstanding Contributions to Public Policy & the Profession of Nursing, 1996
• International Association, for Healthcare, Security & Safety, Award for Dedication & Commitment to Healthcare, Safety & Security Programs, 1996
• First District Eastern Middlesex Bar Association, Award for Outstanding Contribution and Meritorious Accomplishment on Behalf of the Legal Profession, 1996
• National Association of Social Workers, Massachusetts Chapter, PACE, Outstanding Public Official, 1996
• Downtown Boston Business & Professional Women’s Club, Women of the Year, 1996
• Somerville Committee for a Response to AIDS, Good Neighbor Award, 1995
• Women’s Bar Association of MA, Public Official of the Year Award, 1995
• Center for Women in Politics & Public Policy, University of MA, Woman of the Year Award, 1994
• Somerville Council of PTA’s Scholarship named in her Honor, 1994
• Massachusetts Association of School Committees Dorothy A. Gay Member 1986-1993 Vice Chairman 1989 Chairman 1990
• Cumming School PTA, Honored for dedicated service as a School Committee Representative, City of Somerville Ward 3, 1986-1993