Joseph O'Brien

Joseph O’Brien is a Part-Time Instructor in the School for Professional Studies (SPS) at Clark University, where he has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on public policy and public administration for over a decade. He serves as an instructor and advisor to Clark’s Senior Leadership MPA program. Additionally, he holds a prominent role as Political and Legislative Director of the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, advocating for pro-worker policies across New England and New York.

Education: B.A. in Urban Studies from Fordham University (1991), M.P.A. from Harvard University’s JFK School of Government (2021).

Research interests focus on translating policy into actionable social change, with emphasis on labor rights, environmental sustainability, and urban development. His career spans government service (including roles as Massachusetts Congressman Jim McGovern’s District Director), non-profit leadership (founding Executive Director of the Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund), and over 40 political campaign advisories at local/state/federal levels.

Notable career milestones include contributing to presidential campaigns (Obama), municipal leadership roles (Worcester City Council/Mayor), and EMS paramedic work spanning two decades. He resides in Worcester with his family, actively engaged in community/political life.

Advising/Grants: Advisor to Clark’s MPA program; campaign advisor for figures like Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and Congressman Juan Vásquez. Grants experience not explicitly detailed but implied through policy advocacy work.

Labs/Teams: Active in union advocacy networks (Carpenters’ Council), environmental policy coalitions, and municipal governance initiatives.