Gary Murad Metro Interview

Gary Murad
Title: Senior Community and Federal Relations Representative
Company: O'Neill and Associates
Education: B.S. in management, UMass-Amherst; J.D., Suffolk University Law School; M.B.A., Boston College

Gary has been employed as a lobbyist at O’Neill and Associates for 5 years and brings both public and private sector experience to his position. He previously served as legislative counsel to the state legislature’s Joint Committee on Public Safety, and with the public sector business unit at Cambridge-based business and technology consulting firm Sapient.

PG: What is the coolest part of your job?

GM: The opportunity to be involved in shaping public policy at the local, state and federal level.

PG: How would you describe the corporate culture at O’Neill and Associates?

GM: Informal and collaborative yet highly professional. Senior and junior staff share ideas and resources freely, and this shows in the unique solutions we’re able to provide to address our client’s needs. From a social standpoint, it is a very collegial atmosphere with a work hard play hard kind of attitude.

PG: If you were recruiting someone to work for you, what would be your number one selling point about the company you work for?

GM: The knowledge, skills and professionalism of my colleagues.

PG: What is your favorite thing about working in Boston?

GM: On a personal level, it’s the character, culture, and pride in this city that is second to none. Did I mention City of Champions? Professionally speaking, it’s working in a city and state known throughout the world as a center for excellence in many areas of the economy, health care, higher education, technology, biotech, financial services, and the business opportunities that go along with that.

PG: Favorite place to take a client for lunch?

GM: Scollay Square.

PG: If you could have any job in Boston, other than your own, what would it be and why?

GM: On the idealistic side, Mayor or Suffolk County District Attorney because both positions offer the opportunity to set policy and have a direct, positive impact on people’s day-to-day lives – and on the lives of the neediest in our society. On the other hand, running an adventure travel company wouldn’t be so bad either.

PG: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

GM: I hope to continue in public affairs, working with business interests and helping them achieve their public policy objectives both locally and in Washington.

PG: Favorite place to relax after a long day or week?

GM: A jog around the Charles on a nice day, or just hanging out on my couch in front of the TV with an ice cold beer.

PG: What’s the best piece of career advice you have ever received?

GM: Never burn any bridges and always, always call people back!

PG: Best place for an after work drink?

GM: 21st Amendment (for work related networking), Houston’s or the outdoor bar at the Salty Dog in the summertime.

PG: Who do you admire in the business world?

GM: Robert Kraft and Sheldon Adelson. Kraft because of the commitment he showed in buying the Patriots, keeping them in Boston, and turning the team into the huge commercial success it is today. He also gives a great deal back to the community through his philanthropic work. And Adelson because he was a poor kid who started out selling newspapers on the street corner in Dorchester and ultimately built a business empire. He is also a great philanthropist. Both are committed to maintaining a strong, vibrant Jewish community in Greater Boston and around the world.

PG: How can young professionals expand their networks and increase their impact in Boston?

GM: Get involved, whether it is with the Chamber, alumni associations, charities, volunteering, these are all ways to interact with your peers and develop a mutually beneficial network.

PG: What reading material is on your nightstand?

GM: It’s usually a pile of news articles I’ve printed off the web during the day from multiple news sources including the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, NY Times, Washington Post, and several news magazines, but every now and then I find some time to pick up a book. My most recent purchase is Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide. That goes along well with my answer to the next question…

PG: Tell us something we should know about you.

GM: I love to travel. Anywhere, anytime. The more adventurous the better. ____________________________________________________

For more information on the Boston’s Future Leaders Program, please contact Jody Kieval, director of member services.