Thomas M. Finneran accepted the position of President of the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, Inc. in October 2004. Before joinging the MBC, Mr. Finneran served in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. During his years of public service, Mr. Finneran chaired the House Ways and Means Committee (1991-1996) and was thereafter elected five successive times by his colleagues to be Speaker of the House (1996-2004). In 2002 he was also elected by his follow Speakers to serve as the President of the National Speakers’ Conference.

A graduate of Boston Latin School, former Speaker Finneran attended Northeastern University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance. In 1978, he received his Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar that same year.

Among his other accomplishments as Speaker, Tom Finneran is particularly proud of doubling the number of full day kindergarten classes in the Commonwealth and dramatically increasing early childhood literacy programs. As Speaker Mr. Finneran also established a Lyceum Lecture Series where distinguished leaders from all walks of life, including government, academic, business, cultural and literary circles were invited to address the Massachusetts House of Representatives during a full formal session.

Tom Finneran lives in Mattapan with his wife Donna. He is the proud father of two daughters, Kelley and Shannon. A former marathoner, he is now a recreational gardener, and enjoys biking, swimming, reading, and spending time with his family.