News Releases
December 02, 2010

John F. Fish Will Be Honored by Boston Bar Foundation at Adams Benefit

Press Release

As the John & Abigail Adams Benefit — slated for January 29 at the MFA’s new Art of the Americas Wing — continues to gain momentum, the Boston Bar Foundation today announced that John F. Fish, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Suffolk Construction Company, Inc. will be honored with the BBF’s prestigious 2011 Public Service Award that evening.

The Adams Benefit is the premier fundraiser of the BBF, a charity dedicated to improving access to justice for those who need it most, promoting public understanding of the law and supporting innovative community outreach programs in Boston. To date, the event has already raised more than $430,000 with a goal of $550,000.

“John Fish personifies commitment to the community and strategic philanthropy,” said Christopher Kenney, Co-Chair of the 2011 Adams Benefit and a partner at the law firm of Kenney & Sams. “In addition to providing significant resources where they can make a real difference, John also gives generously of his time and talent.”

Under Mr. Fish’s leadership, Suffolk has grown into one of the most successful privately-held general building contractors in the country. In 2010, Suffolk was listed #31 on Engineering News Record’s (ENR) list of “Top 400 Contractors” list, and #30 on the publication’s “Top Green Contractors” list. Mr. Fish has also reinforced a strong corporate culture focused on giving back to people in need. He encourages his employees to become influencers in their local communities and consistently lead by example while striving to exceed expectations with clients, partners, and the people and businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Mr. Fish is heavily involved in community and philanthropic initiatives. He received the “New Englander of the Year Award” from the New England Council and a special Public Service Award from the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) recognizing his civic accomplishments. He also received the Lewis Family Foundation “CEO Social Leadership Award” for his commitment to inner city children, and the Anti-Defamation League’s “Torch of Liberty” award for his efforts in raising awareness around discrimination. He has been the recipient of the Tabor Academy” 2008 Distinguished Service Award” for his generosity to the school’s campus and students. Mr. Fish has also been recognized for his work on national organizations such as the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ).

Mr. Fish serves on the board of directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He is also the Chairman of the Red & Blue Foundation, Suffolk’s non-profit initiative, and sits on boards and executive committees for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Salvation Army, Catholic Schools Foundation, Boston College, Tabor Academy and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

He is a trustee at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and serves on the Executive Committee for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. He serves on the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jobs for Mass, Boston Plan for Excellence and the Private Industry Council. He also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for Mass Competitiveness.

Among previous winners of the BBF’s Public Service Award are Edward C. Johnson 3d, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Investments; Theresa Heinz, Chairman of Heinz Family Philanthropies; Jeffrey Swartz, President & CEO of The Timberland Company, and Jack Connors, Jr., Founding Partner and Chairman, Hill Holliday Connors & Cosmopulos, Inc.