CAMBRIDGE MA – Steven Kadish, who most recently served as Chief of Staff to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, has been named a Senior Research Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School’s Taubman Center for State and Local Government. Kadish will begin his appointment on October 1.
As Chief of Staff, Kadish helped shape and implement policy and operational improvements in key state agencies, and guided relations in the governor’s cabinet, with the state legislature, and external stakeholders. Prior to his appointment on Beacon Hill, Kadish served in a number of roles in the public and private sectors, including as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Northeastern University, as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Dartmouth College, and as Senior Vice President for Administration and Project Management at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care.
“Steve Kadish is an accomplished and highly respected leader across sectors, who played a key role in tackling some of the most complicated issues in state government,” said Jeffrey Liebman, Malcolm Wiener Professor of Public Policy and director of the Taubman Center for State and Local Government. “We are thrilled that he will be joining the Taubman Center because his ideas and proven ability to get things done in government will add tremendous value for us and our students.”
The Taubman Center and its programs house several research fellows every year -- usually academics and experienced practitioners who take a sabbatical to study and write on a variety of subjects. During their time at the Kennedy School, they engage with other scholars and practitioners, faculty members, and students.
"Steve is a natural leader and problem-solver, and his determined focus on the people we serve each and every day made the Commonwealth of Massachusetts a better place for everyone," said Governor Charlie Baker. “Steve will be an invaluable asset to the Harvard Kennedy School and an inspiring leader for future government leaders.”
“I have enjoyed and learned from the many challenges and successes working as a public servant in state government in Massachusetts,” said Kadish. “I am excited to bring my experience and insights to the Taubman Center in joining its incredibly talented and dedicated faculty, staff and students, and contributing to their mission of improving the governance of states and cities.”
Kadish earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Tufts University and a Master of City Planning degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.