Meet the 2024 Rappaport Urban Scholars

Two emerging public sector leaders from the Greater Boston area will join the Harvard Kennedy School this fall as the 2024 Rappaport Urban Scholars. Massachusetts State Representatives Bill Driscoll and Andy Vargas will each receive full scholarships to attend the Harvard Kennedy School’s mid-career master in public administration program.

The Rappaport Urban Scholars Program began in 1981 with funding from Rappaport Institute Founder Jerome “Jerry” Rappaport to advance the education of Greater Boston’s elected and appointed public sector leaders who demonstrate an interest in urban and metropolitan issues, a capacity for leadership, and a continuing commitment to contribute to the well-being of Greater Boston. To date, more than 30 elected and appointed officials have participated in the program. 

Read below to learn more about Rep. Driscoll and Rep. Vargas and what brought them to public service, and to the Harvard Kennedy School's Rappaport Urban Scholars Program.   
 
Tell us about your career in public service?

Representative Bill Driscoll

Bill was elected to the Massachusetts State Legislature on November 8, 2016, and took office on January 4, 2017.

In May 2005, Bill, graduated from Boston College and began working behind the scenes in the film and television industry. When Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast in September of 2005, Bill felt compelled to act. He knew if he could get there he could do something to help. What started as a two-week break from his job turned in to a two-year mission to assist underserved communities in Mississippi facing the aftermath of the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and changed the course of his career.

For more than a decade, Bill provided leadership in the U.S. disaster response arena, organizing volunteers and coordinating across organizations, emergency management professionals, and all levels of government to help families and communities rebuild following natural disasters.

Bill has served in executive leadership roles for three nonprofit organizations, including as Interim President and CEO of National VOAD, the nonprofit industry's association for organizations active in disaster response.

While his disaster response work has taken him across the country and world, Milton has always been home base. Having purchased their first home in 2014 in East Milton Square, Bill and his wife, Beca, are proud to be part of the new wave of young families settling down in the area.

Representative Andy Vargas

Andy's story begins with a historic milestone when he was elected to the Haverhill City Council at the age of 22, becoming the city's first Latino elected official.

With a heart dedicated to the welfare of his community, Andy's passion for education and economic development shines through in his roles as Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. A firm believer in the power of education to empower youth, he passed legislation to mandate civics education for all public school students, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Another key priority for Representative Vargas is addressing childhood hunger. He successfully passed legislation providing universal free school meals for all students, as well as prior legislation to expand school breakfast participation. This groundbreaking move not only alleviates the burden of hunger but also removes the stigma associated with meal assistance and boosts academic outcomes.

In the realm of housing and zoning, Andy's vision has brought about a transformative change. With his leadership, he championed a housing and zoning code overhaul that mandates multifamily zoning in transit-oriented areas, the most significant zoning reform in a generation.

He has also been at the forefront of the fight against gun violence, spearheading a groundbreaking program on gun violence prevention through a public health lens. This initiative, now backed by an annual $13 million grant, stands as a model for the nation in tackling this critical issue.

With an unwavering commitment to justice reform, Andy has played a pivotal role in modernizing the parole and criminal justice system. Chairing the Commission on Structural Racism in Parole, he laid the groundwork for transformative changes to ensure a fair and equitable system for all. The report contributed to the removal of parole supervision fees, and mandated recording of parole board hearings.

Recognizing the urgent need to combat the opioid crisis, Andy has also worked tirelessly to expand access to naloxone, a lifesaving drug that can reverse overdoses. His efforts in this area have saved lives, bringing hope and healing to families and communities impacted by addiction.

He resides in Haverhill with his wife Rikelma – an educator and unfortunately a Yankees fan. They are parents to a happy boy named Rubén and an energetic Goldendoodle named Merengue. 

Read Rep. Driscoll and Rep. Vargas' short bios here.