Get to know Brad

Brad Freeman is a longtime Melrose resident, community leader, and government relations professional dedicated to giving back to the city that has given so much to him.

Professionally, Brad brings nearly two decades of experience working in and around state government and politics. He serves as Vice President of Government Relations for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in Massachusetts (AICUM), advocating for more than 50 private non-profit colleges and universities across the state. Through this work, Brad led a coalition in 2016 to create a tax deduction for Massachusetts families saving for college using the state’s 529 plan. Every year this tax deduction helps thousands of Massachusetts families who are saving money for their children’s education.

Prior to joining AICUM, Brad worked at O’Neill and Associates in Boston and Washington, DC, where he worked collaboratively with the Massachusetts congressional delegation and the State Legislature to deliver results for his clients. He also worked on the 2008 presidential campaign for former-Governor Bill Richardson and as a legislative aide for former MA State Representative Alice Wolf. Brad received his bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Providence College, where he met his wife, Kate.

Since moving to Melrose in 2011 with Kate, Brad has been deeply involved in the community. He was appointed by former-Mayor Paul Brodeur to be a Commissioner on the Melrose Parks Commission and serves on the Melrose Youth Softball Board of Directors. Brad spent six years on the Melrose Incarnation Board of Directors, including servicing as Vice President of the Inc, and served two years on the Winthrop Elementary School Site Council. In 2022, he also represented residents on the community panel that advised on the selection of Melrose Police Chief Michael L. Faller.

During his free time, Brad loves to coach and cheer on his two children, Liam and Rory, in youth sports. He can often be found walking his dog Maizie or jogging the streets of Ward 4.