Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts names Welch as CEO

Boston, MA According to the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts, former Massachusetts senator James Welch has been selected to succeed Michael McDonagh as executive director/CEO. McDonagh spent four years at the helm of the organization. Welch assumed the role of CEO on February 1^st, 2023. 

“Jim was raised in a construction family business and looks forward to fully engaging with our industry and the issues that affect subcontractors and our businesses,” said Jeffrey Marr, Jr., president of the ASM board of directors and president of Marr Scaffolding Company. “We look forward to Jim’s friendship and leadership, as we begin this important next chapter at ASM with Jim at the helm.” 

Welch spent 10 years as a Massachusetts state senator representing the Hampden District and was a Massachusetts state representative for six years before that. Most recently, Welch launched Welch Government and Public Relations, assisting his clients with government navigation and public relations strategy. He was also the part-time town administrator for the town of Peru, Mass. 

Welch has a bachelor of science in business management from Westfield State University. Welch has always been a leader in his community, from coaching youth sports to managing the construction of the 9/11 Eternal Flame Monument in West Springfield. 

“I’m excited to join the great team at the Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts,” said Welch. “Working to protect and advance the issues that are important to the hardworking women and men who are on the front lines of the construction industry in Massachusetts is a tremendous privilege.” 

Associated Subcontractors of Massachusetts, Inc. is the leading organization representing specialty contractors in Massachusetts. Established in 1950, ASM has over 300 union and nonunion members representing all trades across the state and beyond. ASM members are a dominant presence on large and small commercial and residential building projects around the region, in both the public and private sector. ASM’s mission is to protect and advance the interests of all subcontractors and to promote professionalism through education, communication, and advocacy.