Frederick Laskey

Frederick Laskey is an American public administrator and attorney who served for over two decades as the executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA). His tenure was defined by major infrastructure projects, including the completion of the Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant and the Boston Harbor cleanup, alongside significant financial management reforms. Laskey is widely recognized for his leadership in transforming the agency into a nationally respected water and sewer utility.

Early life and education

Frederick Laskey was raised in Massachusetts and developed an early interest in public service. He pursued his undergraduate education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he earned a degree in political science. Following this, Laskey attended Suffolk University Law School in Boston, receiving his Juris Doctor degree and preparing for a career that blended law with public administration.

Career

Before leading the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, Laskey built a substantial career in state government. He served in various legal and managerial roles within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Administration and Finance, gaining expertise in budget and finance. His work also included a significant period as the First Assistant District Attorney in the Norfolk County District Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted major cases. This diverse background in finance, law, and operations provided a strong foundation for his subsequent leadership of a major public infrastructure agency.

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

Appointed Executive Director in 2002, Laskey oversaw the final stages and long-term operation of one of the nation's largest court-mandated public works projects: the cleanup of Boston Harbor. Key achievements under his leadership included ensuring the full operational success of the Deer Island Sewage Treatment Plant and managing the completion of the Metropolitan Boston water supply tunnel. He implemented rigorous fiscal controls that led to stable rates and high bond ratings from agencies like Moody's Investors Service. Laskey also championed initiatives for combined sewer overflow control and strengthened the agency's resilience and security protocols following the September 11 attacks.

Later career and other roles

Upon retiring from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority in 2023, Laskey remained active in the field of public utility management and infrastructure policy. He has served in advisory capacities for organizations like the American Water Works Association and the National Association of Clean Water Agencies. Laskey also joined the board of directors for several non-profit entities focused on environmental law and Chesapeake Bay restoration, lending his expertise to regional water quality challenges beyond New England.

Personal life

Frederick Laskey resides in the Boston area. He is known to be an avid sailor, often spending time on the waters of Massachusetts Bay and Cape Cod. His personal interests align with his professional legacy, reflecting a deep commitment to the stewardship of local waterways and coastal environments.

Category:American civil servants Category:University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni Category:Suffolk University alumni