MA Rep. Gentile To Honor Local School Committee Member

Dr. Michael Williams will be recognized at the Black Excellence on the Hill Awards in Boston.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Rep. Carmine Gentile (D) announced he will recognize Dr. Michael Williams, a newly elected member of the Concord School Committee, at the Black Excellence on the Hill Awards ceremony at the State House on Feb. 27. Dr. Williams, a longtime ear, nose, and throat specialist, ran on a "Concord for All" campaign focused on creating a school system that supports every student and family.

Why it matters

This recognition highlights the importance of local leaders who are working to improve their communities, even as national politics can sometimes overshadow the vital work happening at the municipal level. Dr. Williams' election to the school committee and his efforts to create an equitable school system are noteworthy achievements.

The details

Dr. Williams was elected to the Concord School Committee last spring after a 34-year career as a General and Pediatric Otolaryngologist. Rep. Gentile and Dr. Williams first met at a local Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion meeting, where Gentile was impressed by Williams' knowledge of the challenges faced by students, families, and faculty in the school system.

  • The Black Excellence on the Hill Awards ceremony will take place on Feb. 27, 2026.
  • Dr. Williams was elected to the Concord School Committee last spring.

The players

Rep. Carmine Gentile

A Democratic state representative who represents the 13th Middlesex District, covering Sudbury, Lincoln, Concord, Wayland, and Marlborough. He recently announced he will not seek re-election after a sixth term.

Dr. Michael Williams

A newly elected member of the Concord School Committee who ran on a "Concord for All" campaign focused on creating an equitable school system. He is a longtime ear, nose, and throat specialist.

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What they’re saying

“The work of local government is not always easy. Through the years, much ink has been spilled over the heatedness of national politics, and casual onlookers can fail to realize that as issues become more local—literally and figuratively closer to home—people's feeling may become stronger and their voices more caustic. Public servants like Dr. Williams persevere through these challenges and make our towns and schools better places to raise the next generation.”

— Rep. Carmine Gentile (Press release)

What’s next

The Black Excellence on the Hill Awards ceremony where Dr. Williams will be honored will take place on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

This recognition of Dr. Williams' work on the Concord School Committee highlights the importance of local leaders who are dedicated to creating more equitable and supportive school systems, even as national politics can sometimes overshadow the vital work happening at the municipal level.