As part of the Administration’s Housing Court expansion, Governor Charlie Baker recently nominated Joseph L. Michaud to the Metro South Division as one of five new Associate Justices to the Massachusetts Housing Court. Joseph L. Michaud has been a long time member of the Chamber as owner of the Law Offices of Joseph L. Michaud, and recently served as Chair of the Board of Directors. Attorney Michaud has been practicing law for 25 years, currently specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions and landlord-tenant matters. Attorney Michaud is also a decorated member of the United States Army, having served on active duty intermittently for the last 30 years as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocates General Corps. Attorney Michaud has also served as a Board Member of the Veterans’ Transition House. Attorney Michaud is a lifelong resident of Dartmouth, MA. In his spare time, you can find him playing bass guitar in a local band.

Due to his appointment as Associate Justice to the Massachusetts Housing Court, Joseph Michaud regretfully resigned as Chair of the Board at the Chamber’s May Board of Directors meeting. The Board unanimously voted for Kim Perry of Dignity Memorial to move from her position as Chair Elect to Chair of the Board. Kim Perry is a life-long resident of New Bedford.  A licensed funeral director in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, she has been in funeral service for over 32 years.  Kim has been a Board Member of The One SouthCoast Chamber for over 15 years.  Kim also serves as Treasurer of the Home of Aged, BankFive Incorporator and a Vestry Member of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.  Kim is Past Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers and Community Foundation member. Kim is marred to Arnold “Skip” Perry, and has a daughter Lauren Pineau.

In addition, William Burns of Southcoast Health has taken the position of Chair of Government Affairs and former Chair of Government Affairs, Ron Ellis of Edward Jones has taken the position of Chair Elect.

Rick Kidder, SouthCoast Chamber CEO, said, “The Board and membership at the Chamber are pleased and proud of Joe Michaud’s appointment as an Associate Justice, and our bylaws allow for such transitions. We are eternally grateful for Joe’s leadership here and throughout the region, and know that Kim Perry will be a wonderful and committed chair for the Chamber!”