Biography
Background:
Denise Simmons is a lifelong resident of Cambridge with a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for Cambridge residents. She owns a small business and is closely attuned to the needs of small business owners. She is raising her grandchildren who are currently in Cambridge public schools. Her 10 years on the Cambridge School Committee attest to her commitment to the quality of our public schools. Prior to serving on the School Committee, Denise served as Executive Director of the Civic Unity Committee of the City of Cambridge, working on equity and fairness. She is also a Justice of the Peace.
Denise is currently serving my fourth term on the Cambridge City Council and is honored to have been elected to serve as Mayor by her colleagues on the Council. Her obligations as Mayor include chairing the City Council and School Committee and representing the City in numerous official events.
Mayor Simmons is a member of the Massachusetts Mayors Association; Massachusetts Democratic State Committee; the Massachusetts Municipal Association; and the Kids Council.
Memberships and Affiliations:
- Member, Cambridge City Council (2002-present)
- Cambridge School Committee (1992-2001),
Serving as the Vice Chair 96, 98, 01 - Member, Massachusetts Municipal Association (2002-present)
- Member, Massachusetts Democratic State Committee (2001-present)
- Member, National Committee on Youth, Families and Education & Human Development Committee, National League of Cities
- Member of the Baystate Stonewall Democrats
- Cambridge Civic Unity Committee, City of Cambridge, Executive Director 82-92
- Licensed Insurance Broker and Owner, Cambridgeport Insurance Agency, est. 1983
- Justice of the Peace and Notary Public
Awards:
2008 Phillip Brooks House Association Advocate Award
2008 Prince Hall Masonic Family Distinguished Community Service Award
2008 UMass Boston Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy Award
2003 Massachusetts Association of School Committees Outstanding Service Award
2000 Lavender Alliance Gay and Lesbian Community Service Award
2000 Just A Start Youthbuild Appreciation Award
2000 Lavender Alliance Gay and Lesbian Community Service Award
1998 Certificate of Congressional Congressman Joseph Kennedy Recognition
1998 Triad Veterans 1st Annual Bridge Award
1998 Maynard School Service Award
1997 Maynard School Unselfish Devotion and Distinguished Service
1996-97 American Directory of Who's Who in Executives and Businesses
1996 Cambridge Youth Program Outstanding Contribution to Cambridge Youth
1996 MA Black Legislative Caucus Community Service Award for Four Sisters
1995 The National Council of Women of Courage and Conviction Award Negro Women, Inc.
1994 Harriet Wigfall Community Service Award
1992 A Black Legislative Caucus Education Award
1989 Secretary of State Creating Community: The African Experience in MA
1983 Boys and Girls Club of Cambridge Community Service Award
Massachusetts Mayors Association;