Flanagan expands public health crusade

For the majority of her 25year career in public service, Jennifer Flanagan has been an energetic champion for mental health, public health, and disability services. She plans to continue that noble mission, but on a larger stage when she transitions into the private sector in May.

Flanagan announced Tuesday that she’ll be leaving her position on the Cannabis Control Commission on April 30 to join the Boston law firm Vicente Sederberg LLC as the director of regulatory policy.

In that role, she’ll be providing advice to states and municipalities around the country that have legalized adult-use and medical cannabis. “I was presented with an opportunity to do policy nationally and will have a chance to continue to push public health,” Flanagan said in announcing her decision.

In September 2017, Gov. Charlie Baker appointed then-state Sen. Flanagan to serve a four-year term as the Cannabis Control Commission’s public health representative.

In 2008, Flanagan, a Leominster Democrat, succeeded Robert Antonioni in the state Senate and served the people of the Worcester and Middlesex District with distinction.

Starting in 2014, she led the Senate’s special committee tackling the state’s opioid-abuse crisis and helped craft landmark legislation addressing education, prevention and treatment.

“The Commonwealth is a healthier, safer, and more empathetic place because of Commissioner Flanagan’s career in public service,” said Commission Executive Director Shawn Collins.

We agree, and wish Jennifer Flanagan all the best in the next phase of her life’s mission.