Hello! I’m Michael O’Brien, and I have been honored to serve as a Needham School Committee member since 2021 and a Town Meeting Member for Precinct C since 2018. My wife and I moved to Needham in 2013 to raise our two children, who now attend Pollard and High Rock. I also work in town as the Director of Philanthropy at BID Needham and am deeply involved in our community through organizations like the Needham Exchange Club and Needham Youth Sports.
As a School Committee member, I am committed to maintaining our high-performing schools, fostering a vibrant business community, expanding affordable housing, and ensuring that our town remains fiscally strong and welcoming to all residents. I have served as a liaison to key committees, including the Finance Committee, Future Schools Needs, and Race Equity Access Leadership (REAL) Coalition, working to shape a thoughtful and inclusive future for Needham.
I would be honored to continue representing Precinct C at Town Meeting and respectfully ask for your vote on or before April 8th.
Top Priorities Include
- Continue to develop a vibrant business community
- Maintain our high-performing schools
- Provide increased and affordable housing
- Remain fiscally strong and forward-thinking with our town budget
- Be a town that is welcoming and supportive of all residents
Current & Previous Community Experience
- Needham School Committee, Vice Chair and Member
- Town Meeting – Precinct C, Member
- Needham Exchange Club, Fundraising Chair and Member
- Newman Elementary School PTC, Board Member
- Needham History Center & Museum, Member
- Needham Baseball & Softball, CoachNeedham Youth Basketball League, CoachNeedham Soccer, Coach
School Committee Liaison/Representative
- Finance Committee
- Negotiations (Unit E)
- Future Schools Needs
- Race Equity Access Leadership (REAL) Coalition
- Housing Plan Working Group
- NPS Strategic Planning on the Portrait of a Needham Graduate 2.0
- Minuteman School
Professional Background
I am a fundraising professional who has worked in higher education, healthcare, and human service non-profit organizations. I am currently the Director of Philanthropy at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital—Needham.
Education
Master of Business Administration – University of Florida
Bachelor of Science – Boston University
Precinct C Map
