BU Sociology

Don Gillis received his Master’s degree from Boston University as a Community Sociology Training Fellow. After a successful career leading non-profit, government and business organizations he returned to Boston University as a Post-Master’s Ph.D. student. He is currently the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, a private sector led organization comprised of business executives, education, labor, workforce and economic development leaders.

Prior to assuming his position at the Association, Don was the Chief Economic Development Officer for the cities of Fall River and Boston. He has served on a number of Boards of Directors including the US Small Business Administration Massachusetts Council and the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans. He is currently a board member of the Early Education for All Advisory Committee, the National Workforce Association and the Friends of Young Achievers (A Boston Public Pilot School).

Don lives in Jamaica Plain with his family and his children attend the Boston Public Schools. In addition to holding a Masters degree from Boston University he completed the Program for Management Development at the Harvard Business School. His research interests include urban sociology, labor markets, politics, non-profits and education.