The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School announced today that Greg Massing, a lawyer with an impressive record in public service and private practice, has been appointed the Center’s next executive director.

Massing most recently served as general counsel for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, the Cabinet office charged with oversight of law enforcement, criminal justice and public safety matters. He led the administration’s efforts in a variety of public safety policy matters ranging from criminal sentencing to racial profiling and hate crimes.

He is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and practiced law at two Boston firms, Laredo & Smith, LLP, and Ropes & Gray. From 1993 to 2005, Massing served as an assistant district attorney and assistant attorney general specializing in appeals. He is the author of numerous articles on criminal justice matters as well as a former editor, author and consultant on high school civics and government textbooks.

“Greg brings to the Rappaport Center a rare blend of public policy, private practice and scholarly experience,” said Suffolk Law Dean Camille Nelson. “He knows government firsthand. And he is deeply committed to the Center’s mission of creating paths for students interested in careers in public service.”

The Rappaport Center for Law and Public Service at Suffolk University Law School was established in 2006 through a generous gift from the Jerome Lyle Rappaport Charitable Foundation and Jerry and Phyllis Rappaport. The Center fosters innovative thinking and dialogue on law and public policy and promotes emerging leaders who are deeply committed to public service and pro bono work.

The Center is the home of the prestigious Rappaport Fellows Program in Law and Public Policy, a highly competitive program that provides internships for students selected annually from Boston's six law schools. Its forums and scholarly events routinely draw policymakers, non-governmental groups and academics for dialogue on important issues facing the state's public sector.

“Throughout my career, I have seen the positive impacts that law school graduates make through work in public service, and I believe the Rappaport Center’s role in providing a gateway to those careers is of critical importance,” Massing said. “I look forward to contributing to that effort and to fostering the Center’s dialogue on a broad range of important public policy issues.”

Alasdair Roberts, Jerome L. Rappaport Professor of Law and Public Policy, and Faculty Director of the Center, said: “Greg’s knowledge of the public sector and his thoughtful approach to public affairs will enhance our discussion of law and public policy issues facing this state.”