Town of Medway Spotlight | Michael Boynton, Town Administrator

At the Town of Medway, great ideas and great results are a team effort.  They come from remarkably talented individuals that we form into equally remarkable teams.  Productive teams are usually born by the ideas and results of an outstanding leader.

Meet Michael Boynton, Town Administrator.  With a love of local government Michael’s municipal leadership experience now spans parts of three decades, starting in his native Franklin in 1989 with an appointment to the Streetlighting Committee. Now some twenty-eight years and four towns later, Michael is here in Medway, a town where he has family roots, as the Town’s Chief Administrative Officer, a position he is both honored and proud to hold.

1.  What led you to being a Town Administrator?

In 1992, at age 24, while working for the Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office, I was elected to my first term on the Franklin Town Council. Having the opportunity to see the inner workings of town government up close, and at the same time pursuing a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, the desire to work in town management and generally to serve the community became a career and life-choice goal. My first opportunity came in Mendon as their first day to day administrator, since then my path has taken me to Sutton for four-plus years, Walpole for nearly thirteen years, and for the past four years here in Medway. I can honestly say that I do not regret one moment of it, and truly look forward to each new day in this profession and in this outstanding Community.

2.  What do you love about working for the Town of Medway?

Virtually everything. The residents and business professionals alike are engaged in and appreciative of what we do here. There are so many caring people in Medway that it is a pleasure to meet their needs and address their concerns. Likewise, I absolutely enjoy working with an amazing Board of Selectmen. Five individuals with very different backgrounds who come together to work on one common goal….what is best for Medway. I have had the pleasure of working with some very fine Board members in my career, some who to this day are incredible friends. But I can honestly say that this group is the best that I have worked for in my career. Finally, but most importantly, I am privileged and honored to work with the group of employees that we have here in Medway. They are outstanding professionals who are dedicated to their departments and their Community, and they truly put their hearts and souls into all that they do. The employees of the Town of Medway collectively make up a dynamic and talented team, and it is an absolute pleasure to work with them day in and day out.

3.  What do you spend most of your day doing?

Each day is different, and that is what makes the job so rewarding. One day the focus will be on assembling the Town budget, and the next may be addressing traffic concerns, or questions on business growth in Town. In general, my office will oversee virtually anything that involves Town operations and as such will work with the proper Town agency and our residents to plan for and respond to all concerns that arise.

4.  What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

The greatest reward in life comes from being part of an exceptional family, and for me that is clearly the case. I love spending time with my Wife on any adventure (large or small) that we take on, and we take on several! I also am very fortunate to share some great quality time with my Mom and Stepdad who continue to give of themselves to my Wife and I. Beyond that, yes, there is the “fire truck hobby”. For the past 15 years I have traveled all across Massachusetts and Rhode Island (many times) and across the Country as well taking pictures of fire apparatus. I loved the big red trucks as a young boy, and clearly it stuck with me. Finally, why not add in the enjoyment that the annual football season brings – not in playing (obviously) but in fantasy football. Thirty years now with the same group of college friends in our league.

5.  Favorite place to travel?

Anywhere warm! Florida is a favorite winter destination as is enjoying a winter cruise from time to time. Locally, Cape Cod during the summer and the Berkshires in the fall are absolute musts….even if only for a night or two.

More about Michael

At age twelve I was diagnosed with a very rare illness called Acute Transverse Myelitis. This illness took a fairly active pre-teen and left me with complete paralysis from the neck down. For six months I was hospitalized in Boston, and obviously from a physical perspective the illness left a permanent mark. However, as with all of life’s experiences, I try to find the positive and build on it. That illness also created strength of mind and spirit to excel at whatever task is ahead of me. It allowed me to be thankful for the gifts that I do have instead of bitter at the physical abilities that were lost. It showed how important family is and that their love and sacrifice should always be appreciated and returned. Today, each one of those lessons hold true, and I use prior experiences to be the best I can be for the Community I serve.  I am thrilled to be here in Medway and look forward to many years to come