Frederick M. Misilo, Jr.
With over twenty years as an attorney, Frederick Misilo is a frequent lecturer on estate planning, special needs planning and elder law. He also serves as Past President of the Arc of Massachusetts, Inc., an organization that enhances the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families through advocacy of supports and services based in their communities. He also serves on the Legal Advocacy Committee and the Policy and Positions Committee of the Arc of the United States. He is a member of the National and Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a member of the Academy of Special Needs Planners. He is Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Cooperative for Human Services, Inc., a well-respected human service agency with over thirty years experience providing residential services, independent living supports, and guardianship services for individuals with cognitive disabilities and other related developmental disabilities. He is also the immediate past chairperson of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Attorney Misilo is the 2011 recipient of the Joseph Andrade Award for Leadership from the Arc of Massachusetts, Inc., and the 2010 Arc Angel of the Year Award from the Arc of Cape Cod, Inc. Attorney Misilo is also the recipient of the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for Outstanding Service (2005), the Good Neighbor Award by Holden Democratic Town Committee in recognition of volunteer service to the citizens of Holden (2005), the Champion for Independence Award by Easter Seals (2004), Certificate of Appreciation by the Equal Justice Committee (2003, the Outstanding Board Service Award by Alternatives Unlimited, Inc. (1998-2005), the Certificate of Recognition for Service to the United Way Campaign Cabinet (1998)and the Outstanding Young Leaders Award by the Greater Worcester Jaycees (1991)
Attorney Misilo has also recently worked with the producer and is featured on the PBS documentary “Autism: Coming of Age.” This documentary is of interest to those concerned about the challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. View the documentary online.
Attorney Misilo is admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of Rhode Island. He holds a law degree from Suffolk University Law School, a Master’s Degree in Education (Administration, Planning and Social Policy concentration) from Harvard University, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
His past positions have included serving as Deputy Commissioner for the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (formerly the Department of Mental Retardation) and Executive Director of Harbor Area Community Services, Inc. in Boston, Massachusetts. He has served on numerous elected and appointed boards and commissions, including the Holden Board of Selectmen from 1989 to 1998.
