Lowell L. Richards, III Fellowship for Leadership and Public Service

The Lowell L. Richards, III Fellowship for Leadership and Public Service honors Lowell L. Richards, a longtime member and Co-chair of Metro Housing’s Board of Directors and recognizes his 29-year dedication to the organization’s mission and his legacy of leadership and public service.

 

Fellowship experiences aim to encourage high performing graduate students to consider careers in public service. Lowell Richards personified the impact one individual can make to transform the footprint of a region, the outlook of a city, and the future for millions of individuals and families over generations.

 

Qualities like leadership, integrity, commitment, and ambition are desirable as well as aptitude for the urban planning field, and interest in public service. Applicants are judged according to the candidate’s qualifications and how his/her skills, schedule, and goals fit with the fellowship.

 

The fellowship is administered by Metro Housing|Boston, Inc. Metro Housing is a leading nonprofit organization that addresses and prevents homelessness in Greater Boston by providing supports and services for families and individuals and helps them move along the pathway from homelessness to housing stability to economic security.

 

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) hosts the fellowship in the Real Estate and Asset Management Department, which Richards led for 13 years as Massport’s Chief Development Officer. The fellow will work on projects focused on real estate development, urban planning, and public realm programming and activation.

 

Massport is an independent public authority dedicated to connecting Massachusetts and New England to the world safely, securely, and efficiently. Massport operates three main business lines that are essential to the region's connectivity and economic vitality. Aviation operations involve the ownership and operation of Boston Logan International Airport, Worcester Regional Airport, and Hanscom Field, collectively accommodating millions of passengers and tons of cargo annually. Maritime operations encompass the Port of Boston, including Conley Container Terminal and Flynn Cruiseport Boston, facilitating international trade and cruise tourism serving Massachusetts and New England. Massport’s commercial and maritime Real Estate operations leverage Massport properties to support the Port of Boston and economic growth and job creation. These business lines work in synergy to enhance transportation infrastructure, drive economic development, and support the communities we serve.

Applications are being accepted for the 2026 Lowell L. Richards, III Fellowship. The deadline for completed applications is February 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Due Date and Instructions

Completed applications should be submitted via email and are due no later than February 16, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. to Michael Aschkenasy, Director of Development and Communications. A final decision will be made in early March, and applicants will be notified on March 15, Lowell Richards’ birthday.