Mo Cowan and Diane and Deval Patrick Return as Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2026 Good Apple Awards Reception
The Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice is proud to announce that Diane Patrick and Former Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick along with Former U.S. Senator William “Mo” Cowan will return as Honorary Co-Chairs for the 2026 Good Apple Awards Reception on October 29, 2026. The Good Apple, Massachusetts Appleseed’s signature annual event, celebrates leaders who advance legal access, equity, and opportunity across the Commonwealth. The Honorary Co-Chairs along with the Host Committee serve as ambassadors for the event.
“I’ve long admired Massachusetts Appleseed’s ability to work across sectors to tackle our state’s most pressing challenges. It’s a privilege to once again serve as an Honorary Co-Chair along with my dear friends Diane and Deval and recognize those whose leadership is expanding access to justice and opportunity.” — Former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan
Ranjini Govender Dowley, President & Executive Director of Massachusetts Appleseed, noted, “We are deeply grateful to Diane, Deval, and Mo for once again lending their leadership and support to the Good Apple Awards. Their lifelong commitment to public service and expanding opportunity reflects the very values that Massachusetts Appleseed seeks to advance every day.”
Former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan, the Good Apple Award recipient in 2018, currently serves as the Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer at Devoted Health. Senator Cowan served as Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Deval Patrick, before Patrick appointed him to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by John Kerry. Cowan became only the second African American to represent Massachusetts in the Senate. His career spanning public service, law, and business along with his continued support of Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission, makes him a valued member of this year’s Honorary Host Committee.
Diane Patrick has long been recognized for her civic leadership and commitment to advancing opportunities for children and families across Massachusetts. Throughout her years of public service, she championed efforts to raise awareness of sexual assault and domestic violence. She currently serves as Co-Vice Chair of Massachusetts General Hospital and President of the Board of Trustees of the Epiphany School, an independent school in Boston serving children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Governor Patrick has dedicated his career to advancing civil rights through a lifetime of leadership and public service. He served as Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division under President Bill Clinton before serving as the 71st Governor of Massachusetts from 2007 to 2015. Following his time in public office, he became a founding partner of Bain Capital Double Impact, Bain Capital’s impact investing fund, and currently serves as a Senior Partner at The Vistria Group. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Obama Foundation and remains actively engaged with Harvard Kennedy School.
The 2026 Good Apple Awards Reception will honor three outstanding leaders whose work reflects Massachusetts Appleseed’s mission of advancing access to justice and creating systemic change.
Laura Peabody, Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Mass General Brigham, will receive the 2026 Good Apple Award. The 2026 Pro Bono Award will go to Baker McKenzie in recognition of its long-term partnership with Massachusetts Appleseed in service to young people across the Commonwealth. The Community Leadership Award will be presented to Lisa Goldblatt Grace, Co-Founder and Former Co-Executive Director of My Life My Choice, and a world-renowned expert and leader in combating the sexual exploitation of adults and children. Learn more about these outstanding awardees.
Tickets and sponsorship information can be found online at: https://massappleseed.org/goodapple.
2026 Honorary Co-Chairs
Former U.S. Senator Mo Cowan, Diane Patrick, and Former Governor Deval Patrick
2026 Host Committee
Alison Douglass (Goodwin), Carolin Hetzner, Chris Hoyle (StoneTurn), David Feinberg (Feinberg Hanson LLP), Devin Cohen (Proskauer), John Shutkin (MA Appleseed Board Chair), Lyndsey Stults (Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP), Marty Mazzone (Milken Institute), McKenzi Baker (Ropes & Gray), Melanie Todman (Mass General Brigham), Timothy M. McCrystal (Ropes & Gray LLP), and Wesley Gee (WHOOP)
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About The Good Apple Awards Reception
The Good Apple Awards Reception will take place at the Winthrop Center in Downtown Boston on Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. If you are interested in learning more about the event, sponsorship opportunities, and this year’s awardees, please contact Ranjini Govender Dowley, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice President & Executive Director at Ranjini@massappleseed.org, 315-430-5256.
