Hon. Denise Garlick served as a Massachusetts State Representative and is widely respected as a longtime champion for the disability community and a leader in health, human services, and fiscal policy. She currently serves as the Governor’s appointee and is the elected Chair of the Massachusetts Permanent Commission on the Status of Individuals with Disabilities, continuing her commitment to advance the cause of all persons with disabilities.
Throughout her legislative career, Denise held numerous leadership roles, chairing key committees including the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs; the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Recovery; Bills in Third Reading; and the Joint Committee on Education. She authored and advanced significant legislation, most notably the 2018 Act for Prevention and Access to Appropriate Care and Treatment of Addiction, and she was a sponsor of the Omnibus Autism Bill, which expanded services and supports for individuals on the autism spectrum across their lifespan. Her work consistently strengthened access to education, housing, workforce opportunities, and community-based services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Denise also brought a systems-level lens to her work at the intersection of aging and disability, championing policies that support aging in place, caregiver supports, and long-term care options that preserve independence and choice. As Vice Chair of Ways and Means, she played a critical role in shaping state budgets, prioritizing funding for the Department of Developmental Services and mental health programs to ensure essential services reached the Commonwealth’s most vulnerable residents.
A Registered Nurse and former president of the Massachusetts Nurses Association, Denise has seamlessly integrated clinical expertise with public policy. Known for her collaborative approach, she has been a trusted partner to advocacy organizations, individuals with disabilities, their significant others and families, allies, advocacy organizations and community, state and national leaders throughout her career. Her many honors reflect both her legislative impact and her enduring commitment to compassionate, people-centered leadership.
Denise and her husband Russell are the parents of four adult children and are blessed with four grandchildren. One of her daughters was born with microcephaly and a global developmental delay. Her daughter’s sister and brothers have been outstanding allies and advocates in their personal and professional lives. Denise’s six-year-old granddaughter has just been named a Special Olympics champion. Denise’s legacy of meaningful action is informed by love, care, and compassion.
