- David A. Wilson, Executive Director
Boston, MA — "We only get the society we have if people are willing to volunteer some of their time, talents, and resources to the greater good," said former Massachusetts State Ethics Commission member Eron Hackshaw. For the long-time public servant, his tenure on the Commission was a natural extension of a career dedicated to the public interest, accountability, and the mechanics of fair resolution.
This profile, part of the Individually Speaking series, offers a unique look at the leadership behind the Ethics Commission, this time from the perspective of a newly former member.
As the Director for Public Service and Pro Bono at Boston University School of Law, he invests his time advising the next generation of legal professionals on navigating careers within government and non-profit sectors. His appointment to the Commission by the Attorney General brought a vital perspective to the Commonwealth's ethical oversight, combining his background in legal education with a deep, practical understanding of conflict resolution.
With an extensive background as a trained and certified mediator, including work with the Harvard Law School Mediation Program and the Chelsea District Court, former Commissioner Hackshaw viewed ethical frameworks as foundational. To him, institutional integrity is about building a system with few weak points.
"Integrity always means doing what is right because you know what is right, not just out of fear of consequences or in hopes of a reward," he explained. He noted that while perfection may be an impossible standard, the people who govern have a responsibility to aim for it from the outset. Without robust ethics laws, the system risks allowing a few to benefit to the detriment of the public trust.
He emphasized that this standard requires a complete shift away from self-interest, noting, "You are in the role not to serve your own personal or private interests but to work to uphold the laws and values of the Commonwealth."
Reflecting on the enforcement side of the Commission's work, former Commissioner Hackshaw noted a distinct challenge regarding personal accountability. He was often struck by how hard it is for some to admit they made a mistake. "I am surprised by how many people do not own up to what they have done," he observed. "What surprised me is how many people still insist that what they did was not wrong, or don't want to accept responsibility."
Beyond his service with the Commission, he remains deeply committed to public service and community leadership. In addition to guiding law students at BU Law, he serves as the Co-Vice Chair of the Steward Board at Bethel AME Church Boston and promotes public accountability as a member of the Internal Affairs Oversight Panel for the City of Boston Office of Police Accountability and Transparency. He also continues his work as an active member of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association. Whether guiding law students, mediating disputes, or evaluating ethics cases, his goal remains the same: ensuring public officials remain mindful of the public trust placed in them, and that they serve the Commonwealth rather than themselves.
