Thomas M. O’Neill Receives 2016 Humanitarian of the Year Award
September 20, 2016 - Medicines for Humanity (MFH), has honored Thomas M. O’Neill with its 2016 Humanitarian of the Year Award. The presentation was made during the annual MFH Humanitarian Award Dinner held at the Harvard Club in Boston.
When presenting the award, MFH Founder and Board Chairman, Timothy Bilodeau stated, “Your dedicated service to the least of our brothers and sisters is an example to us all. Your indomitable spirit guides us. Your unwavering focus motivates us. Your commitment leads us. Your extra-large heart inspires us. On behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children we say: mesi anpil, muchas gracias, and thank you.”
Mr. O’Neill has served as a member of the MFH Board of Directors for the past decade. He has also been the impetus behind the Humanitarian of the Year Dinners that raise funds for MFH child survival projects around the world. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the annual event. Cumulatively, the events over the past 10 years have brought in more than 2.5 million dollars for MFH.
Mr. Bilodeau added, “There is no one who deserves this award more than this year’s honoree. His leadership at MFH comes from his heart and is authenticated by his example. For me it is a very personal privilege to present it to him because he is my longtime friend, and because this is the 10th Anniversary of the award that he initiated to help MFH achieve its mission.”
Mr. O’Neill and Mr. Bilodeau met while they were both attending Harvard College and were teammates on championship Harvard varsity baseball teams. Mr. O’Neill is a graduate of Harvard and Harvard Business School. He has over thirty years of experience in finance. He is currently the Managing Director and Partner of Navigator Management Company, and an independent Trustee serving on the Board of Directors for the Federated Investors Fund Complex. Mr. O’Neill has also served as President and CEO of Fleet Investment Advisors. In addition to serving on the MFH Board, he is a member of the Board of Directors for the Children’s Museum of Naples, FL. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Duxbury, Massachusetts.
Medicines for Humanity is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that works in collaboration with in-country healthcare partners, typically communities of women religious (CWRs) and dioceses, to reach and provide critically needed healthcare services to as many children as possible. These health services are targeted to prevent or treat the major causes of child mortality. This year, it is estimated that more than one million of these healthcare services and treatments will be provided through MFH projects to children under 5 years old (the most vulnerable age group) and their caregivers.