Joseph Avellone

Joseph Charles "Joe" Avellone III (born September 29, 1948) is an American medical doctor, businessman, and politician from Massachusetts. He was a surgeon at Concord Hospital for four years, selectman for the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts for six years, and was executive vice president for clinical research services at PAREXEL International. He unsuccessfully sought the Democratic nomination for the 2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial election. (He declared his candidacy for Governor of Massachusetts in January, 2013.

In 1979, he was named number 3 in Time magazine's 50 Faces for the Future, along with Bill Clinton, Paul Tsongas, and Jesse Jackson.

Surgical career and military service After graduation from Harvard Medical School, Avellone did his residency at Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, now known as Brigham and Women's Hospital. He went on to work as a surgeon at Concord Hospital in New Hampshire for four years. In 1979, Avellone joined the Navy Reserve as a member of the Medical Corps.

Avellone is board certified in general surgery and is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Health industry career Following his surgical career, Dr. Avellone has worked as a healthcare executive in the Boston Area. He served as chief operating officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for seven years. While at Blue Cross, Avellone headed HMO Blue, a health maintenance organization focused on lowering healthcare costs by limiting fees and coordinating care.

He then worked as CEO of biomedical company Veritas Medicine. In 2007 he began working for PAREXEL International, becoming senior vice president for clinical research in 2010, holding that position until October 1, 2013. He held a small advisory position at PAREXEL.

Political career

Early years In 1990, Avellone ran successfully for the board of selectmen in the town of Wellesley, Massachusetts. He was sworn in the following year and won reelection five times. During his third term, he served as chairman of the board of selectmen. He has worked on the Presidential Campaigns of John Kerry, Gary Hart, and Edward Kennedy.

2014 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign

On January 8, 2013, Avellone announced his campaign for Governor of Massachusetts in 2014 when incumbent governor Deval Patrick retires. At the state party convention on June 14, 2014, Avellone failed to receive the 15% of delegate votes required to make the primary ballot.

Personal life Avellone married Sandy Nabhan in 1975. Joe and Sandy currently live in Wellesley, Massachusetts. They have three children.