Sen. Fred Berry, D-Peabody, was also among the honorees at Wednesday's MASSCAP award ceremony.
Beth Hogan, executive director of the North Shore Community Action Programs Inc., said Berry was a logical choice because of his advocacy for issues that have helped low-income residents. Hogan particularly cited Berry's work when he served as chairman of the Legislature's Housing Committee and his efforts to pass anti-child abuse legislation.
"He's so well respected by his peers that he's been able to do very important work (at the State House)," Hogan said of the veteran lawmaker. "He's definitely a voice for social and economic justice on the North Shore and in the state of Massachusetts.