The 5,000 member employers of Associated Industries of Massachusetts share the deep sadness of the commonwealth today at the passing of former Massachusetts Governor and United States Ambassador to Canada Argeo Paul Cellucci.

Cellucci, who served as governor from 1997 to 2001, died after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.

AIM President and Chief Executive Officer Richard C. Lord, said:

“Paul Cellucci strengthened the foundations of the Massachusetts economy at a critical time. He worked with Governor William Weld to secure scores of tax cuts, and then keep a steady hand overseeing the successful implementation of key reforms to the workers compensation and public education systems.

“Throughout all the policy debates, he remained a true gentleman and dedicated public servant.”

Both John Regan, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at AIM, and Kristen Lepore, Vice President of Government Affairs, worked for Governor Cellucci.

“Governor Cellucci created an unparalleled record of public service as a state representative, state senator, lieutenant governor, governor, ambassador and, in his final years, a selfless advocate for ALS research. He had a keen mind for policy, but never forgot the ways that policy affected ordinary people,” Regan said.

AIM joins the commonwealth in expressing condolences to Governor Cellucci’s family.