Former Logan Airport Chief Virginia Buckingham To Speak On 9-11

DANVERS, MA — Marblehead resident Virginia Buckingham, the former Mass Port head who oversaw the Port Authority and Logan Airport on Sept. 11, 2001, will share her thoughts and insights on the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks at a North Shore Chamber of Commerce luncheon next week.

The Sept. 9 luncheon at Spinelli's on Route 1 in Lynnfield is part of the Chamber's new Thrive initiative aimed at aid the growth, development and success of working women. The group, which is free to join, will plan monthly events, including speakers, seminars, panel programs and networking.

Buckingham will talk about the fallout from the attacks detailed in her memoir "On My Watch" in which she discusses her memories of that day and how she felt scapegoated by the media and local political leaders because of perceived security lapses at the airport where some of the attacks were launched.

Buckingham, who was 35 years old at the time and considered a rising political star after having served as the chief of staff to Gov. William Weld and Gov. Paul Cellucci, resigned as Mass Port chief under pressure in the wake of the attacks.

"The way she was treated, the way she came back and the way she is able to talk about it today is inspiring to everybody," said Mary Anne Clancy, co-chair of the Thrive Steering Committee.

While Thrive is focused on women, Clancy said everyone is encouraged to participate in the group and attend its events.

"This group is for men and women," she said. "A lot of the events will be for women, but some of them will be for men. Some of them will even be for men who would like to learn a little more about women."

The Sept. 9 Thrive event will include a buffet luncheon. Buckingham will take questions following her presentation and be available for book-signings at the end of the program.

Go here for tickets to the event. Go here for more on the Chamber's Thrive initiative.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)

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