Longtime Celtics PR executive Jeff Twiss reflected on his time with the organization when he received the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.
Longtime Celtics PR executive Jeff Twiss reflected on his time with the organization when he received the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award.Lane Turner/Globe Staff
UNCASVILLE, Conn. — A few hours before he was to receive the John Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor for any basketball employees short of Hall of Fame induction, Celtics PR maven Jeff Twiss hung out in the lobby of the Mohegan Convention Center with his wife Sarah, soaking in the moments.
He asked media members if they needed anything from him, a true example of the selflessness and humility Twiss has displayed in his 44 years with the Celtics organization.
Nothing was needed from Twiss and in his graceful style, he accepted his award hours later with a thoughtful speech that thanked his family and the organization that has employed him beginning as an intern from the University of Vermont.
“To my Celtics family for the last 44 years, what an amazing ride,” he said. “As a 25-year-old intern in May of 1981, I watched the Celtics arrive in Boston after beating the Houston Rockets for the championship, they gingerly got off the plane after celebrating their victory. I assumed this is what the NBA is all about. Part of it is celebrations but I learned the meaning of teamwork on and off the court and as Red Auerbach said and we continue to believe today, the Celtics are not just a team, we are a family.”
Several members of the Celtics’ PR staff and front office were at Mohegan Sun, including president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. Former Celtics Robert Parish, who will be presenting Hall of Fame inductee Dwight Howard on Saturday in Springfield, was also present.
“I’m a kid from Vermont who grew up fascinated with how the Boston Celtics played, how they were coached and how they were so successful every year,” he said. “I’m living my dream working for this great organization. I’m so very fortunate to go to work every day and enjoy what I do.”
Twiss has worked with 12 coaches and been to eight NBA Finals in his tenure, being the public relations manager during some of the highest moments in team history such as the 1984 and ’86 championships and some of the lowest, such as the tragic passings of Len Bias and Reggie Lewis.
“To those who found something in me and worthy of this distinguished award, thank you,” he said. “I will continue to do my very best to continue to fulfill what this award stands for. Mystique, pride and tradition are words that are associated with the Boston Celtics. Red Auerbach, the person who hired me, said I wanted a certain type of player and worker for the Celtics, this is a true winner.”'
Gary Washburn is a Globe columnist. He can be reached at gary.washburn@globe.com. Follow him @GwashburnGlobe.