Meet Paul (the longer version)

Paul Katz grew up in Milton, Massachusetts, the son of first-generation Americans whose families fled Eastern Europe before World War II. His grandfather and father ran a small business in Boston’s South End until it was taken — twice — by eminent domain during urban renewal. The loss of the business created real hardship for the family, a period Paul remembers for both its challenges and the generosity of neighbors who helped when his older brother became seriously ill.

Those early experiences shaped Paul’s understanding of work, healthcare, and the importance of community. Though Milton was a quiet town, he witnessed antisemitism and racism, lessons that reinforced his belief that people must stand up for one another.

Music became a constant in Paul’s life. He began piano lessons at eight and later studied at the New England Conservatory Preparatory Division. As a teenager, he attended his first musical in Waltham—Man of La Mancha at the Reagle Players—and began a lifelong connection to the city’s arts community.

After college, Paul built a career in marketing and communications while pursuing a “parallel career” in theater. Encouraged by mentors, he became a longtime music director and conductor with Reagle Music Theatre of Greater Boston and worked with SpeakEasy Stage Company during its early growth. He has helped bring thousands of performances to Waltham audiences.

Paul and his wife, Sharon, settled in Waltham in 2004 and are raising their son, Jacob, here. Paul has held senior marketing roles at organizations including Upromise, Vistaprint, PartyLite, and Dun & Bradstreet, helping families save for college, small businesses grow, and teams communicate complex ideas clearly.

Paul’s commitment to civic life deepened during the grassroots effort to build a new Waltham High School, where he saw how informed, persistent residents could create change. Since then, he has been an engaged observer of local government.

Paul believes it’s okay to criticize when it’s done constructively, grounded in facts, and aimed at improving the community. Grateful for the life Waltham has given his family, Paul ran for Ward 7 City Councilor in 2021 to help move the city forward with transparency, fairness, and care for its residents.

Elected to office, he is proud to serve and thankful for the confidence and trust of his Waltham neighbors.