Press Release

Press Release  Governor Healey Announces First Meeting of Economic Development Planning Council

For immediate release:
5/05/2023
  • Executive Office of Economic Development

Media Contact   for Governor Healey Announces First Meeting of Economic Development Planning Council

Meggie Quackenbush, Director of Communications

BostonToday, Governor Maura Healey, Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll, and Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao kicked off the state’s economic development planning process with the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at the Massachusetts State House.

Comprised of leaders from a diversity of backgrounds and regions, the council will hold a series of engagement sessions across the state this spring and summer to gather public input about the state’s economic development needs and opportunities. The council will then craft a strategic plan to guide Massachusetts economic development policy over the next four years.
 
“From day one, our administration has been committed to making Massachusetts a thriving and great place to live, work, raise a family and do business,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We have assembled this council of leaders from across the business community and representing every region of our state to advise us on how to harness our tremendous human talent and assets to create opportunity across the state.” 

"Massachusetts has a lot to offer, and we want businesses and people to move here, stay here and build their futures here,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This council draws from a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds – from small business owners to global sector leaders hailing from Western Massachusetts to the Cape – to ensure that all voices are included in this process to envision a future economy for all.” 
 
“We want to lengthen our lead in Massachusetts and put our people and communities on a path towards economic prosperity,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “We are excited to get started on this process and look forward to working with business leaders and stakeholders throughout Massachusetts to define the areas of opportunity and growth for our state economy.”
 
The participants in today’s kickoff meeting include individuals from the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature, along with leaders from key industries in Massachusetts. Members include:

  • Frank Callahan, President, Massachusetts Building Trades Council
  • Julie Chen, Chancellor, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • JD Chesloff, President and Executive Director, Massachusetts Business Roundtable
  • Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO, MassMutual
  • Steven Ellis, Town Administrator, Town of Montague
  • Gina Fiandaca, Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation
  • Sen. Barry Finegold, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies, Senate President Designee
  • Ruthanne Fuller, President, Massachusetts Municipal Association
  • Matthew Gorzkowicz, Massachusetts Secretary of Administration and Finance
  • Yvonne Hao, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development, *Chair
  • Sarah Hodges, General Partner, Pillar Venture Capital
  • Melissa Hoffer, Massachusetts Climate Chief
  • Laura Hooks, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager, Maritime & Strategic Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems
  • Lauren Jones, Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development
  • Julie Kim, President, Takeda U.S. Business Unit and U.S. Country Head
  • Glynn Llyod, Executive Director, Mill Cities Community Investments
  • Paul Niedzwiecki, CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce
  • Rep. Jerald Parisella, House Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies
  • Jason Park, Chief Financial Officer, DraftKings
  • Andrew Rebello, Principal, Diman Regional Voc-Tech
  • Elisabeth Reynolds, Ph.D., Partner, Unless; MIT Lecturer
  • Antonio Rodriguez, Partner, Matrix Venture Capital
  • Tamara Small, CEO, NAIOP Massachusetts
  • Dr. Kevin Tabb, M.D., President and CEO, Beth Israel Lahey Health
  • Rebecca Tepper, Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
  • Brooke Thomson, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs, Associated Industries of Massachusetts
  • Son Vo, Owner, Chashu Ramen + Izakaya
  • Kate Walsh, Massachusetts Secretary of Health and Human Services
  • Mary Kay Wydra, President, Greater Springfield Convention Visitors Bureau

The Council will hold Regional Engagement Sessions across the Commonwealth, where stakeholders and members of the public are welcome to partake in discussions that will inform the substance of the eventual Economic Development Plan. Learn more about upcoming sessions here.

Sessions in the Northeast, MetroWest, Central Massachusetts, and Berkshires regions will be confirmed and announced at a later date.

According to Section 16G of Chapter 6A of the Massachusetts General Laws, a new economic development plan must be formulated and signed by the governor within the first year of a new administration. The plan sets long term goals and measurable benchmarks and defines major economic development initiatives and programs. Once the plan is complete, the council will submit it to the Legislature and the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies and hold a public hearing prior to final approval by the governor. The final, approved plan will be published in writing and online by December 31, 2023.

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Media Contact   for Governor Healey Announces First Meeting of Economic Development Planning Council

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