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Last month, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce inducted three new honorees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, celebrating this year’s theme of strengthening our competitive edge. The 2024 Annual Meeting took place on Thursday, May 2, at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, convening more than 1,500 business, civic, and nonprofit leaders from across the Commonwealth. As the most anticipated celebration of commerce in New England, the excitement in the room was palpable.
Co-Chairs Paul Ayoub of Nutter and Reshma Kewalramani of Vertex kicked off the evening by welcoming attendees, thanking presenting sponsors, giving well-deserved recognition to the host committee, and directing attention to Major Wu’s video, which included enthusiastic congratulations of the Distinguished Bostonians. Major Wu, expressing excitement for the future of the Boston business community, shared she is, “eager to continue our collaboration to recruit and support companies looking to join our vibrant business ecosystem.”
Next to the stage was Jim Rooney, President and CEO of the Chamber, who spoke to how this year’s Distinguished Bostonians are significant contributors to our thriving business community: “[This year’s Distinguished Bostonians] act with passion to champion Boston’s youth, elevate the city through festivals and events, and build our skyline…All three embody leadership that has and will continue to make this city a global leader.”
Ron O’Hanley welcomed the Chamber’s next Board Chair, Corey Thomas, Chairman and CEO of Rapid7, to the stage. Showing great appreciation for Ron’s leadership, Corey acknowledged the contributions Ron has made thus far: “When I look forward, as I step into the Chair’s role, I want to continue the great work that’s already been started…The Chamber plays a vital role in our community as a convener, as an advocate, sometimes as a challenger, but all in the spirit of making Boston the best community in the world.”
Ron chimed in with his important reminders for attendees, “Greater Boston and Massachusetts has a proven track record of addressing hard problems.” On this year’s theme of strengthening our competitive edge, Ron stressed, “The time is now, I believe, to determine what it takes to be competitive.”
Together, Ron and Corey introduced Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who referenced the history and future of administration as it pertains to keeping Massachusetts competitive: “When I think about Massachusetts and our incredible history, our being first in so many spaces, it’s important that we recognize and celebrate that. But it’s also important that we not rest on that… Know that this team and administration is looking forward to working with all of you in solving all of the big problems and issues.”
Governor Healy’s remarks gave recognition to progress made but also to the work that can be done to further strengthen our competitive edge. The Governor’s perspective offered valuable insights to attendees and inspiration for the continued growth and advancements in Massachusetts.
With the 2024 honorees inducted one by one, all with different backgrounds, careers, and perspectives, they did have something in common: the dedication to innovation required to ensure Greater Boston remains a place of immense impact where all people and all businesses can Start, Stay, and Succeed.
Makeeba McCreary, President of the New Commonwealth Fund, introduced Robert Lewis, Jr., one of this year’s Distinguished Bostonians, expressing how his deep care for the city makes him and his work remarkable. She said, “Robert brings a commitment to winning for children, for families, really for this city. He galvanizes entire communities of people because he creates a family.”
As a tireless advocate for urban youth, Robert leads the Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston (BGCB) as Nicholas President and CEO, where he strategizes the organization’s focus on health, education, and workforce readiness, all essential components to a child’s holistic development.
Speaking of his dedication to creating wins for the city, Robert says, “Every day, I feel I’m called. I’m called to act. I’m called to stand up and step up for my community. It lifts my heart. I don’t feel it’s work. It’s a love of leadership. It’s a love of action. It’s a love of this city.”
Watch Distinguished Bostonian, Robert Lewis, Jr.’s, video here.
The next inductee to be honored was Dusty Rhodes, President of Conventures, Inc., introduced by Martha Sheridan, President & CEO of Meet Boston. Martha expressed what makes Dusty remarkable: “She is fierce, thoughtful, and she is kind. Everything always turns out just the way it should when Dusty’s in charge.”
Dusty is the architect behind New England’s most prolific events. Over 47 years and more than 5,000 events later, Dusty continues to take the events, production, and marketing industries to new heights.
An innovator, Dusty reflects on her path to success: “I have always been out there pushing the envelope, wanting to do something that’s never been done before.”
Watch Distinguished Bostonian, Dusty Rhodes’, video here.
Dr. Anne Klibanski, President & CEO of Mass General Brigham introduced the final honoree of the night. With appreciation for his character and work ethic, Dr. Klibanski gave attendees a glimpse into what makes John Fish an important member of the community. She said, “John Fish is decisive, intuitive, and curious. He is passionate and intentional in everything he does.”
John Fish is the Chairman and CEO of Suffolk, a national contractor and real estate enterprise that invests, innovates, and builds. Under his vision and leadership, Suffolk has grown into New England’s largest general contractor and one of the leading privately held builders in the country. With 2,600 employees in 9 offices nationwide and over $6 billion in annual revenue, Suffolk is currently ranked #24 on the Engineering News-Record list of “Top 400 Contractors.” The impact of Suffolk can be seen every day in the skyline of Greater Boston, including the Millennium Tower, Encore Boston Harbor, a facility at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and more.
Carrying a positive outlook on the future of Greater Boston, John Fish believes the best is yet to come. “We should never forget where we came from,” he emphasizes, “but we can’t deviate from hard work, determination, and meritocracy that is fundamental to our success.”
Watch Distinguished Bostonians, John F. Fish’s, video here.
After celebrating the three Distinguished Bostonians, attendees enjoyed a fireside chat with Karen S. Lynch, the President & CEO of CVS Health, moderated by Corey Thomas, Chairman & CEO of Rapid7.
During the discussion, Karen spoke about the question of what makes Boston a special place to build and develop talent. Emphasizing our region’s competitive edge, she noted that “in addition to the amazing business community that resides here, from my vantage point, it’s the epicenter of healthcare in America… and the place where you get the best care.”
Karen also shared what it takes to lead a successful Fortune 500 company and encouraged audience members not to be afraid to take up space and lead authentically. She shared an important reminder: “You have to stand tall, stay strong.” She went on to emphasize, “Stick to your convictions. Everyone’s going to have setbacks. Leadership is about those who get up and fight… who persevere.”
Karen’s words left us feeling inspired to continue to foster our collective revolutionary and innovative spirit, since when we compete together, we win for our families, communities, workplaces, economy, and future.
With the close of this year’s Annual Meeting, the Chamber encourages our community to continue celebrating the theme of 2024: Strengthening Our Competitive Edge! Let us keep working to make Boston the best place for all people and all businesses to thrive.
On behalf of everyone at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, we would like to express our gratitude for the generous contributions and continuous support of our sponsors. Thank you.
Presenting Sponsors: Alexion, Fidelity, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, Suffolk, StateStreet, & Vertex
Platinum Sponsors: Bank of America, BCBSMA, Sustainable BXP, Encore Resort BH, MassMutual, MFS Investment Management, National Grid, Nutter Law, Point32Health, Pw CUS, & Takeda
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