 Chamber Awards

Honoring Boston’s Best and Brightest

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosts a variety of awards programs throughout the year that recognize and celebrate the inspiring individuals and organizations who are making an impact in their workplace and communities.

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Celia Richa

Senior Vice President, Programs

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

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Pinnacle Awards

The Pinnacle Awards is the premier event for women in business, and honors incredible leading women for their outstanding contributions to the workplace and commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the region.

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Honorees

Dr. Aisha Francis

President & CEO, Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology

Achievement in Arts & Education Aisha Francis, PhD, is the president of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology and the first woman to lead…Read more

Jess Ackerman

Audit & Assurance Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP

Achievement in the Professions Jess Ackerman is an Audit & Assurance partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP (“Deloitte”), where she focuses on…Read more

Devanshi Purohit

Associate Principal | Urban Design, CBT

Emerging Executive Devanshi is an Associate Principal at Boston-based design firm CBT, with expertise in urban design, planning, and environmental resiliency….Read more

Democratic Whip Katherine Clark

5th District of Massachusetts, U.S. House of Representatives

Achievement in Management – Government Congresswoman Katherine Clark proudly serves the Fifth District of Massachusetts. She was first elected in a special…Read more

Lauren Baker

Founder, Wonderfund

Achievement in Management – Nonprofit Lauren Baker currently serves as the First Lady of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts alongside her husband, Governor…Read more

Dr. Maya R. Said

Founder & CEO, Outcomes4Me Inc.

Achievement in Entrepreneurship Dr. Said is the founder and CEO of Outcomes4Me, a health technology company focused on providing patients diagnosed with…Read more

Sandra Cotterell

CEO, Codman Square Health Center

Achievement in Health Care & Life Sciences Sandra Cotterell, joined Codman Square Health Center in 1994 as COO and was appointed CEO in 2011. During…Read more

Mary Anne Heino

President & CEO, Lantheus

Achievement in Management – Private Mary Anne Heino brings to Lantheus 30 years of diverse pharmaceutical industry experience. Joining Lantheus in April…Read more

Juliette Kayyem

Faculty Chair of the Homeland Security and Security & Global Health Projects, Harvard Kennedy School

Lifetime Achievement In academia, private sector, government and media, Professor Juliette Kayyem is an international leader in crisis management and…Read more

Annual Meeting

Our Annual Meeting is the top Greater Boston business convening of the year, and we are committed to bringing our community together again. The Annual Meeting convenes more than 1,300 business and civic leaders from across the region to induct new members into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, hear from a prominent keynote speaker, and connect with each other across companies and industries.

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2023 Distinguished Bostonians

Brian Moynihan

Chair of the Board & Chief Executive Officer, Bank of America

Brian Moynihan leads a team of more than 210,000 employees dedicated to making financial lives better for people, companies of every size, and institutional investors…Read more

Brian Moynihan leads a team of more than 210,000 employees dedicated to making financial lives better for people, companies of every size, and institutional investors across the United States and around the world.

Bank of America was named World’s Best Bank by Euromoney magazine as well as America’s Most JUST Company by JUST Capital in 2022. The company has been recognized as a leader in financial services, including on Forbes magazine’s list for World’s Best Employers and World’s Top Female-Friendly Companies as well as Fortune magazine’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies and Best Companies to Work For. Bank of America also was named on People’s Companies that Care list and is the top global bank on Fortune’s Change the World list. The company has been ranked three times on LinkedIn’s Top 50 Companies in the U.S. list, and also is recognized annually as a top employer by Working Mother, LATINA Style, Black Enterprise, Military Times and U.S Veterans Magazine.

Moynihan participates in several organizations that focus on economic and market trends, including the World Economic Forum’s International Business Council Stakeholder Capitalism Metrics Initiative (chair), the Financial Services Forum, the Bank Policy Institute, the Business Roundtable, the Clearing House (chair), the American Heart Association CEO Roundtable (co-chair) and the Business Council. He also is a co-chair of the Steering Committee of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism and co-chair of the Sustainable Markets Initiative, which was founded by His Majesty King Charles III in his former role of His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Moynihan serves as chair of the company’s Global Diversity and Inclusion Council and is a member of the museum council for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He is also a member of the Brown University Corporation’s Board of Fellows, the Catalyst Board of Directors, the Council on Competitiveness Board (chair) and the Appeal of Conscience Board of Trustees.

Moynihan works with public officials, businesses and civic leaders at the local level through his participation on the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, the Massachusetts Competitive Partnership (chair) and the Partnership for Rhode Island.

Callie Crossley

Host, Commentator, GBH

Callie Crossley is the Host of the radio show and podcast Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, which airs on GBH, 89.7 FM Sundays from 6:00 to 7 p.m. Her award-winning…Read more

Callie Crossley is the Host of the radio show and podcast Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, which airs on GBH, 89.7 FM Sundays from 6:00 to 7 p.m. Her award-winning radio essays air Mondays during GBH’s Morning Edition. She also hosts Basic Black on GBH-TV, which focuses on current events impacting communities of color. Crossley is a frequent commentator on local and national television and radio programs and has been quoted in a variety of publications, including The Washington Post, and Vanity Fair. She was the subject of a major feature published in the August 2021 issue of Boston Magazine.

Ms. Crossley has won multiple TV, radio, and film awards, including the prestigious Gold Baton DuPont Columbia award, and an Academy Award “Oscar” nomination for her producer work on the documentary series, “Eyes on the Prize: America’s Civil Rights Years.” She has also earned top honors for both her commentary and hosting/interviewing talent, including local and national Emmys, and awards from Associated Press, Edward R. Murrow, Clarion, and the Public Media Journalists Association.

Crossley is also a former producer for ABC News 20/20, and a former Visiting Fellow of the Council of Independent Colleges (formerly Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow).

She was both a Nieman Fellow and an Institute of Politics Fellow at Harvard University and was honored as a distinguished alumna of Wellesley College in 2013, and in 2017 was named to Wellesley’s Board of Trustees. Crossley holds four Honorary Degrees: 2005 Doctorate of Arts Degree from Pine Manor College, 2009 Doctorate of Humane Letters from Cambridge College, 2018 Doctorate of Humane Letters from Wheaton College, and 2022 Doctorate of Humane Letters from Tufts University.

Crossley has been recognized with many community awards most recently, A 2022 Governor’s Award honoree by Mass Humanities, the 2019 Yankee Quill Award from the New England Newspaper and Press Association, the 2019 Justice in Action Award from Jane Doe, Inc., and Get Konnected’s 2021 50 Most Influential Women of Color, and the 2017 Open Door Award from Old South Church.

She is also featured in the 2011 book, “Boston’s Inspirational Women” co-authored by award- winning photographer Bill Brett, Kerry Brett, and Carol Beggy.

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John E. Drew

Founder & Chairman, The Drew Company

John E. Drew is founder and Chairman of the Drew Company, a Boston-based real estate management and development company. He is the developer of the Seaport Complex,…Read more

John E. Drew is founder and Chairman of the Drew Company, a Boston-based real estate management and development company. He is the developer of the Seaport Complex, a commercial complex which includes the WTC Boston, Seaport Hotel, and Seaport East and West; Waterside Place and Gables Seaport, a combined 543 units in the adjacent mixed-used properties ; Xfinity Center, an outdoor amphitheater located in Mansfield, MA; and the Bayside Exposition Center; and Constitution Plaza in Boston. Currently the firm is building the Hilton by Signia in Atlanta, GA schedule to own in 2024 and SkySail at Driftway, a 72- unit apartment project in Scituate, MA opening summer of 2023.

He also serves as Chairman of Trade Center Management Associates, which manages the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C., and the World Trade Center Dublin.

Mr. Drew has been a member of the World Trade Centers Association since 1985 and currently serves as the Chairman of the Board. He has also advised the US Department of Commerce in his past role as Chairman of the United States Northeast District Export Council, Massachusetts region. In 2002, Mr. Drew was appointed by the Principality of Monaco to serve as Honorary Consul of the Consulate of Monaco, overseeing the New England states and served as Consul until 2013. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, Stonehill College, Cathedral High School in Boston, and former Chairman and Executive Committee Member for the Boston Municipal Research Bureau.

Mr. Drew received his undergraduate degree from Stonehill College, a master’s degree from Boston University, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Newbury College, and is one of the region’s top authorities on public-private partnerships and development. His civic commitments include Chairman Emeritus for Caritas Christi Health Care System in Boston, and Former Chairman and current Board member of A Better City.

Small Business of the Year Awards

The Small Business of the Year Awards ceremony honors 10 small, high-growth businesses that demonstrate achievement in management, workplace excellence, product innovation, and social responsibility, with a commitment to growing in Greater Boston.

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2023 Honorees

Curio Spice Co

SMALL BUSINESS CHAMPION

Curio Spice, a woman-owned, Certified B Corporation, specializes in making unique spices and spice blends used by restaurants as well as home cooks. By sourcing…Read more

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Denterlein, Public Relations Agency

CEO LEADERSHIP

A woman-owned, independent public relations agency, Denterlein inspires and influences people while boosting loyalty and managing risk for clients. Geri Denterlein,…Read more

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MK3 Creative

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

MK3 Creative, a creative services agency, offers multimedia solutions that help clients tell their story and build their brand. In addition to creating innovative…Read more

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Fresh Food Generation

INNOVATION AND GROWTH

Fresh Food Generation is a farm to plate, multi-cultural, food truck, restaurant, and catering company that works to increase access to healthy, locally-sourced,…Read more

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Gallery Eye Care LLC

COMMUNITY AND IMPACT

Since 2014, Gallery EyeCare LLC has been a leading provider of optometry services and vision care products. The expert eye doctors at their Roxbury optometry office…Read more

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Boston Cityscapes

CULTURAL EXCELLENCE

For close to three decades, Boston Cityscapes, a women-owned business, puts their passion for plants into action by focusing on “biophilic design.” Boston Cityscapes…Read more

Ten Outstanding Young Leaders

The Ten Outstanding Young Leaders (TOYL) Awards are about Boston’s present, and more importantly, Boston’s future. Honorees represent the region’s emerging young leaders from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors who have demonstrated a commitment to improving the civic and business environment and the quality of life in Greater Boston.

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2023 Honorees

Alain Mathieu

Attorney, Mintz

Alain is the son of Haitian immigrants who grew up on Long Island, NY. He has been in New England for 15 years, during which he studied at Bowdoin College, attended…Read more

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Anthony Richards

Vice President of Equitable Business Development, MassHousing

Tony Richards is the Vice President of Equitable Business Development at Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing). In his role, he works intentionally…Read more

Tony Richards is the Vice President of Equitable Business Development at Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MassHousing). In his role, he works intentionally to lead equity strategy that grows revenue and intentionally targetets expenses to ensure it aligns with diverse business goals.

In his role, he led a comprehensive effort to identify and engage 300+ diverse real estate developers throughout Massachusetts including hosting regional statewide listening sessions with a goal of understanding market challenges/opportunities and produced a report including data and key findings. This led to a $50 million first-of-kind Equitable Developers’ Financing Program which will provide access to capital sources for diverse developers to construct, rehabilitate or redevelop residential or mixed-use residential properties. In addition, he developed a comprehensive Diverse Business Engagement strategy and streamlined programs to increase spending in areas such as Construction: Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) $100+ million annually and Women Business Enterprise (WBE’s) $40+ annually; Property Management: MBE expenses totaled $46+ million annually and WBE expenses were $31+ million annually; Goods & Services: MBE were awarded $10+ million annually, and WBE $40+ million to annually.

In addition, he leads $10+ million annual capital grant programs for small scale homeownership or rental construction, renovation, or repair of substandard properties addresses disinvestment and blighted conditions in weak markets throughout the Massachusetts. Lastly, in his role he leads diverse talent & workforce-recruitment strategies, government affairs and housing policy.

Previously, Mr. Richards worked at Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s Office as Deputy Chief of Staff and managed the Office of Access and Opportunity. He led Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies throughout state government in areas such as workforce, supplier diversity and affirmative real estate development. During his tenure, he led the inception of the largest reform to date in the history of the Commonwealth supplier diversity goods and service spend program ensuring greater mandated minority participation in procurement accounting for $2billion in annual spend for small and diverse business and up to $3billion for real estate development. In addition, he led a large-scale reform aimed at increasing diversity for the executive workforce of over 40,000 employees leading to the launch of the Commonwealth’s first public facing interactive workforce diversity dashboard promoting transparency and accountability. Furthermore, he led the expansion of a multimillion-dollar small business grant fund and grant program aimed at increasing safe and healthy communities.

Formally, he has held various Executive Director roles including leading a community development organization where he expanded impact that served 5,000+ families annually with tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and success through various programs such as: Career Development, Child Wellness, Education, Elder Services, Energy Assistance, Financial Literacy, Food Security, Health and Wellness, Housing and Youth Services. In addition, he led an organization aimed at diversifying the Massachusetts creative economy by training and mentoring urban public high school teens through paid internships with professional design mentors. 

Richards was recently named Co-Chair of Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey Black Empowerment Council and a member of Boston Mayor Wu Commission on Black Men & Boys. Lastly, Tony has been highlighted in the Boston Business Journal, 40 under 40.

Tony holds a Bachelor’s degree from the Historic Black College/University (HBCU) Clark Atlanta University and a Master’s in Public Administration from Suffolk University. He lives in Boston with his wife and two daughters. 

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Brian Awe

President, The Fallon Company

Brian Awe was named president and partner of The Fallon Company in March 2022. He is responsible for all business operations and plays a pivotal role in creating,…Read more

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Carl Rodrigues

Chief Executive Officer, Harvard University – Harvard Allston Land Company

Carl serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Harvard Allston Land Company (HALC) where he is responsible for the development of Harvard University’s 36-acre…Read more

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Chareeda Rustanavibul

Vice President, Startup Banking | Chief Convention Director, Silicon Valley Bank & NAAAP Boston

Chareeda Rustanavibul is a startup enthusiast, community builder, DEI advocate, and nonprofit executive. Chareeda works at Silicon Valley Bank as a Vice President…Read more

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Gary Prado

Senior Legal Counsel, Fidelity Investments

Gary Prado is Senior Legal Counsel at Fidelity Investments, where he serves as chief counsel to Fidelity’s private equity business, Devonshire Investors. Prior…Read more

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Guadalupe Hayes-Mota

CEO & Founder, Healr Solutions

Guadalupe Hayes-Mota is a biotechnologist, entrepreneur, professor, and public servant with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors…Read more

Guadalupe Hayes-Mota is a biotechnologist, entrepreneur, professor, and public servant with a diverse background spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors in healthcare access and innovation. Born in Mexico and diagnosed with hemophilia at a young age, Hayes-Mota defied medical adversities, cultivating a passion for technology, health equity, and access. As the founder and CEO of Healr Solutions, he’s pioneering technology to revolutionize drug production and distribution, impacting 43 countries. He lectures on biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and public policy at MIT.

Hayes-Mota has made significant contributions to drug delivery research under the guidance of Professor Robert S. Langer, Moderna’s co-founders, and was elected to Sigma Xi for his research. He previously directed the most extensive free healthcare system in the United States at UCLA Health and helped develop the Affordable Care Act at the RAND Corporation. His global supply chain and manufacturing leadership as vice president is marked by his tenure at industry giants Biogen, Amgen, and GSK, distributing and producing medicines for 113 countries.

The governor of Massachusetts appointed Hayes-Mota to the Massachusetts Rare Disease Advisory Council, where he advises on state policies concerning rare diseases. His commitment to service extends to his board memberships at Fenway Health, Save One Life, MIT LGBTQ+ Alumni Association, MIT Alumni Association, Forbes Business Council, and the Fast Magazine Impact Council.

His academic prowess is evident in his degrees: he holds dual BS degrees in Chemistry and Spanish Literature, an MS in Systems Engineering, and an MBA from MIT, where he was a Leaders for Global Operations Fellow. He also earned a Master of Public Policy from Georgetown University, and a Master of Public Administration from Harvard, where he was honored as a fellow at the Center for Public Leadership and a John F. Kennedy Fellow.

Hayes-Mota has been named one of the 100 Most Influential and Inspiring Leaders in the life science industry by PharmaVoice, one of the six most powerful LGBTQ+ leaders in corporate boards by Business Insider, one of the United States’ most innovative engineers by the National Academy of Engineering, and Healthcare Executive of the Year by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

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Jessica Carless

Staff User Experience Researcher, Google

Jessica Carless is a User Experience Researcher on the Android team at Google Inc, where she leads innovative GenAI teams and workspaces to shape the future of mobile…Read more

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Kleida Martiro

Partner, Glasswing Ventures

Kleida Martiro is a Partner at Glasswing Ventures with specialized expertise in data science, entrepreneurship, and product management. As the former Head of Data…Read more

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Qingjian “QJ” Shi

Director, Asian Business Empowerment Council, The Boston Foundation

Qingjian Shi is a highly accomplished leader and advocate for the Asian American business community. Currently serving as the Director of the Asian Business Empowerment…Read more

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Pacesetters Awards

Our Pacesetters Awards highlight the critical efforts being taken in procurement and supplier diversity to achieve economic inclusion for minority business enterprises and the communities from which they are born and operate. Launched in 2022, categories include Deal of the Year, Champion of the Year, and Pacesetters Company of the Year.

Read the 2023 Recap

2023 Award Winners

Company of the Year

Manulife/John Hancock

Champion of the Year

Rosanna Molinaro, Director of Procurement and Contracts Management, Department of Planning, Real Estate, and Facilities, Northeastern University

Partnership of the Year

Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) and Casablanca Services

Events

Pacesetters

Doing Business with Boston Planning and Development Agency

Women's Network

Women’s Network | Jenny Holaday, Encore Boston Harbor

BIMA

2023 BIMA Gala

Learning & Development

EQ to Elevate Workplace Well-being

Transformational DEI Certificate

Women’s Leadership Program

Boston’s Future Leaders

Economic Inclusion

Economic Inclusion

City Awake

Economic Inclusion

Pacesetters

Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

2023 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

GBCC’s Networks

OUR NETWORKS

City Awake

BIMA

Women’s Network

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Pacesetters

Small Business

Membership

About Us

Our Impact

Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

For our members

Events

Pacesetters

Doing Business with Boston Planning and Development Agency

Women's Network

Women’s Network | Jenny Holaday, Encore Boston Harbor

BIMA

2023 BIMA Gala

Learning & Development

EQ to Elevate Workplace Well-being

Transformational DEI Certificate

Women’s Leadership Program

Boston’s Future Leaders

Economic Inclusion

Economic Inclusion

City Awake

Economic Inclusion

Pacesetters

Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

2023 Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

GBCC’s Networks

OUR NETWORKS

City Awake

BIMA

Women’s Network

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Pacesetters

Small Business

Membership

About Us

Our Impact

Membership Directory

 Chamber Awards