2023 Annual Meeting - Boston Chamber

Event Details

We hope you enjoyed our highly anticipated Annual Meeting, Greater Boston’s top business convening of the year.

Our Annual Meeting attracted 1,300 business and civic leaders who came together to induct new members into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians and connect with each other.

Tickets

Individual Ticket: $500
Silver Sponsorship: $5,000
Gold Sponsorship: $10,000
Platinum Sponsorship: $25,000
Presenting Sponsorship: $50,000

Guest List

2023 Annual Meeting | The Future is Our Business

On May 16th at the Omni Boston Hotel Seaport, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce hosted the Annual Meeting, which convened more than 1,300 business and civic leaders and celebrated this year’s theme, The Future is Our Business.

The Commonwealth leads the world with lifesaving treatments, institutions of higher education, financial industry innovation, and in building an inclusive economy. Tapping into a unique legacy of grit and fortitude, each person and community defines how we innovate and succeed. Our region is powered by the successful journey of every person, family, and company – they create and maintain our vibrancy.

With actions and impact, people and business continue to forge our foundation and our future. From Main Street to Downtown, our collective future hinges on deep roots and rapid growth: roots that build trust in the future of the Commonwealth and robust growth that uplifts every person and company.

Every day, we are elevating the heart of Massachusetts – the people and businesses – to renew confidence and embed equity in our region’s present and future. We must inspire every person to make the Commonwealth a place for their legacy – for the starting point and the pinnacles. To drive our collective success, we will ensure that people and businesses begin, grow, and reach new heights in the Commonwealth.

Start → Stay → Succeed

Questions? Contact us.

Danielle Dorey

Senior Director, Programs

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Danielle

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Featured Speaker

Lidiane Jones

Slack CEO, Salesforce

Lidiane Jones is the CEO of Slack. For more than 20 years, she has been a product and business innovator across consumer and business technology brands. At Slack…Read more

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Yvonne Garcia, Moderator

Chief of Staff to the Chairman & CEO, Global Head of Communication & Head of Global CEO Experience Program, State Street

Yvonne Garcia serves as Chief of Staff to State Street’s Chairman and CEO, Ron O’Hanley, as Global Head of Internal Communications, and as Global Head of the…Read more

Yvonne Garcia serves as Chief of Staff to State Street’s Chairman and CEO, Ron O’Hanley, as Global Head of Internal Communications, and as Global Head of the CEO Experience Program. In these roles, Yvonne is responsible for the setting and execution of the Chairman and CEO’s firmwide strategic priorities, the internal communications strategy for State Street, including for over 40,000 employees and executive leadership platforms, and the engagement of our most strategic clients representing over $6B in revenue as part of a program intended to gain insights into how State Street can help clients achieve better investment outcomes for those they serve. Before these roles, Yvonne led State Street’s Global Client Solutions and Implementation team within Investment Management Services (IMS) for close to ten years. Prior to State Street, Yvonne served as Director of Marketing and Distribution Strategy for Liberty Mutual and as Vice President for Bank of America’s China Construction Bank Strategic Assistance Program. In that role, Yvonne and her team created and implemented over five new Wealth Management Centers throughout China which resulted in over 80 centers currently throughout the country. Yvonne is a fully certified Six Sigma Black Belt, and applies that discipline, rigor, and process to every project on which she deploys. As an active leader of local and national communities, Yvonne served as the Chairwoman for the largest Latino Professional Organization in the country, ALPFA. Yvonne is also the co-founding Chair of Milagros para Niños, a board at Children’s Hospital in Boston, which has raised more than $14 million in funds for Hispanic children who can’t afford medical care. In addition, Yvonne was appointed by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker to serve on the state’s Latino Advisory Commission Board and was also appointed as the Chairwoman for the Greater Boston Chamber’s Women’s Network. Yvonne has been featured in Fortune magazine (2018) in partnership with ALPFA as one of the Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in the United States four years in a row and just last year was named Boston Business Journal’s Power 50. This year, Yvonne was recognized by the Boston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business and by Yahoo Finance on their top 10 HERoes list nationally showcasing leaders who are championing women in business and driving change for gender diversity in the workplace. Yvonne holds an MBA from Boston University in Finance and Marketing and a BA from SUNY Albany and is a Six Sigma Black Belt. Yvonne was also awarded an honorary degree in Doctor of Humane Letters from Cambridge College in Boston, Massachusetts and most recently an honorary degree in Doctor of Commerce from New England School of Business.

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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.

Host Committee Co-Chairs

Cathy Saunders

Head of Corporate Sustainability and Public Policy, Putnam Investments

Responsibilities at Putnam Ms. Saunders is Head of Corporate Sustainability and Public Policy, reporting directly to Putnam President and CEO Robert…Read more

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Tamar Thompson

Head, Corporate Affairs, Alexion

Tamar is an agile business executive who is comfortable and grounded in fluid and rapidly changing business environments. She is a resilient risk taker with a diverse…Read more

Tamar is an agile business executive who is comfortable and grounded in fluid and rapidly changing business environments. She is a resilient risk taker with a diverse background across managed care, the provider segment, life sciences, biotechnology, devices, and diagnostics. She is recognized for her ability to take a 360-degree view of the business strategy, political environment, and technical aspects of global healthcare systems.

Prior to joining Alexion/AstraZeneca Rare Disease, Tamar lead Federal Executive Branch Strategy and State Government Affairs for Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. Mrs. Thompson also served as a policy advisor and consultant for three premiere Washington DC based firms, ADVI, Kimbell & Associates and Avalere Health, where she managed a diverse portfolio of clients, including medical device, biotech, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, and specialty drug companies.

Preceding her time in Washington DC, Mrs. Thompson worked for Molecular Insight Pharmaceuticals (now Lantheus) where she was charged with developing and launching reimbursement and market access strategy for cutting-edge oncology therapeutic treatments options. Additionally, she’s held leadership roles at GE Healthcare and Bracco Diagnostics. Tamar’s experience extends beyond the life sciences community as she has also held several senior leadership roles within the managed care sector for Humana and ValueOptions (now Beacon Health Options).

Today, Tamar serves on the board of directors for Avidity Bioscience, a clinical phase rare disease company. Concurrently, she sits on the executive committee and serves as a director for MassBio, a state level trade association for the life science community, and Healthy Women, a patient empowerment organization. She also sits on the Schwartz Center (Mass General Hospital) Leadership Council.

Tamar holds a M.S. in Health Sciences with a concentration in Public Health from Trident University in Cypress California, she has also received executive leadership certifications from Harvard University/School of Business, Columbia University Business School and UC Berkeley.

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Past Honorees

What to Expect

Attire:

Semi-formal / Business attire.

4:30 p.m. | Annual Meeting Registration and Reception Begins!

Grab a cocktail and network with Boston’s best and brightest members of the business community.

6:00 p.m. | Program Begins

We have many surprises up our sleeves, but prepare to be inspired! We will induct 3 inspiring business leaders to the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians.

6:25 p.m. | Keynote Fireside Chat

Our Keynote Speaker will sit down for a fireside conversation.

6:45 p.m. | Dinner

Attendees will enjoy a seated dinner.

7:15 p.m. | Honoree Awards

We will honor our three Distinguished Bostonians, and they will each take the stage to receive their award.

7:30 p.m. | Dessert Reception

Enjoy some additional networking and delicious desserts back in the foyer!

8:00 p.m. | Event Concludes

COVID-19 POLICY

-You are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC.
-You have not had a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell that cannot be attributed to another health condition.
-You have not had contact with a person known to be infected, potentially infected, or exposed to someone infected with COVID-19 within the previous 7 days. (Prior to the event date)

Watch Last Year’s Annual Meeting

Presenting Sponsors

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

450 Summer St Boston, MA 02210

Get Directions

Cancellation Policy: All individual ticket cancellations and refund requests must be received by Wednesday, May 3, 2023 to avoid being charged or to receive a refund. There are no cancellations permitted for any table sponsorships. There are no exceptions.

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce encourages persons with disabilities to participate, and engage fully, in its programs and events.

If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, including but not limited to, listening devices, closed captioning, large print, wheelchair access, allergies and environmental sensitivities, or if you have any questions about the venue, event format, or anything else please contact us at chamberprograms@bostonchamber.com.

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Membership

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Membership Directory

Not sure if you’re a member?

For our members

Events

Public Policy

2025 Government Affairs Forum | Ronald J. Mariano, Massachusetts Speaker of the House

Series

Transportation First | State of Mobility in Boston

City Awake

Words of Wisdom | Vivien Li

Learning & Development

Creating an Inclusive Workforce: LGBTQIA+ Identities

Transformational DEI Certificate

Women’s Leadership Program

Boston’s Future Leaders

Economic Inclusion

Economic Inclusion

City Awake

Economic Inclusion

Pacesetters

City Awake

Words of Wisdom | Vivien Li

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

GBCC’s Networks

OUR NETWORKS

Small Business

City Awake

BIMA

Women’s Network

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Pacesetters

Membership

About Us

Our Impact

Membership Directory