Fierce Urgency of Now with Boston’s Business Leaders

June 12, 2020 8:30 am – 10:00 am Virtual via Zoom

Event Details

Boston business leaders share reactions to the murder of George Floyd, and discuss how the business community can help the Commonwealth achieve racial and economic equity.

Tickets

Boston business leaders share reactions to the murder of George Floyd, and discuss how the business community can help the Commonwealth achieve racial and economic equity.

“We have… come to… remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood. – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In a country already upended by the COVID-19 pandemic, we face the cruel and ever-present realities of racism and inequalities on the national stage. Our action is necessary and we need to become fiercer advocates and allies to our Black friends, families, coworkers, and community. Over the past weeks, through written and spoken word as well as in the protests we have seen here and across the country, we have heard reflections that honestly bear witness to some of the disparities that affect our Black and Brown colleagues and businesses across our Commonwealth.

Join us as we take a critical and purposeful pause on Friday to convene business leaders in Greater Boston who will bring authentic perspective on what it means to truly drive change for our region. We urge you all to participate in a dialogue that respects the need to listen and reflect but begins to move the conversation onward to actions the business community can take to create a path forward.

Join us for a dialogue on racism with Greater Boston business leaders. Black business leaders and allies will have a conversation about what the business community can do to achieve racial and economic equity with urgency and long-term planning in mind.

Casey Baines

Director, Policy & Communications

[email protected]
617-557-7320

FEATURING

Keith Chaney

President, City Sealcoating, Inc. Featured Speaker

Keith is a business leader who strives to drive business results through an innovative and collaborative approach. The sole mission at City Sealcoating is to provide…Read more

Keith is a business leader who strives to drive business results through an innovative and collaborative approach. The sole mission at City Sealcoating is to provide our customers with comprehensive asphalt maintenance services. This includes leveraging our many years in the industry, to the benefit of our customers, allowing them to make informed decisions regarding their parking lots. We see your parking lot as an investment and take steps, supported by data and our experience, to beautify and protect thus extending the life of the asphalt. In 2017 Keith had the opportunity to purchase a company, City Sealcoating, Inc. City Sealcoating had been servicing the Merrimack Valley for 10 years, but Keith had a vision to expand the company to service all of New England. He used the knowledge and relationships he made working at the state to become a preferred vendor on the MA Asphalt Maintenance TRD02 Contract. City Sealcoating is a trusted company servicing government, commercial and residential customers. Since purchasing the company in 2017 Keith has grown the business 300% by focusing on solid workmanship, effective operations and exceptional customer service. City Sealcoating offers a full range of asphalt maintenance services including sealcoating, crack sealing, line striping, asphalt repairs, paving and snow plowing. Keith lives in North Andover with his wife and two children. He is an active member of his community but also believes in volunteering his time all around the Merrimack Valley area. He is a member of the Lawrence Leads Program, which is part of the Lawrence Partnership, and is an active member of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce. Recently City Sealcoating, Inc. has been involved in the Business Equity Initiative (B.E.I) program through the Boston Foundation. Keith has had the opportunity to aid Lawrence residents through the gas explosion crisis and COVID-19. City Sealcoating Inc. hosts an intern annually from Lawrence Public High School. Keith has been an invited speaker at many events to share his inspiring story and is passionate about giving back to his community.

Rev. Liz Walker

Pastor, Roxbury Presbyterian Church Moderator

Rev Walker is currently Pastor of Roxbury Presbyterian Church, a dynamic faith community with a 130 plus year history of making a difference in one of Boston’s most…Read more

Sheena Collier

CEO and Founder, The Collier Connection Featured Speaker

Sheena is a superconnector, strategic planner, and host. After attending Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, she moved to the Boston area to attend Harvard Graduate…Read more

Gary Coombe

CEO, P&G Gillette Grooming Featured Speaker

Gary Coombe is the CEO of Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) global grooming business, including the biggest shaving brands in the world—Gillette, Venus, Braun,…Read more

Andrew Dreyfus

President and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Featured Speaker

Andrew Dreyfus is President and Chief Executive Officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA), one of largest independent Blue Cross Blue Shield plans…Read more

Herby Duverné

President and CEO, Windwalker Group, Inc. Featured Speaker

Herby Duverné is the Principal and CEO of Windwalker Group LLC, an award-winning, 8(a) small business with more than 25 years of experience in getting customers…Read more

Anna Foster

CEO and Founder, A Maven’s World Featured Speaker

Anna Foster is the founder and CEO of A Maven’s World, an event-focused and consulting business that works with individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations on…Read more

Anna Foster is the founder and CEO of A Maven’s World, an event-focused and consulting business that works with individuals, entrepreneurs and organizations on business strategy, networking and development. She is also the Co-Founder of All Together Now Boston for entrepreneurs and The Women’s Dinner Group for professional women of color. Ms. Foster is a certified life and business coach, as well as a certified behavioral analysis trainer. She is an author, avid connector, poised event host, professionally trained speaker, award-winning entrepreneur, and an impactful influencer. Anna’s work has earned her various awards and recognitions. In March 2019, Anna published her first book: “The Entrepreneur’s Guide & Workbook: For Mindful, Happy & Intentional Living”. Anna’s most recent awards include the Visionary Award in Entrepreneurship, the Ignatius Foundation Sapphire Award, three state-level honors: from the Governor of Massachusetts, and two-consecutive honors from the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Anna’s work has been covered by several major media outlets including, but not limited to, Huffington Post, The Boston Globe, Boston Herald, WHDH Channel 7, WBZ Channel 4, NECN and more. She presently sits on the Small Business Advisory Board for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Alumni Board of the College of Arts & Sciences at Suffolk University. Anna is the former Vice Chair of the Network for Women in Business-Massachusetts. Prior to founding A Maven’s World, Anna owned and operated several businesses in various industries. This experience has fueled Anna with the passion to assist entrepreneurs and professionals to live their best life of abundance and gain success by living authentically. Several years ago, Anna set out to create a world in which people who are facing obstacles and encountering challenges can feel safe instead of scared, empowered instead of defeated, and be rewarded instead of rejected. Building on her annual conferences for professional women and entrepreneurs each year in Boston, in 2018, Foster expanded the women’s leadership conference nationwide and internationally with conferences in Tampa, Hartford, Washington, DC and London. Since 2012, approximately 4000 women have taken part in the Women’s Conference by A Maven’s World. Ms. Foster holds a B.A. in Business Management from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. Anna has 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur. Anna is married and has two children. Connect with Anna via LinkedIn. For more information on the work that she does as a socialpreneur and business strategist, please consult www.amavensworld.com and amwwomensconference.com

Marianne Harrison

President and CEO, John Hancock Featured Speaker

Marianne Harrison is President and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock, the U.S. division of Toronto-based Manulife Financial Corporation. She also is a member…Read more

Malia Lazu

EVP and Regional President, Berkshire Bank Featured Speaker

Malia Lazu has sparked deep economic development and investment in urban entrepreneurship for over twenty years. In her current role as EVP and Regional President…Read more

Malia Lazu has sparked deep economic development and investment in urban entrepreneurship for over twenty years. In her current role as EVP and Regional President at Berkshire Bank, Malia works to generate wealth for communities by expanding access to capital and spurring economic growth—especially in communities of color that have traditionally been left behind. In her first nine months at Berkshire, Malia evolved the $13 billion bank’s strategic focus beyond traditional community banking services to prioritize tangible community impact. She has helped to diversify the board of directors; developed a suite of financial products and programs that support entrepreneurs of color; and launched ReevX Labs, a collaborative workspace and innovation hub for the urban start-up community. A serial entrepreneur in her own right, Malia has launched and led a number of socially responsible business accelerators across Boston. She worked with the city to create Accelerate Boston which helped launch over twenty minority businesses in its first five years, and continues to help minority entrepreneurs raise capital. She was also the founder and President of the Future Boston Alliance, now known as Epicenter, which built an ecosystem of creators, consumers and investors to develop businesses in the creative industries. As a fellow at MIT’s Community Innovator’s Lab, she launched The Urban Labs, a multicultural agency helping brands see returns on diversity. Malia began her career as a political organizer and bridge-builder founding Mass VOTE, a state-wide voter engagement campaign. She has led culture-shifting campaigns for the actor and civil rights activist Harry Belefonte, as well as businessmen and philanthropists like Peter Lewis and George Soros. Malia currently sits on the boards of the Boston Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Revolutionary Spaces, and the Nation Magazine Editorial Board. She was named one of Essence Magazine’s 50 founders to watch in 2017 and Boston Business Journal’s Women Who Mean Business in 2019.

Glynn Lloyd

Executive Director, Foundation for Business Equity Featured Speaker

Glynn Lloyd has been a pioneer in the field of transformative urban economic development for over 25 years. He is the President and Founder of City Fresh Foods and…Read more

Glynn Lloyd has been a pioneer in the field of transformative urban economic development for over 25 years. He is the President and Founder of City Fresh Foods and is currently the Executive Director of the Foundation for Business Equity. The Foundation’s first Initiative: The Business Equity Initiative has designed and is executing a unique approach to truly scaling up our local Black and Latino Enterprises in Eastern Massachusetts. In 1990, after graduating from Boston University, he became one of the inaugural members of Teach for America, teaching 5th grade in Louisiana. Upon returning to Boston, he decided to pursue an innovative approach to community economic development by creating community owned and operated enterprises. Glynn founded City Fresh Foods Inc., a nationally-renowned food service business, and over 20 years grew it on average 15% annually to $9M in revenue. City Fresh Foods pioneers ethnic meals to homebound elders and healthier meals to school age children, and was one of the first companies to receive Social Venture Capital, eventually returning a healthy multiple to its investors. Under Glynn’s leadership, City Fresh raised hundreds of thousands of investment capital, twice expanded its production capability to larger facilities, practiced open book management, and introduced fresh local ingredients from area farms into its supply chain. Glynn played a pioneering role in the local foods systems movement by catalyzing Article 89, a recently passed Boston zoning law amendment that allows urban farmers to grow for the market as a right. To help institutionalize these practices, Glynn founded the Urban Farming institute, a community-led nonprofit supporting the development of the new urban farming industry in Massachusetts. Glynn has extensive experience assisting some of region’s prominent nonprofits, including the transition of Commonwealth Kitchen to new leadership. As previous board chair of Sportsmen’s Tennis Club, Glynn assisted in the transition of leadership at both the board and management level, at a critical time of this African-American led community institution’s life cycle. He was also selected and appointed by Governor Deval Patrick to serve as a Trustee for Roxbury Community College, as part of the college’s pivot into its best possible future. Most recently, he helped found the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, a coalition of black business, community, religious and labor leaders working together to improve economic indicators in the Black community. Glynn resides in Roxbury with his wife Sara and daughters, Grace and Ayana.

Ronald P. O’Hanley

Chairman and CEO, State Street Corporation Featured Speaker

Ron is chairman and chief executive officer of State Street Corporation. He is also a member of State Street Corporation’s Board of Directors. Ron was previously…Read more

Ron is chairman and chief executive officer of State Street Corporation. He is also a member of State Street Corporation’s Board of Directors. Ron was previously president and chief operating officer of State Street Corporation, and before that president and chief executive officer of State Street Global Advisors, the investment management arm of State Street Corporation. He joined State Street in 2015. Prior to State Street, Ron was president of Asset Management & Corporate Services for Fidelity Investments, responsible for all Fidelity asset management organizations and Fidelity’s corporate functions and enterprise technology. He served at Fidelity from 2010 to 2014. Prior to joining Fidelity, Ron served as president and chief executive officer of BNY Mellon Asset Management in Boston, a position to which he was named in 2007. During this time, he also served as vice chairman of Bank of New York Mellon Corporation and was a member of its Executive Committee. Additionally, Ron oversaw all of Bank of New York Mellon’s activities in Asia. Prior to the 2007 merger of Bank of New York and Mellon, he was vice chairman of Mellon Financial Corporation and president and chief executive officer of Mellon Asset Management. He served at Mellon and Bank of New York Mellon from 1997 to 2010. Prior to Mellon, Ron was with McKinsey & Company, Inc., from 1986 to 1997 and was elected a partner in 1992. He founded the Investment Management practice worldwide and was co-founder and co-leader of the firm’s North American Personal Financial Services practice. Additionally, he was a member of the Worldwide Property & Casualty Insurance practice. During his tenure with McKinsey, Ron served in the firm’s Boston, New York, and Stockholm offices. Ron received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Syracuse University in 1980 and his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 1986. Ron serves on the boards of Unum Corp. and Rhode Island Commerce Corporation. He also serves on the boards of Beth Israel Lahey Health, The Boston Foundation, IYRS School of Technology and Trades, Syracuse University and WBUR. Ron’s philanthropic and civic interests include corporate governance, retirement/healthcare policy and funding, education, and climate. He has led several initiatives on gender equality. Ron is a frequent speaker and writer, and an avid offshore sailboat racer.

Dr. Lee Pelton

President, Emerson College Featured Speaker

Lee Pelton is the 12th president of Emerson College in Boston. He is an internationally known speaker and writer on the value of a liberal education and the importance…Read more

Marcy Reed

President, National Grid Massachusetts Featured Speaker

Marcy L. Reed is President of National Grid’s Massachusetts business and Executive Vice President of US Policy & Social Impact.  She is responsible for the…Read more

Melissa James

IBIS Consulting Group Featured Speaker

Paul Ayoub

Partner, Nutter, McClennen, & Fish LLP Featured Speaker

Paul J. Ayoub is a partner in Nutter’s Real Estate Department and is a member of Nutter’s Nonprofit and Social Impact practice group. He is also a member of…Read more

James E. Rooney

CEO and President, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Featured Speaker

James E. Rooney is president and chief executive officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under Rooney’s…Read more

James E. Rooney is president and chief executive officer of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, one of the region’s leading business associations. Under Rooney’s guidance, the Boston Chamber has become the leading voice of the business community on public policy issues, weighing in on important matters such as our region’s public transportation infrastructure, economic mobility, health care costs, workforce development and policy regarding our state’s competitiveness. In addition, Rooney has focused on broadening the Chamber’s membership, including introducing new programs and initiatives designed to attract and retain next generation leaders, minority-owned and small businesses. Prior to joining the Chamber in 2015, Rooney was executive director of the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority for nearly 15 years, overseeing the development and construction of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) and leading the management teams of four MCCA owned facilities in Massachusetts. Before moving to the MCCA in 2001, Rooney served two years as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, chairing the Mayor’s cabinet and playing a critical role in all aspects of city governance including education, public safety, public works and transportation. He began his public career at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, the nation’s fourth largest transit system, where he spent 18 years, starting as a track laborer and ending as Deputy General Manager. He also served one year as the MBTA’s Acting General Manager during a gubernatorial transition. During the 1990s, Rooney served in senior positions at the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority and the Central Artery Project, Boston’s $15 billion “Big Dig” highway project. Rooney has served in leadership positions on several boards of directors and currently sits on professional and non-profit boards including the Professional Convention Management Association’s (PCMA) North American Advisory Board/Mexico Tourism Board, the Association of Chambers of Commerce Executives (ACCE), The Partnership, Inc., and the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC). Rooney has been recognized many times throughout his career for both professional and civic contributions including, a PCMA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global meetings industry and a City of Boston Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and advocacy for immigrant advancement and diversity. In 2018, Rooney was named one of Boston’s Top 10 Most Influential People by Boston Magazine, and one of the “Power 50” executives who made the biggest impact on Greater Boston’s business community and the region’s overall economy by the Boston Business Journal. Rooney grew up in South Boston and attended the prestigious Boston Latin School, graduating as president of his class. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard College and attended the Boston University Graduate School of Management.

Micho F. Spring

Chair, Global Corporate Practice & President, New England, Weber Shandwick Moderator

Micho leads the firm’s Global Corporate Practice, as well as the New England region for Weber Shandwick. Her practice focuses on enabling corporate clients to use…Read more

Micho leads the firm’s Global Corporate Practice, as well as the New England region for Weber Shandwick. Her practice focuses on enabling corporate clients to use communications to support their business strategies, enhance and protect their reputation, and respond to public policy challenges. Micho has counseled clients across industries on a wide range of reputational issues, including CEO succession, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and regulatory matters, cultural transformation and corporate social responsibility. Micho brings extensive experience as a senior manager in both the public and private sectors to her work as a communications strategist, including six years as CEO of Boston Telecommunications Company and four years as Deputy Mayor of Boston. She also served as Chief of Staff to Boston Mayor Kevin H. White after four years of service in New York City government. As a government, civic, and business leader, Micho has helped shape public debate on numerous issues in Boston and beyond. She has managed many political and advocacy campaigns and is a frequent independent media commentator. On multiple occasions she has been named one of the “20 Most Powerful Women in Boston” by Boston Magazine. In 2014 Micho was named to the Boston Business Journal Power 50 list and, under her leadership, in 2015 Weber Shandwick ranked first on the Top 100 Women-Led Businesses in Massachusetts by The Boston Globe Magazine and The Commonwealth Institute. In 2019 Micho was recognized by WomenInc. Magazine as one of their 2019 Most Influential Corporate Directors. Micho is Vice Chair of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. She holds numerous board memberships, including National Bank Holdings Corp (“NBHC”), the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, the Caribbean Educational and Baseball Foundation, and the Massachusetts Conference for Women, of which she is Treasurer. Born in Havana, Micho is also actively involved in efforts to improve US-Cuba relations and is founding chair of Friends of Caritas Cubana, a non-profit providing humanitarian services in Cuba.

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Events

Special Event

2025 AI Advantage: Building an AI-Ready Workforce in Higher Education

Public Policy

Massachusetts Business Outlook 2025

Pinnacle Awards

2025 Pinnacle Awards

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

Fierce Urgency of Now Festival

2024 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

Small Business

City Awake

BIMA

Women’s Network

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Pacesetters

Membership

About Us

Our Impact

Membership Directory