Special Event: Navigating the Orange Line Closure

August 18, 2022 9:00 am – 10:00 am GBCC Virtual Platform

Event Details

Thank you for joining us for a conversation with Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce President & CEO, James E. Rooney and MBTA General Manager, Steve Poftak as they delved into the current MBTA closures.

Tickets

Free to Members & Non-Members

Beginning Friday, August 19th, the MBTA will shut down the Orange Line for 30 days. The Orange Line services over 100,000 people – students, schools, hospitals, office workers, and more – and stretches from Malden to Jamaica Plain.

Thank you for joining us for this free, virtual event with Steve Poftak, General Manager of the MBTA, and Chamber President & CEO, James E. Rooney, that discussed the impact of the Orange Line closure and how to navigate your travel during this time.

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 virtual platform, please contact us at [email protected].

Questions?

Angelica Medina

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Angelica

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Speakers

James E. Rooney

President & CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

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…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, Vice Chair of 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.

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Steve Poftak

General Manager, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

Effective January 1, 2019, Steve Poftak joined the MBTA as General Manager. General Manager Poftak, who previously served as the Vice Chair of the Fiscal and Management…Read more

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Following the T’s announcement about the Orange Line 30 day shutdown, the Chamber will provide ongoing updates and resources for employers and employees, including alternate travel options and recommendations.

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Get Involved

Become a Member

About Us

Get to Know the Chamber

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Grow Your Business

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Not sure if you’re a member?

Events & Networking

WHAT’S NEXT

Upcoming Events

Engage & Learn

FEATURED EVENT

Series

2025 Government Affairs Forum | State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg

EXPLORE OUR PROGRAMMING:

Member Engagement

Maximize Your Membership

Unlock Value

Membership Directory

Discover fellow Chamber members.

Upcoming Events

Stay Involved

Talent & Workforce

City Awake

Boston’s Future Leaders

Massachusetts Apprentice Network

Strategic Communication for Better Collaboration

Partnership with Boston Public Schools

Policy & Impact

GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

Business Climate

Climate & Energy

Health Care

Housing & Development

Talent

Transportation

Foundation