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          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

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          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

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          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

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        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

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          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

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          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

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          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

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          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

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          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

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          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

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          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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        • ...
          Women's Network
          A Fireside Chat with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, Boston University

          This Women's Network event will offer an insightful conversation with Dr. Melissa Gilliam, the 11th President of Boston University and both the first woman and the first Black woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1869.

          06/18/2025

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          Fairmont Copley Plaza

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Special Event
          Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

          Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for a deep dive into employer insights, featuring analysis from McKinsey and a panel of experts.

          06/26/2025

          11:00am - 12:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on June 26, 2025.

          06/26/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development

        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          Join us on June 12 for a highly interactive virtual workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion

        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact

        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board

        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks

        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview

        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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Talent and Competitiveness in 2025: Finding Opportunity in Uncertain Times

June 26, 2025 11:00 am – 12:00 pm Virtual

Overview

  • Join us for an insightful webinar in partnership with the Massachusetts Business Roundtable!
  • McKinsey & Co. will showcase survey insights on Massachusetts’ competitiveness and convene a distinguished panel of public and private leaders to discuss solutions for shaping the future.
  • A recent Massachusetts Business Roundtable survey of employers reveals that the state’s competitiveness faces significant challenges. However, amid the uncertainty, new opportunities emerge to rethink strategies for driving economic growth.

Tickets

  • Free & Open to the Public
Register Now

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  • Overview
  • Speakers
  • In Partnership With

Strengthening Massachusetts’ Competitive Edge

A recent Massachusetts Business Roundtable survey of employers found that the state’s competitiveness is under threat, driven by high costs of living and doing business, and more recently, by dramatic changes in federal policy. Business leaders say the uncertainty and volatility are forcing them to delay decisions, hiring, and investments.

Still, the fundamentals of our market as a hub for talent and innovation remain strong: employers are leaning-in to talent attraction and retention efforts, flexible work, and upskilling and workforce development initiatives. Many are also exploring AI and other automation capabilities to enhance productivity and drive performance.

Uncertain times are an opportunity to think differently, to form new or unlikely alliances, and to secure our leadership role in the industries that are driving, and will drive, our economy into the future. Join the Chamber and Massachusetts Business Roundtable for an overview of the survey which will feature an analysis from McKinsey & Co., as well as a panel of top business and administration leaders sharing perspectives on the future of Massachusetts.

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Angelica Medina

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Angelica

Speakers

JD Chesloff HS
JD Chesloff

President & CEO, Massachusetts Business Roundtable

As President & CEO, JD is responsible for developing and implementing MBR’s agenda on public policy matters, and works collaboratively with opinion leaders,…Read more
As President & CEO, JD is responsible for developing and implementing MBR’s agenda on public policy matters, and works collaboratively with opinion leaders, policy makers and other stakeholders on their implementation.

JD has worked in and around Beacon Hill for more than 30 years. In the Legislature, he was the Chief of Staff to the House Committee on Commerce and Labor, and was the education issues analyst and Deputy Budget Director for the House Committee on Ways and Means. After working as both a budget analyst and Assistant to the President at the University of Massachusetts, JD worked as the Legislative Director for State Treasurer Shannon O’Brien and then as Issues Director for the O’Brien-Gabrieli gubernatorial campaign in 2002.

He joined MBR in 2004 after serving as Legislative/Issues Director for the Early Education for All (EEA) Campaign, where he was responsible for developing and driving legislative support for EEA’s legislation and agenda which included the creation of the Massachusetts Board and Department of Early Education and Care. He served on the Board for 10 years, 5 as Chairman.

JD serves on the Boards of Lever, a start up incubator based in Berkshire County where he grew up, the Blue Cross Blue Shield Foundation, and Science from Scientists. He also is on the Advisory Boards of ReadyNation and CEO Action for Racial Equity.

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Lucy Perez HS
Lucy Pérez

Senior Partner, Boston, McKinsey & Company

A former cancer researcher, Lucy brings a strong technical background to her work with organizations across the life-sciences and healthcare sectors. Since joining…Read more
A former cancer researcher, Lucy brings a strong technical background to her work with organizations across the life-sciences and healthcare sectors. Since joining McKinsey & Co., she has partnered with CEOs and top teams at leading organizations across North America, Europe, and Asia.

Whether working with established pharmaceutical companies or smaller biotechnology companies to hone R&D investments and maximize portfolio valuation or advise healthcare providers on growth and innovation, Lucy takes a strategic, long-term perspective.

Lucy is an active member of the firm’s efforts regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, and coleads our global client service in ESG, supporting organizations with the development and implementation of sustainable operations and strategies for ESG and sustainability oversight. She is passionate about partnering with clients to advance health equity and also coleads our North American diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Examples of Lucy’s recent client work include the following:

– advising a biopharmaceutical company setting clinical, regulatory, and medical strategies for a suite of treatments for infectious diseases and oncology

– supporting a leading pharmaceutical company through digital transformation to rethink how it engages with customers, applies advanced analytics, and embeds agile ways of working

– developing the ESG strategy for a midsize pharmaceutical company and aligning the leadership team of a midsize pharma company to create aspirations and a roadmap to engage various stakeholders

– advising a leading academic medical center on its health-equity strategy and building capabilities to help increase the diversity of its clinical trial populations

– developing a corporate growth strategy for a top US cancer center

– designing an operating model for a new innovation center at a major academic medical center to boost the translation of biomedical research into clinical-care solutions

– conducting a landscape assessment of the FemTech market and identifying opportunities for investment in women’s health for a pharmaceutical company

In addition to her client service, Lucy sponsors our Hispanic and Latino Network in North America, a platform for consultants and Hispanic and Latino leaders to connect and build communities as well as advance their professional development and build knowledge on Latino economic mobility.

Before joining McKinsey, Lucy was a research fellow at a cancer center, where she was involved in the development of novel treatments for solid tumors. She is the coinventor on multiple patents, as well as a board member of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable. She also sits on the advisory board for the Aspen Institute Latinos in Society Program. Lucy’s work has been quoted extensively in outlets such as Bloomberg, Fortune, and CNBC.

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Mike Tamasi HS
Michael Tamasi

President & CEO, AccuRounds

Michael, a second-generation owner, is deeply committed to enterprise excellence, driven by a culture rooted in core values and continuous improvement. He spearheaded…Read more
Michael, a second-generation owner, is deeply committed to enterprise excellence, driven by a culture rooted in core values and continuous improvement. He spearheaded the company’s focus on world-class manufacturing in 1995. Highly engaged in both industry and education, Michael holds a government appointment as Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative and previously served on the MA STEM Advisory Council. In 2022, he became the inaugural Advisory Board Chair for Boston’s CareerSpring, a platform dedicated to helping first-generation, low-income students build meaningful careers. Since 2001, he has served on the GBMP Board, including a tenure as Chair from 2011 to 2024. He is also a NIMS Audit Team Leader and an Ambassador for MassEcon. In May of 2025, Michael was voted to serve on AIM’s Board of Directors. In 2014, Michael was appointed to the New England Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, serving for five years and as Chair in 2018. An active member of the National Tooling and Machining Association (NTMA), he has led both its Audit Team and Budget & Finance Team, and served on the Boston Chapter board for 15 years. He currently sits on NTMA’s Government Affairs Team. After 11 years as Chair of Business Leaders United, he stepped down in 2022. Michael also serves on the advisory board of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He later completed an MBA at Babson College.

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Mekala Krishnan Headshot
Mekala Krishnan

Partner, McKinsey & Company

Dr. Mekala Krishnan is a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm. Her research focuses on topics related…Read more
Dr. Mekala Krishnan is a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI), McKinsey’s business and economics research arm. Her research focuses on topics related to sustainable and inclusive growth, including climate risk and the net-zero transition, globalization, productivity growth, and gender economics. Her most recent research focuses on the net-zero transition, adaptation and physical climate risk across sectors and geographies, including its implications for companies and countries. She is an author of the recent MGI reports, The net-zero transition: What it would cost, what it would bring, From poverty to empowerment: Raising the bar for sustainable and inclusive growth, and Climate risk and response: Physical hazards and socioeconomic impacts. Her past research has focused on the risks facing global value chains and the future of globalization. Mekala is a frequent speaker on these topics at global conferences as well as with executives at Fortune 500 companies. She has authored numerous articles, and her work has been cited in leading business publications, including The Financial Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, and Harvard Business Review. Mekala serves on a Bretton Woods Committee working group on climate finance and on advisory boards for the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and for the Sibley School of Mechanical Engineering at Cornell University. She is also on the board of the Global Fund for Women, a leading public foundation dedicated to improving global gender equality. She was previously a member of a task force at the Hutchins Center on Fiscal and Monetary Policy at Brookings focused on improving productivity measurement. Mekala received her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University in 2011. Prior to Cornell, she received a Bachelor of Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2006 from the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.

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Ethan G HS
Ethan Gauvin

Head of Government Affairs, Northeast, Google

Ethan Gauvin serves as Google’s Head of Government Affairs for the Northeast, where he leads the company’s public policy engagement in the region. Ethan brings…Read more
Ethan Gauvin serves as Google’s Head of Government Affairs for the Northeast, where he leads the company’s public policy engagement in the region. Ethan brings a wealth of experience in different sectors to his current role, including leadership positions on political campaigns, several years as director of public affairs for a biotech startup, and a graduate fellowship in venture capital. Ethan also previously worked at Google from 2014-2019 in San Francisco and London, where he focused on emerging technology policy issues. Ethan holds a BA from the University of New Hampshire as well an MPA from Harvard University and a MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In his free time, Ethan loves to travel, ski, and golf, and is always looking for a great sci-fi novel to read on his next trip. 

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Arnav D HS
Arnav Dey

Partner, McKinsey & Company

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Secretary Lauren E. Jones HS
Secretary Lauren Jones

Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Secretary Lauren E. Jones has more than 17 years of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus…Read more
Secretary Lauren E. Jones has more than 17 years of experience working in local and state government, non-profits, and the private sector, with a particular focus on workforce development. As Executive Vice President of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Jones led the organization’s workforce development policy and strategy. She previously led the Massachusetts market for the non-profit Apprenti, where she worked with companies to cultivate and diversify tech talent through registered apprenticeships. She also created and led the Business Strategy Unit for Boston Mayor Marty Walsh’s Office of Economic Development, supporting business attraction and employer engagement in the city of Boston. Prior to that, she held several roles in the Patrick-Murray Administration, including Communications Director for the Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development, Policy & Communications Director for former Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray, and Senior Program Manager of the Economic Development Incentive Program in the Office of Business Development. As Executive Vice President of the Roundtable, Jones was the Co-Chair of the Workforce Solutions Group and served on the Board for the Massachusetts Workforce Association, the Executive Committee for the Alliance for Vocational Technical Education, the Board of Advisors for the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, the Boston Private Industry Council, and previously served on the Future of Work Commission. She is also on the Board of Trustees for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s New England Chapter and the Board of Directors for Girls on The Run Greater Boston. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Providence College. She lives in Boston.

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