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          Executive Exchange | Science, Strategy & Impact with Christopher A. Viehbacher, Biogen

          Join us for an exclusive conversation with Biogen President & CEO, Christopher A. Viehbacher, on navigating transformation with a focus on disciplined execution, portfolio prioritization, and advancing the most promising science into meaningful patient outcomes at a global life sciences powerhouse.

          10/07/2026

          11:30am - 1:00pm

          The Colonnade Hotel

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          Read More
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          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

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          Read More
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          Read More
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Transporation First Logo

A Statewide Outlook for a Competitive Commonwealth

October 27, 2026 2:45 pm – 4:30 pm Hybrid | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Overview

  • Gain a statewide perspective on the transportation challenges and opportunities shaping Massachusetts’ economic future.
  • Learn how regional leaders are leveraging transportation investments to support workforce development and community vitality.
  • Discover where priorities align across regions and what collaborative strategies can help move the Commonwealth forward.

Tickets

  • Free & Open to the Public
  • (Advance registration is required)
Register Now
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  • Overview
  • Speakers
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  • Agenda
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Powering Competitiveness Through Connectivity

Transportation remains the backbone of economic opportunity, connecting people to jobs, businesses to markets, and communities to one another. Yet transportation challenges and priorities can vary significantly across Massachusetts, from Greater Boston to Central and Western Massachusetts.

Join leaders from across the Commonwealth for a timely conversation examining how transportation infrastructure, workforce access, and economic development are shaping the future of Massachusetts. Featuring insights from Kate Dineen, President & CEO of A Better City; Timothy Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Aaron Vega, President of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, this discussion will explore regional perspectives on mobility, housing accessibility, economic competitiveness, and the investments needed to strengthen the Commonwealth’s long-term growth.

Whether joining this event in-person or virtual, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing Massachusetts communities and gain insight on the investments, partnerships, and policy solutions needed to position Massachusetts for the years ahead.

ABOUT TRANSPORTATION FIRST

The Transportation First series offers a platform to discuss the urgent challenges Greater Boston faces by bringing in experts and changemakers to explore the issues and potential solutions for the future of the Commonwealth. This series will help raise broader awareness among employees and employers who are affected by the transit system every day.

By prioritizing all modes of transportation, we can tackle and mitigate other significant policy challenges, including housing, climate decarbonization and adaptation, economic development, economic opportunity, and education access. Transportation First is not only about transportation, but also about delivering improved, more connected and sustainable solutions that are shaping Massachusetts’ tomorrow.

Questions? Contact us.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Staff
Erica Deese

Senior Program Manager

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Erica

Speakers

Kate Dineen Canva HS
Kate Dineen

President & CEO, A Better City

Kate Dineen is the President & CEO of A Better City. She served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from May 2019 to April 2023. Prior…Read more
Kate Dineen is the President & CEO of A Better City. She served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from May 2019 to April 2023. Prior to joining A Better City, Kate worked for the New York State Governor’s Office, serving as the Chief of Staff for State Operations, Assistant Secretary for the Environment, and Deputy Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery after Superstorm Sandy. She was previously U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s Policy Director and has worked in the non-profit and media sectors. Kate serves on numerous commissions and boards and is an Advisory Council Member for the Tufts University Center for State Policy Analysis. Kate was named to the 2024 Boston Business Journal Power 50 list and to the 2018 City & State Magazine 40 Under 40 list. Outside of her work at A Better City, Kate is a leading advocate for reproductive rights and was recognized as a 2022 Boston Globe Bostonian of the Year Honorable Mention. Kate holds a B.A. in English from Williams College and a Masters in City Planning from MIT, and was a Non-Resident Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School Homeland Security Project.

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Timothy P. Murray

President & CEO, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

Timothy P. Murray became President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in June of 2013. He leads a team of professionals serving the region’s…Read more
Timothy P. Murray became President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce in June of 2013. He leads a team of professionals serving the region’s business community by focusing on economic development, public policy, member services, and other activities that contribute to a vibrant business climate. The Chamber’s mission of recruit, retain, and incubate aims to bring new businesses to the region, retain existing businesses, and nurture those in emerging sectors.

Prior to the Chamber, Tim was elected Lieutenant Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 2006, following a historic grassroots campaign alongside Governor Deval Patrick. As Lieutenant Governor, he worked to promote job growth, delivered landmark reforms in ethics, education, pensions, and the transportation system. Tim led the Patrick – Murray administration’s negotiation with CSX regarding the historic acquisition of tracks across the Commonwealth and facilitated Massport’s acquisition of Worcester Regional Airport. As Lieutenant Governor, Tim chaired the National Lieutenant Governor’s Association.

A life-long Worcester resident, he was a former three-term Mayor of Worcester, New England’s second largest city. Under Tim’s leadership, Worcester experienced unprecedented progress, with $1 billion of new economic development projects, such as Gateway Park and City Square, that are helping to transform an older industrial city into one that is well positioned to lead and grow in the new economy.

As President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Murray helped lead the effort to bring the Red Sox Triple A team to Worcester as well as Madison Properties and owner Denis Dowdle who is leading the ballpark redevelopment plan on the 22-acre site that had been dormant for decades.

Tim attended public schools in Worcester and St. John’s High School in Shrewsbury. He studied at Fordham University in New York City and put himself through Western New England College School of Law, attending classes at night, while working days as a substitute teacher and housing advocate. Following law school, he became a partner in the Worcester firm of Tattan, Leonard and Murray.

Tim and his wife Tammy (Sullivan), also a Worcester native, continue to live there and are proudly raising their two daughters, Helen and Katerine.

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Aaron Vega

President & CEO, Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC)

Aaron Vega became President and CEO, Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC) at the start of 2026, succeeding Rick Sullivan in the role. Vega most recently…Read more
Aaron Vega became President and CEO, Western Mass Economic Development Council (EDC) at the start of 2026, succeeding Rick Sullivan in the role. Vega most recently held the position of Director of the City of Holyoke’s Office of Planning and Economic Development in which he was instrumental in advancing major housing and redevelopment projects; as well as initiatives to strengthen business support and local economic planning. His career in service of community began prior to that serving from 2013 – 2021 as MA State Representative for the 5th Hampden District, as an Adjunct Political Science Professor at UMass Amherst for four years and before that for two terms as a one of Holyoke’s first Latino at-large councilors, where he served a term as Chair of the Redevelopment Committee. Vega’s passion for economic growth can also be seen in his role as a small business owner of VegaYoga & Movement Arts and VegaYoga Mobile.

Vega is also a well-known keynote speaker and panelist, having presented at the University of Massachusetts School of Public Health and Health Sciences’ 2nd Annual Summit on Health Care, the Massachusetts Women in Law Enforcement Conference, an MMA webinar on regulatory developments related to cannabis, the Western Massachusetts Health Equity Network’s MOSAIC Film Screening, and the Democratic State Convention panel on Combating Bigotry, Racism, and White Supremacy in American Politics.

Vega’s educational journey found him attending Holyoke Community College and Keene State College where he graduated with a dual bachelor’s degrees in psychology and film studies. After which he pursued a career in film editing, working on projects for Ken Burns, PBS, TLC and HBO.

A proud Ecuadorian, born and raised in Holyoke, Mass; his film career took him to New York City and New Hampshire for a number of years. Missing what Western Mass offers, he moved back to Holyoke with his wife, former Rockette and now entrepreneur, Debra. He is the proud parent of three daughters and a son, as well as a recent grandfather.

Vega currently serves on the board of Mass Humanities as Chair and serves on the board for the Community Foundation of Western Mass, The Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice, NEPM and MassHire Holyoke Career Center.

Having received various recognitions over the years, a few that stand out include being an award-winning documentary film editor, being named to the BusinessWest 40 under Forty, class of 2010, and most recently by MassLive as one of eight Hispanic trailblazers driving change across Massachusetts and beyond.

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Series Sponsor

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Agenda

  • 2:45 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. | Registration & Networking

    Sign in at registration and network with fellow attendees. Refreshments will be provided.

  • 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Program

    Hear from leaders across Greater Boston, Central, and Western Massachusetts as they discuss the challenges and opportunities facing communities across the Commonwealth and the partnerships and solutions needed to drive growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is included in my registration?

    Access to a welcoming community of professionals over a great conversation! Refreshments will be provided.

  • What should I bring?

    An interest in connecting and networking with other professionals. Oh, and don’t forget business cards.

  • What should I wear?

    Please come dressed for your day!

  • When should I arrive?

    For in-person, registration begins at 2:45 p.m., with program starting promptly at 3:15 p.m.

    Note: If attending virtually you will be sent the link to join ahead of the program which will begin at 3:15 p.m.

  • Do I need to register in advance?

    We recommend registering in advance to secure your spot! We have a limited number of in-person tickets available due to capacity limits.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

265 Franklin Street, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02110

Get Directions

This is a free event but if you can no longer attend please notify us so we can open up spots for other guests. 

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].

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Massachusetts’ long-term competitiveness.

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