Let us be your connection

Our Leadership Councils draw together select groups of business leaders from our membership with a specific interest in policy areas to connect with one another, share ideas and perspectives, and help inform and develop the Chamber’s policy positions. As a member of one of our Leadership Councils, you will gain exposure not only to networking opportunities, but also to knowledge sharing, discussion, and guidance on a variety of issues affecting Greater Boston’s business community.

Our Leadership Councils:
  • Help us identify emerging policy issues
  • Serve as a resource of expertise as questions arise
  • Advise the Chamber on prioritizing specific issues within a broader subject area


Each Leadership Council meets four times per year. All Leadership Council members are asked to attend at least two of the four meetings each year. All meetings are one hour and will be held at the Chamber office with a virtual option. Both of your co-chairs as well as your staff lead are responsible for scheduling meetings. Your staff lead will then send out invitations as speakers and meeting times are confirmed. Meetings are limited to seated members of the individual Leadership Council. Staff leads must approve any substitutions.

Questions? Reach out to us.

Carolyn Ryan
Carolyn Ryan

Senior Vice President, Policy & Research

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

Email Carolyn

Our Leadership Councils currently include the following topics:

  • CLIMATE & ENERGY

    Mission:
    The Climate & Energy Leadership Council convenes business and government leaders for dialogue, education, and advocacy on climate readiness and energy issues that impact employers.

    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Vikki Spruill, New England Aquarium
    -Brian Swett, Arup

    Learn More
  • FINANCIAL SERVICES

    Mission:
    The Financial Services Leadership Council works to identify competitiveness issues impacting the Greater Boston financial services industry, and then formulate policies to address those issues and work for their implementation by conveying our message to elected and appointed officials.

    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Tracey Flaherty, Natixis Global Asset Management
    -Thomas Samoluk, John Hancock

    Learn More
  • HEALTH CARE & LIFE SCIENCES

    Mission:
    The Health Care & Life Sciences Leadership Council works with business and government leaders to engage in efforts to find health care cost solutions, and preserve our region’s leadership roles in the areas of care quality, research and innovation.

    Council Co-Chairs
    -Michael Caljouw, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
    -Tamar Thompson, Alexion

    Learn More
  • HIGHER EDUCATION

    The Higher Education Leadership Council provides a direct link between higher education and businesses to identify and seize opportunities to build a diverse, adaptable workforce and to collaborate on the shared challenges the higher education industry faces as major employers in the region.


    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Robert Brown, Boston University
    -Paula Johnson, Wellesley College

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  • HOSPITALITY & TOURISM

    Mission:
    The Hospitality & Tourism Leadership Council works to promote policies that will strengthen the region’s hospitality and tourism, and arts and culture industries, both of which contribute to our economy and make Greater Boston a leading global destination.

    Council Chairs:
    -Carrie Campbell, Boston Red Sox
    -David Colella, The Colonnade Hotel

    Learn More
  • PUBLIC POLICY & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

    Mission:
    The Public Policy & Government Relations Leadership Council works with city, state, and federal officials to create a competitive climate for the continued growth and success of Greater Boston’s employers.


    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Brian Dempsey, Dempsey & Associates
    -Pamela Everhart, Fidelity Investments

    Learn More
  • REGIONAL REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT

    Mission:
    The Regional Real Estate Development Leadership Council works to promote the development of buildings, land, and open space in ways that maximize job creation and quality of life.

    Council Co-Chairs:
    -John Butterworth, Colliers International Boston
    -Travis McCready, JLL

    Learn More
  • TALENT DEVELOPMENT & RETENTION

    Mission:
    The Talent Development & Retention Leadership Council works with government, business, and education leaders to promote education innovation, workforce training, and policies that attract, develop and retain a strong talent pipeline to meet industry and employer rapidly changing needs.

    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Krista Brennan, Edenred
    -Kerry Stakem, PwC

    Learn More
  • TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE

    Mission:
    The Transportation & Infrastructure Leadership Council works to promote a safe and reliable transportation system at the city, region and statewide level to support the economic growth of Greater Boston and Massachusetts.

    Council Co-Chairs:
    -Katie Lapp, Harvard University
    -Michael Scott, Nutter McClennen & Fish LLP

    Learn More

Members of Leadership Councils serve two-year terms. Rotation of members happens every December. The staff lead will contact members upon the conclusion of their term.