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March 4, 2026
Media Contact: Casey Baines [email protected]; Mattie Holloway [email protected]
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Announces 2026 Annual Meeting Theme & Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians
Boston, MA – On Tuesday, May 12, 4:30pm – 8:00pm, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will host the 2026 Annual Meeting, the Chamber’s premiere convening for the region. One of the largest gatherings of the Greater Boston business community, the Annual Meeting attracts more than 1,500 business, government, and civic leaders for the opportunity to connect and celebrate the Chamber’s Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center with the theme, Revolutionary Past. Visionary Future.
For 250 years, Massachusetts has been a place where bold ideas take root, industries rise, and leadership transforms moments of change into lasting impact. From the Commonwealth’s revolutionary beginnings to today’s world-leading innovation economy, the region continues to shape the future through ingenuity, collaboration, and an enduring spirit of resilience.
With this year’s theme of Revolutionary Past. Visionary Future, the Chamber honors the past while shaping the future. Powered by entrepreneurs, cutting-edge technology, and world-renowned medical and higher education institutions, the Commonwealth drives breakthroughs that strengthen communities, grow businesses, and change lives.
“Congratulations to our 2026 Distinguished Bostonians! This year’s Distinguished Bostonians are building a better future for all of us across industries and communities in the Commonwealth.” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Our honorees reinforce our Annual Meeting with their revolutionary and innovative work that helps residents, families, and businesses of all sizes. Together, we will continue to champion economic growth, ensuring Massachusetts remains competitive on the world stage.”
“It is an honor to welcome the 2026 Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. Each of these leaders has made immense contributions to their communities,” said Corey Thomas, CEO of Rapid7 and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “I’m proud to elevate these honorees, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure a stronger future that benefits families, workers, and our Commonwealth.”
During the Annual Meeting, the Chamber inducts illustrious members of the business community into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. Our 2026 Distinguished Bostonians are Paul J. Ayoub, Chair, Nutter; Kevin B. Churchwell, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital; and Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank. Ayoub, Churchwell, and D’Amato, join an exemplary group of Academy members, including business leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, dignitaries, and sports legends who have local and international acclaim.
“I am honored to be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians, joining so many whom I admire, including my fellow inductees. I value this recognition for the light it shines on the people and causes I believe in so strongly, in our community and beyond. This recognition also reflects the shared values of my partners and colleagues at Nutter, who believe that our professional responsibility extends both to our clients and to service to our community. Across Greater Boston, countless individuals distinguish themselves through meaningful and often unrecognized service. Together with the leadership of Jim Rooney and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, we can continue strengthening our community and the people, institutions, businesses, and civic organizations that sustain this region,” said Paul J. Ayoub, Chair, Nutter, Chamber Executive Committee Member, and Board Chair Emeritus.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, and to stand alongside Paul Ayoub and Catherine D’Amato, who have helped shape this city through their commitment to justice and the well-being of our community,” said Kevin B. Churchwell, MD, CEO, Boston Children’s Hospital. “At Boston Children’s, our community mission is driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. That mission is made possible through the kinds of partnerships and civic dedication that the Chamber champions. Together, we’re building a Boston where every family, regardless of background or circumstance, has access to the care, resources, and opportunity their children need to reach their full potential.”
“Receiving the Distinguished Bostonian Award from the Chamber is a profound honor and affirmation of our shared commitment to ending hunger. When we support our neighbors in need, we transform lives—and when we invest in charitable organizations like The Greater Boston Food Bank, we strengthen our entire community. In my 30 years leading GBFB, we’ve made significant progress thanks to so many great partnerships, yet more than 1 in 3 of our neighbors still faces food insecurity. I am filled with both gratitude and hope knowing that together we have the compassion and courage to advance our mission and ensure every person has the resources they need to thrive,” said Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank.
The Chamber’s 2026 Annual Meeting Host Committee is co-chaired by Miceal Chamberlain, President of Massachusetts, Northeast Region Executive, Global Commercial Banking at Bank of America and Chamber Executive Committee Member, and Geri Denterlein, Founder & CEO, Denterlein. WCVB-TV is the Media Partner, and Antoinette Antonio, WCVB Anchor, will serve as the Annual Meeting Master of Ceremonies.
Information about tickets and a list of past honorees are available online here.
Press wishing to cover the event should RSVP to Casey Baines at [email protected] and Mattie Holloway at [email protected].
About the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber is the convener, voice, and advocate of the region’s business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive learning and development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com.
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