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

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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
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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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          Economic Inclusion
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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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          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.

          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.

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          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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Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          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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Chamber CEO Begins Term as ACCE’s Board Chair

July 17, 2024 

PRESS RELEASE 

Media Contact: [email protected] 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber, Begins Term as ACCE’s Board Chair 

Rooney to lead National Chamber Organization with 1,600 Members 

BOSTON, MA — 

James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, begins his term as Chair of the Board of Directors for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE).  Established in 1914, ACCE is a national association with more than 1,600 Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, and convention and visitors bureaus as members across the country, representing more than 9,000 Chamber professionals. The combined membership of ACCE Chambers exceeds 1.2 million businesses of all sizes. 

“I am honored to serve as ACCE Board Chair, and I am eager to partner with President Sheree Anne Kelly and the ACCE team and Chamber executives from across the country.  During my term, we will build on the excellent leadership of my predecessors Carlos Phillips and Christy Gillenwater to continue elevating the importance of Chambers to the success of every Main Street and Downtown in America. Chambers lead in transforming lives, careers, businesses, and communities, and I am proud to ensure that our national, collective voice drives impact every day,” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and ACCE Board Chair. 

“At ACCE, we are committed to the success of Chambers across the country, and the leadership of our Board is critical to the future of our industry. Jim Rooney brings years of expertise, action, and impact to his role as ACCE’s Board Chair that will benefit the Board’s vision as well as Chambers of all sizes across the country. I am looking forward to working with Jim to strengthen ACCE as well as the entire Chamber industry,” said Sheree Anne Kelly, President & CEO of ACCE.  

“As Jim begins his term as ACCE Board Chair, I am confident that Jim will bring his thoughtful, bold leadership and passion for shared economic prosperity to this national role. As a trusted leader, Jim will lead the ACCE Board and inspire Chambers across the country while offering his expertise in economics, public policy, global meetings and conventions, transportation, and more,” said Corey Thomas, CEO of Rapid7 and Boston Chamber Board Chair.  

“The ACCE Board and membership are fortunate to have Jim Rooney serve as our next Board Chair. With Jim’s vision and innovative leadership, ACCE will continue the important work of growing and uplifting the Chamber industry across the country,” said Mark Eagan, President & CEO of the Capital Region Chamber based in Albany, NY.  

“As we begin a new Board term, I am excited to welcome Jim Rooney as our ACCE Board Chair. We have the immense opportunity to lead and inspire our Chambers and communities, and I am confident that Jim will harness our collective voice to keep moving the needle for our members and industry,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, President & CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber.  

ACCE delivers best practices, industry trends, corporate partners, networking, and new ideas to advance the priorities of Chambers. ACCE offers resources, industry information and data, and professional development opportunities through conventions, an award-winning digital magazine, online education, and other activities. To learn more about ACCE,  visit their website.  

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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