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          InterContinental Boston

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          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

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          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
          Partnership with Boston Public Schools 

          The Chamber Foundation invites the business community to engage with Boston Public Schools leaders and their students to help build the future workforce.

          Read More
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Where Legacy Meets Leadership:
A Visionary Future for Greater Boston

June 1, 2026 Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

On Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce brought together 1,400 business, civic, and nonprofit leaders for its 2026 Annual Meeting  — an unforgettable evening celebrating leadership, legacy, and what’s next for the Commonwealth. 

Grounded in this year’s theme, Revolutionary Past. Visionary Future., the evening reflected on Massachusetts’ historic role in shaping the nation while looking ahead to the ideas, people, and partnerships that will define the region’s future. 

Setting the Stage for Leadership and Impact 

The program was kicked off by the Master of Ceremonies, Antoinette Antonio of WCVB Channel 5, who guided attendees through an evening of commemoration and forward-looking dialogue. 

Host Committee Co-Chairs, Miceal Chamberlain of Bank of America and Geri Denterlein of Denterlein, welcomed attendees and set the stage for connection, celebration, and impact. 

Chamber Board Chair, Corey Thomas, reflected on the strength of Greater Boston’s business community — its leadership, collaboration, and shared commitment to growth and opportunity. He also recognized Chamber President & CEO, James E. Rooney, for more than a decade of transformative leadership and expressed confidence in the Chamber’s future leadership. 

Chair-Elect, Miceal Chamberlain, followed with remarks honoring past leadership and underscoring the Chamber’s continued focus on collaboration, economic growth, and opportunity across Massachusetts. 

Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026
Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026

Voices from Across the Commonwealth 

The Chamber was honored to incorporate powerful remarks from public and private sector leaders who highlighted the strength of partnerships across the region. 

Mayor Michelle Wu celebrated Boston’s momentum and innovation, stating that “Boston has always been on the leading edge of the next wave of innovation, and we are making Boston the human capital capital of the world.” 

Governor Maura Healey reinforced the importance of leadership and collaboration across sectors, noting: “[This] is a special place — amazing things are happening here in our city and state. None of it would be possible without the leadership, creativity, and generosity of our community. Let’s keep working together; let’s keep leading.” 

Yvonne Garcia, speaking on behalf of State Street and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Foundation Board, emphasized the role of people and community in driving progress by saying, “Our people and our communities are the key to our competitive edge.” 

Together, these perspectives underscored a shared commitment to strengthening Massachusetts through partnership, innovation, and inclusive growth.

Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026
Annual Meeting 2026 Annual Meeting 2026

A Theme Rooted in History and Momentum 

Throughout the evening, speakers brought the theme of Revolutionary Past. Visionary Future. to life, connecting Boston’s revolutionary spirit to today’s business and civic leadership. 

In his keynote, Chamber President & CEO, James E. Rooney, drew a direct line between the innovators who helped spark a revolution centuries ago and the leaders shaping the region today. 

He reinforced both the opportunity and responsibility ahead, stating: 

“We know that what happens in Boston changes the world. We know that the next era of success for this region and this country can be built today, right here in Massachusetts.” 

His message echoed a central idea of the night: that Greater Boston’s continued success depends on bold leadership, collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. 

Celebrating the 2026 Distinguished Bostonians 

To cap off the evening, three exceptional leaders were inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians: 

  • Kevin B. Churchwell, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital 
  • Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO, Greater Boston Food Bank 
  • Paul J. Ayoub, Chair, Nutter 

Each honoree’s remarks reflected both personal leadership journeys and a deep commitment to community impact. 

Paul J. Ayoub spoke to the responsibility of leadership and legacy. 

“My hope is that future generations will say that we met the moment; that we rose to the challenges before us to create a better future for them.  That we chose vision over fear, courage over comfort, determination over doubt.  That we understood that the greatest contribution we can make and the most important legacy we can leave is service to others.” 

Kevin B. Churchwell, MD highlighted the region’s collaborative strength and opportunity. 

“We sit at the center of incredible opportunities; to lead in education, innovation, equity, healthcare, life sciences, engineering… This list can go on and on. We do this by working together, in collaboration, respecting what each of us brings to the table and revealing in that diversity of thought, people, experience and ideas.” 

Catherine D’Amato reflected on her decades of leadership and the critical issue of food insecurity, sharing three truths that guide her work: Hunger is always economical. Hunger is always political. Hunger is always personal. She concluded with a call to action:

“Hunger is a solvable condition. The opportunity to be revolutionary, to envision a place without hunger is before us.” 

Together, these leaders exemplify the power of service, innovation, and purpose in shaping a stronger, more inclusive Boston. 

Looking Ahead 

From start to finish, the 2026 Annual Meeting was a powerful reminder of what makes Greater Boston extraordinary: visionary leadership, meaningful partnerships, and a shared commitment to progress. 

The overarching message of the evening was clear: this region’s best days are still ahead, and they will be shaped by the leaders and communities working together today.

The success of the Annual Meeting was made possible through the support of the Chamber’s generous sponsors, whose contributions continue to elevate the event as a premier platform for connection, recognition, and impact. 

Their collective support strengthens the Chamber’s ability to convene leaders, foster collaboration, and champion a vibrant and inclusive regional economy. 

Presenting Sponsors: Alexion, Encore Boston Harbor, Fidelity, State Street, Suffolk, and Vertex 

Platinum Sponsors: Bank of America, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Boston Children’s Hospital, BXP Inc., Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Eastern Bank, Intercontinental Real Estate Corporation, MFS Investment Management, Nutter, PwC, Sanofi, and Takeda  

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