BOSTON — February 6, 2003 — Peter Meade, Executive Vice President of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, has been named Co-Chairman of MassINC’s Board of Directors, joining Gloria Cordes Larson in leading the nonpartisan public policy think tank. The Board elected Meade during its January meeting.

“I am thrilled that a community leader of Peter’s caliber will help shape MassINC’s future,” said Larson. “His proven commitment to making Massachusetts a better place perfectly complements the mission of our organization.”

Meade, a well-known civic and business leader, brings an impressive range of experiences in the public, nonprofit, and commercial sectors. Prior to joining Blue Cross, Meade served as President and CEO of The New England Council, expanding the region’s economic competitiveness at national and international levels. From 1983 to 1992, he gained a reputation for astute political analysis and commentary as a talk show host for WBZ radio. He also served as Vice President at Warner Amex Cable and as Public Safety Coordinator for the City of Boston during federally mandated school desegregation.

“The challenges currently facing the Commonwealth demand the objective public policy analysis MassINC provides,” said Meade. “I am proud to work with the Board and staff to meet this demand and move MassINC forward.”

Meade is also the Vice Chair of Catholic Charities and Vice Chair of his alma mater, Emerson College. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Anti-Defamation League of New England and Health Care for the Homeless.

With the departure of Tripp Jones as MassINC’s founding Executive Director, the Board also named John Schneider as Acting Director. Schneider will lead the organization and a newly created Executive Committee until a permanent replacement is appointed by the Board. The Executive Committee is comprised of senior staff members who will guide decision-making throughout this interim period.

“We are fortunate to have MassINC in the capable hands of John Schneider,” said Larson. “His steady management will ensure that MassINC enjoys a seamless transition to new leadership.”

Schneider is currently the Director of MassINC’s New Skills for a New Economy Campaign, which is mobilizing leaders statewide to address workforce development and education issues facing Massachusetts. Prior to joining MassINC, he directed the MetroWest Growth Management Committee in Framingham.

Schneider also served as Chief of Staff to the House Majority Whip and as Research Director to the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education, Arts, and Humanities, where he played a key role in the development and passage of the 1993 landmark education reform bill.

About MassINC:
MassINC is a nonpartisan, evidence-based organization. Our mission is to develop a public agenda for Massachusetts that promotes the growth and vitality of the middle class. Our governing philosophy is rooted in the ideals embodied in the American Dream: equality of opportunity, personal responsibility and a strong commonwealth