BOSTON – MassINC is proud to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors: Michael Hunter , Beth Lindstrom, and Juana Matias. Bringing experience from both the private and public sectors, the new Directors will bring fresh insights to the work of MassINC and CommonWealth magazine.

Chairman of the MassINC Board of Directors Greg Torres noted, “As our new President and CEO, Lauren [Louison Grogan] is committed to increasing Board diversity and maintaining MassINC’s tradition of Directors that offer a range of policy experience. Michael, Beth, and Juana have all demonstrated leadership in distinct ways, and I look forward to the strategic vision they will provide the organization.”

Michael Hunter presently leads business development activities for Trinity Financial, a real estate development and management firm. He previously served as Undersecretary for Business Development under Governor Deval Patrick. In his role as Undersecretary, Michael oversaw the Mass Office of Business Development, the Mass Office of International Trade and Investment, and the Mass Office of Travel and Tourism. Michael has also held various positions in real estate including, Assistant Vice President at AECOM, Real Estate Manager for SUPERVALU, and Deputy Director at the Boston Redevelopment Authority. “I am thrilled to be joining this group of esteemed leaders and bringing my personal and professional experience to the table to enhance the important mission of MassINC and CommonWealth magazine.”

Beth Lindstrom held the position of the first female Executive Director of the Massachusetts Republican Party and later became the first female Executive Director of the Massachusetts State Lottery. In 2003, Beth was named by Governor Mitt Romney as Secretary of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, where she oversaw seven state agencies including the Department of Banks, Insurance, Telecommunications and Energy, the Divisions of Professional Licensure, Energy Resources, Standards, and the State Racing Commission. Beth, most recently, was a candidate in the 2018 republican primary for U.S. Senator.  She has been involved in four start-up companies and continues to own a small business. “MassINC and CommonWealth magazine’s commitment to bipartisan research, journalism, and civic engagement is critical to the health of Massachusetts’s democracy. It is with great excitement that I join the Board of Directors and look forward to being a responsible steward of this work.

Juana Matias a former State Representative from Lawrence, Massachusetts will also be joining the board coming off of a contentious run in the democratic primary in Massachusetts’s 3^rd congressional district. As a State Representative, Juana sponsored key legislation to make college affordable, increase the minimum wage, and expand opportunities for middle class Americans. “As a Gateway City resident, former elected official, and advocate, I know too well the challenges that face our working families across the Commonwealth. I look forward to working with Lauren, Greg, and the rest of the board to pursue MassINC’s mission, with a specific focus on research and policy that impacts our Gateway Cities.”

“MassINC has enjoyed a long-history of having a dedicated Board of Directors. It is my goal as President and CEO to ensure we continue that history and I am confident we will do just that with Michael, Beth, and Juana joining the team.  This diverse, accomplished and thoughtful set of leaders will guide us with perspectives that will give our work new dimensions,” said Lauren Louison Grogan, President and CEO of MassINC.