Press Release: 12/3/2025

Healey-Driscoll Administration Convenes First Meeting of Massachusetts Competitiveness Council

 



Council of business, labor, and government leaders will advise Governor Healey on strategies to keep Massachusetts the top place to live, work and do business 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



12/03/2025



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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary



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Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025



BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today convened the first meeting of the Massachusetts Competitiveness Council, bringing together more than 20 leaders from business, labor, research, and state government to develop strategies that strengthen the state's long-term economic competitiveness. Governor Maura Healey, who attended today’s meeting, created the Council in October to advise her administration on policies and initiatives that support businesses, grow jobs, and ensure Massachusetts remains a leader in innovation, talent and quality of life. 



Today’s meeting at the State House also marked the first public release of the Council’s initial membership. Additional members will be named in the coming weeks as the Council continues to expand its representation across Massachusetts’ economy.  



“I formed this Council because I want Massachusetts firing on all cylinders, and winning the best jobs, investments, startups, companies and talent,” said Governor Maura Healey. “And we know that the ideas don’t all come from government, but from the people on the ground working to innovate and grow businesses every day. That’s why we brought together this group of dynamic leaders to advise us on how to make Massachusetts more affordable, strengthen the state’s business climate, and improve our competitiveness.” 



“Every region of our state deserves to grow and succeed, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, across Greater Boston and the Gateway Cities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The strength of this Council is the broad, regional perspective its members bring. Their insights will help us understand what communities need to compete and ensure the benefits of a strong economy reach every resident, in every part of Massachusetts.” 



“Strengthening our economy begins with a clear view of what businesses need to invest and succeed here,” said Secretary of Economic Development Eric Paley. “The members of this Council bring firsthand insight into the opportunities and challenges facing employers today. Their perspective will guide our work to reduce barriers and create the conditions for long-term economic success in Massachusetts.” 



“Massachusetts has always led through innovation and talent, and keeping that edge requires intentional, coordinated action,” said Dan Kenary, President & Co-Founder of the Harpoon Brewery. “This Council brings together voices from every corner of our economy to help chart a path forward. I’m pleased to serve as co-chair and to help strengthen the foundation that allows companies and workers to thrive here.” 



“Massachusetts’ economy is strong, but we can’t take that for granted,” said Mark Nunnelly, Chairman of Toolbox Holdings and Foundation. “Sustaining that strength requires clear-eyed analysis and collaboration across every sector. This Council brings together the right people to identify what’s working, fix what isn’t, and advance the strategies that will help the Commonwealth compete and win.” 



The Council, led by the Executive Office of Economic Development, will examine key factors that influence the state’s competitiveness, with a particular emphasis on business incentives, regulation, innovation support, talent, and taxation. It will provide recommendations to the administration to inform future legislative and policy proposals, budget priorities, and program design. 



Competitiveness Council Members: 




  • Dan Kenary, President and Co-Founder, Harpoon Brewery (co-chair)

  • Mark Nunnelly, Chairman, Toolbox Holdings and Foundation (co-chair)

  • Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley 

  • Administration and Finance Secretary Matt Gorzkowicz

  • Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones

  • Senator Barry Finegold

  • Senator Paul Feeney 

  • Jonathan Butler, President and CEO, 1Berkshire

  • Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO

  • Harris Gruman, Executive Director, SEIU State Council (AFL-CIO)

  • Nicole Obi, President and CEO, Black Economic Council of Massachusetts

  • Paul Niedzwiecki, President and CEO, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce

  • Jim Rooney, President and CEO, Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce

  • JD Chesloff, President and CEO, Mass Business Roundtable

  • Viviana Abreu-Hernández, President, Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center

  • Jay Ash, President and CEO, Massachusetts Competitiveness Partnership

  • Doug Howgate, President and CEO, Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation

  • Michael Bevilacqua, President and CEO, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce

  • Kyle Warwick, Founding Principal, Redgate

  • Ian Trombly, VP of Public Policy, One SouthCoast Chamber

  • Rick Sullivan, President and CEO, Western Mass Economic Development Council

  • Darnell Dunn, Director of Business Recruitment, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce

  • Eneida Román, President and CEO, We Are ALX