Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Highlight Massachusetts 250, Conversation with Governor Healey and Bestselling Author Elin Hilderbrand

 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism to Highlight Massachusetts 250, Conversation with Governor Healey and Bestselling Author Elin Hilderbrand 

SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism will take place on March 18-19, 2025, at the Mass Mutual Center in Springfield. It will highlight the strength of Massachusetts’ tourism sector and the potential for additional growth over the next two years with major events like Massachusetts 250, FIFA and Sail Boston. The conference will include a highly anticipated conversation between bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand and Governor Maura Healey about how Massachusetts stories inspire tourism through books and film.  

“The Massachusetts story is one of revolution and innovation, health and education, and freedom and inclusion. This is the story we share through our travel and tourism sector, which drives billions in economic impact and supports tens of thousands of jobs statewide,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As we celebrate Massachusetts 250 and prepare to host major events like the FIFA World Cup and Sail Boston, we have an incredible opportunity to showcase our revolutionary spirit and all that we have to offer here in Massachusetts on a national and global stage. I look forward to highlighting all of these exciting upcoming events at the Governor’s Conference, as well as join in conversation with bestselling author Elin Hilderbrand about the role of film tourism in telling Massachusetts’s story. We’re also proud to be hosting this important conference in Western Mass, a region that played an essential role in the American Revolution and contributes so much to our economy and communities, especially in arts, culture and outdoor recreation." 

“Massachusetts 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together as a state and celebrate the places, stories, and revolutionary spirit that defines us,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By partnering with tourism leaders, we can amplify this moment—inviting visitors and residents alike to engage with our history in new and meaningful ways. Through collaboration and strategic storytelling, we can showcase Massachusetts as the birthplace of the American Revolution and a dynamic destination where history continues to inspire us all.” 

The statewide Massachusetts 250 campaign that inspires visitation and engagement with the state’s revolutionary history will be featured during the conference. As the nation approaches its 250^th anniversary, with many Massachusetts milestones happening in 2025, this initiative highlights the places and people that helped shape Massachusetts and the country. At the conference, a panel featuring experts from the Clark Art Institute, the Concord Museum, and the Museum of Fine Arts will explore how destinations, museums, and tourism leaders can engage with Massachusetts 250 to attract and welcome visitors. Through a Museums 250 lens, panelists will present strategies for immersive storytelling, regional collaboration, and community engagement—ensuring this historic milestone creates memorable experiences for residents and travelers alike.  

This year’s conference will feature an eagerly awaited conversation between Governor Maura Healey and Elin Hilderbrand. The celebrated bestselling author is known for her captivating novels set in Nantucket and seaside New England, including “The Perfect Couple,” which became an incredibly popular Netflix limited series in 2024. Hilderbrand will discuss her writing career, her deep connection to Massachusetts’s coastal communities, and the role of storytelling in shaping tourism and regional identity.  

“When visitors step into the scenes of their favorite films and shows, they support local businesses, hotels, and cultural institutions—turning cinematic storytelling into a powerful engine for economic development and destination appeal,” said Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “We eagerly anticipate Elin’s insights into how narrative shapes cultural character and boosts tourism—fostering a sense of belonging that strengthens our communities.” 

FIFA events and Sail Boston are revenue-generating opportunities that position Massachusetts on the global stage. Both events, set for the summer of 2026, offer significant economic impact through international tourism, hospitality, and global exposure. The conference will discuss how these marquee events allow Massachusetts to capture the hearts and minds of international audiences. 

“Massachusetts is the ultimate place to root for the home team—and your own. From our hometown teams to global events like FIFA and Sail Boston, our state is where legendary teams and fans come together for world-class competition,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “As we roll out the welcome mat for these big international events, we are excited to offer unforgettable sporting moments and exceptional destination experiences that showcase the best of Massachusetts.”   

The conference will also feature discussions on destination marketing, sustainable development, and collaboration between the public and private sectors to support Massachusetts’s economic growth. It is expected to attract a diverse group of tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, and state officials, offering valuable networking opportunities and insights into the future of Massachusetts tourism.  

“We are thrilled to welcome tourism these 300 plus professionals from across the Commonwealth to Western Mass,” said Mary Kay Wydra, president of Explore Western Mass. “This conference is also a great opportunity for local businesses to attend and learn more about how they can benefit from tourism marketing, the third largest industry in Massachusetts. We’re ready to welcome these 300-plus leaders to Springfield next month.” 

To learn more about the Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel and Tourism, visit https://massgovernorsconference.com/.  

CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER, FRONT PORCH ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENT MFONISO UDOFIA’S "HER PORTMANTEAU"

 CENTRAL SQUARE THEATER, FRONT PORCH ARTS COLLECTIVE PRESENT MFONISO UDOFIA’S "HER PORTMANTEAU"

Directed by Tasia A. Jones, this mother-and-daughters story follows a reunion between Abasiama Ufot and her two children raised in different circumstances.

March 27-April 20 at Central Square Theater in Cambridge;

Press performance Sat., March 29 @ 7:30p

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective’s co-production of Mfoniso Udofia’s powerful play "Her Portmanteau" runs March 20 to April 20, 2025, at the Central Square Theater. This production is the fourth of Boston’s Ufot Family Cycle series, a city-wide performance festival of Udofia's nine-part story spearheaded by The Huntington Theatre Company.

"Her Portmanteau" is helmed by Tasia A. Jones, the acclaimed director and Boston University Assistant Professor who most recently led “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” at Boston’s Lyric Stage. The cast features Patrice Jean-Baptiste (below, l.) as Abasiama Ufot (Jean-Baptiste was last seen as Willetta in “Trouble in Mind” at Lyric Stage and understudying Abasiama in Udofia’s play “The Grove” at The Huntington), Jade Guerra as Iniabasi Ekpeyong (below c., recently in Actors’ Shakespeare Project’s “The Piano Lesson”), and Lorraine Victoria Kanyike (below, r., recently in ASP’s “Emma,” and The Porch’s “Chicken & Biscuits”) as Adiaha Ufot.

"Her Portmanteau" delves into a story of betrayal and forgiveness, centering on a Nigerian mother in the U.S. and her two daughters who have lived vastly different lives. Iniabasi, given up at birth by her mother, Abasiama, returns from Nigeria embittered, in search of answers and a better life for her own child. Adiaha, the American-raised child of Abasiama’s second marriage, has had a starkly different upbringing. The reunion forces them to confront their past, navigating clashing traditions and a family legacy that spans time, culture, and generations.

Playwright Mfoniso Udofia, a Massachusetts-raised and Wellesley-educated artist, created the Ufot Family Cycle to share stories that reflect her own experiences and provide representation for African and African American families. Each play in the Cycle stands alone, but together, they weave a rich tapestry of interconnected narratives.

The "Her Portmanteau" production team includes Shelley Barish as Scenic Designer, Chloe Moore as Costume Designer, Emma Deane as Lighting Designer, Julia Wonkka as Properties Designer, Arshan Gailus as Sound Designer, and Emmanuel Sylvester as Language Consultant. Additional creative support is provided by Bibi Mama (Dialect Coach), Lauren Burke (Stage Manager), Matthew Breton (Lighting Supervisor), and Alexander Gentile (Technical Director).

Full cast and creative team bios are available on the “Her Portmanteau” page here.

DATES, TICKETS, AND SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

“Her Portmanteau” runs March 27-April 20, 2025 at Central Square Theater. Performances are Wed., Thu., Fri. @ 7:30p, Sat. @ 2p and 7:30p, and Sun. @ 2p.  

Performances on March 30 and April 2, 13 and 16 are captioned. The April 4 “Black Out” performance is reserved for individuals of the African Diaspora, inclusive of Black and Black American patrons of all identities. April 10 performance is College Night, with prices and outreach designed to attract college students.

Tickets start at $25; available from CentralSquareTheater.org or FrontPorchArts.org.

ABOUT THE UFOT FAMILY CYCLE 

Boston’s Ufot Family Cycle marks the first time all nine plays will be completed and performed in their intended order. “Her Portmanteau” is part of a larger city-wide festival driven by a partnership that includes universities, social organizations, nonprofits, and community activation partners. 

The Huntington’s productions of the first two plays of the cycle, Sojourners in fall 2024 and The Grove in winter 2025, have been highly acclaimed by critics and audiences alike; the third play, runboyrun, will have live performances of the podcast in March and be available as a podcast in April 2025.

The Cycle is supported by The Huntington with funding from Amy and David Abrams, the Barr Foundation, The Boston Foundation, the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation, the Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.

Partners in the Ufot Family Cycle include: AfroDesiaCity, ArtsEmerson, Boston Arts Academy, Boston Lyric Opera, Boston Playwrights’ Theatre, Boston Public Art Triennial, Boston Public Library, Boston Public Schools, Boston University, Central Square Theater, Coolidge Corner Theatre, DiasporaMass, Embrace Boston, Facing History & Ourselves, Front Porch Arts Collective, GBH, The Huntington, Kligerman Productions, McCoy Audio, Next Chapter Podcasts, Nigerian Professionals Group, Northeastern University, Prior Performing Arts Center, Reimagining Migration, Riverside Theatre Works, Roxbury Community College, Wellesley College, Wellesley Repertory Theatre, West End House, Wheelock Family Theatre and ZUMIX. More information about plays and performances in the Cycle can be found at bostontheatrescene.com/ufotboston

 

CALENDAR LISTING

WHAT: Central Square Theater and Front Porch Arts Collective present Mfoniso Udofia’s "Her Portmanteau." This is the fourth production in Ufot Family Cycle series, a city-wide festival of Udofia's nine-part story.

WHEN/ March 20 to April 20, 2025, Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts 

WHERE: Avenue, in Cambridge’s Central Square neighborhood.

INFO: Directed by Tasia A. Jones, "Her Portmanteau" is a story of betrayal and forgiveness, centering on a Nigerian mother in the U.S. and her two daughters who have lived vastly different lives. A reunion forces them to confront their past, navigating clashing traditions and a family legacy that spans time and culture. 

TICKETS: $32-$103, including fees. Student tickets $25 with current ID. Available online at CentralSquareTheater.org or FrontPorchArts.org, or by phone at the Central Square Theater Box Office 617-576-9278.

美倫基金展延Agora文化建築支持期 三年180萬元

The Mellon Foundation Awards $1.8 Million for BoriCorridor Expansion

Ágora Cultural Architects seeks cultural organizations that serve Boricuas in the U.S.

Boston, MA (Tuesday, March 4, 2025) – With a $1.8 million grant, the Mellon Foundation has renewed its support of Ágora Cultural Architects and its BoriCorridor project for three years, which will allow it to expand its search for cultural organizations that serve Puerto Rican communities in the United States and bring more performances by local artists to the diaspora.

In addition to more than 200 organizations in the Northeastern U.S. already in the BoriCorridor digital directory, Agora Cultural Architects will add others located in regions ranging from Washington D.C. to Florida, as well as Texas and Chicago, Illinois, where Puerto Rican communities are well established.

“This grant from the Mellon Foundation is transformative for an organization like Ágora, whose mission is to make our Puerto Rican and Latin American artists visible and strengthen their ties with communities outside the homeland. But it also represents a recognition of the impact and valuable contributions that Puerto Ricans have long made to the U.S. nation,” said Elsa Mosquera, founder of Ágora Cultural Architects and creator of BoriCorridor.

This is the second grant the main sponsor of the arts in the United States has awarded Ágora Cultural Architects for developing the BoriCorridor. The initial $700 thousand grant awarded by Mellon covered the launch of the research and artistic tour carried out in 2023 and 2024. 

“The call we make to those Puerto Rican cultural organizations or those that work with Puerto Rican communities in the United States is that we want them to be part of the BoriCorridor family, to highlight all that they do for our people, to achieve more artistic collaborations and to share our cultural richness,” Mosquera added.

The new grant will also help to continue producing the BoriCorridor Tour and bring more artists from the archipelago to perform on different stages in the United States. The first tour began last year when five groups presented their shows in New York City, Boston, and Hartford. This year, the second edition of the BoriCorridor Tour will extend to Holyoke, Massachusetts, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 

The lineup of artists performing between March and October on the BoriCorridor Tour 2025 includes Marian Pabón, Haciendo Punto en Otro Son, Los Rivera Destino, and Josean Ortiz and his play Tite Curet Alonso: Lírica y Poesía. Tickets for all events are available at www.boritix.com. 

To register as a cultural organization in BoriCorridor, you can access www.boricorridor.com. 

Massachusetts Celebrates Women in Construction Wee

 Massachusetts Celebrates Women in Construction Week

Healey-Driscoll Administration highlights and promotes the role of women in the construction industry 

UPTON — The Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) joined Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School (BVT) this week to celebrate Women in Construction Week, a national and state recognition to promote the role of women in the construction industry. 

 

“In Massachusetts, we know the importance of building a workforce that reflects the talent and potential of all of our communities. Women in Construction Week is a time to celebrate the incredible contributions of hard-working women across the industry, from the skilled trades to project management, said Governor Healey. “By expanding access to training, registered apprenticeships, and career pathways, we are ensuring that more women can enter and succeed in these good-paying, family-sustaining jobs. A diverse and inclusive construction workforce is good for our families and our economy.”

 

“Our Administration is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week because expanding opportunities for women and historically underrepresented groups strengthens our workforce, fuels economic growth, and opens doors to sustainable careers”, said Lt. Governor Driscoll. “I'm grateful for the training programs dedicated to empowering workers and expanding opportunities. Their commitment helps ensure that Massachusetts continues to lead in building a skilled, diverse, and inclusive workforce.”

 

During a visit to BVT, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones toured the school’s hands-on learning construction training programs and met with girls in the high school’s construction programs. Building on Governor Maura Healey’s signing of an Executive Order in December 2024 to promote Women and Diversity in Construction, today’s visit by Secretary Jones underscored the Healey-Driscoll Administration's commitment to building diverse talent pipelines for the construction industry in Massachusetts. BVT is a partner of Massachusetts Girls in Trade, an organization that encourages girls to pursue careers in the construction trades.

 

“Women in Construction Week is an opportunity to showcase the amazing women in construction, celebrate increased exposure for girls to learn about careers in construction, and encourage women to join the industry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Through the recent Executive Order, continued investment in Registered Apprenticeship, and great partnerships, we are working every day to increase access to training and career opportunities right here in Massachusetts for women and people of color.”

 

The Executive Order also establishes a Diverse and Equitable Construction Workforce Participation Committee within the Governor’s Office for facilitating interagency collaboration and identifies and encourages best practices for state agencies to encourage equitable workforce participation in construction, such as utilizing registered apprentices, hiring local businesses and those with a record of hiring women and underrepresented groups, and encouraging contractors to provide supportive services like child care. The Committee will also work with state agencies on data collection to measure the workforce participation of women and underrepresented groups. Secretary Jones serves as Chair of the committee, which will convene for its first quarterly meeting in March. 

 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has been dedicated to opening doors, empowering women, and helping shape a stronger, more inclusive workforce,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “Massachusetts offers several educational pathways for construction careers, including pre-apprenticeship programs, Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, and registered apprenticeships. Women in Construction Week should be about broadening horizons and challenging stereotypes.”

 

"It was an honor to welcome Secretary Jones to our campus for an in-depth look at career technical education during Women in Construction Week," said BVT's Superintendent-Director, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick. "It was an ideal opportunity to visit programs in our construction pathway and meet female students in these trades. Our students demonstrate high-level technical training with modern tools and equipment acquired through the state's Capital Skills Grant program, which they will use in their construction industry career."

 

“As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, the Massachusetts Building Trades Union is proud to recognize the progress we’ve made and the work still ahead to ensure every woman who wants a career in the trades has the opportunity to succeed” said Frank Callahan, President of the Massachusetts Building Trades Union. “I look forward to continuing our partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to expand opportunities, strengthen our workforce, and build an even more diverse and inclusive union membership.” 

 

Following her visit to Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational School, Secretary Jones toured the Blackstone Valley HUB for Workforce Development and met with learners in the Grafton Job Corps Advanced Manufacturing training program. The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, established in 2018, provides a centralized location for students to gain the technical and employability skills needed to meet the needs of the region and beyond. The HUB partners closely with the MassHire Central Regional Workforce Board on many state-funded initiatives, including managing the YouthWorks summer and year-round youth employment programs for income teens and young adults in the Blackstone Valley area – helping support 116 youth in getting paid work experience with local employers and the School to Career Connecting Activities program.  

“BV Hub is thrilled to welcome Secretary Jones during Women in Construction Week as we highlight the critical role of women in the trades within our broader workforce development initiatives,” said Joscelyn Young, BV HUB Vice President. “BV Hub remains committed to strengthening workforce development and fostering economic mobility by providing vocational training, career exploration, and hands-on experiences to 21 regional school districts, regional organizations, various industry partners and the broader community. We deeply appreciate the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ investment in these initiatives, which drive meaningful and transformational outcomes for families, businesses, and our regional economy.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also made strategic investments in Registered Apprenticeship, a proven, effective model in construction and trades in Massachusetts that helps address skills gaps, recruit apprentices, and build a diverse pipeline for construction and other high-demand industries. In November, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $3.2 million in Grants for Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities in Workforce (GROW)  to 29 organizations to train and place 514 apprentices across the state. In January, Governor Healey’s FY26 budget proposal recommended $3.3 million for registered apprenticeship programming to increase its use in all sectors and build a coordinated set of pre-apprenticeship programs. 

 

EOLWD’s Division of Apprentice Standards (DAS) is responsible for promoting, developing, and servicing registered apprenticeship programs in Massachusetts. DAS maintains more than 800 apprenticeship programs with over 11,000 apprentices currently working with the vast majority in construction but a growing number of apprentices in the building trades, and expansion industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, and health care. 

 

More information about Registered Apprenticeship is available at Mass.gov/Apprenticeship.

麻州政府教育官員發聲明譴責廢除教育部言論

Healey-Driscoll Administration Education Officials Issue Statement Condemning Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration issued the following statements today in response to Linda McMahon’s confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education and speech on the “Department's Final Mission”:  

Governor Maura Healey: 

"Massachusetts is home to the first public school in the United States, and we have the #1 schools in the country. Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Linda McMahon’s plan to dismantle the Department of Education means students and schools would lose out on $2 billion in federal funding for our schools. That means bigger class sizes, fewer reading specialists and support for students with IEPs, less funding for poorer and rural school districts, and an end to after school programs. What Donald Trump, Elon Musk and Linda McMahon are doing is bad for children, bad for schools, and bad for our communities. Congress cannot let this happen."  

Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler: 

“Linda McMahon and the Trump administration’s ‘mission’ to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education is dangerous and will have devastating impacts in Massachusetts and across the country. The Department plays a critical role in safeguarding equal access to public education through transparency and accountability. Without it, our most vulnerable students will suffer the most, gutting civil rights protections especially for students with disabilities.  

“The federal government already does not dictate what is taught in a classroom. Harmful efforts to dismantle the Department will lead to increased class sizes and teacher shortages, higher costs to attend institutions of higher education, putting it out of reach for middle income families, and will affect everyone – from families in urban and rural communities. In Massachusetts, we will continue to fight for every student to have access to a high-quality public education and equitable access to affordable higher education opportunities.”  

Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega: 

“Colleges and universities improve lives and have tremendous benefits for our society. Any efforts that restrict these opportunities are harmful to students and our democracy. The Massachusetts Department of Higher Education remains dedicated to helping everyone access the career and earnings they seek through higher education. Massachusetts’ far-reaching financial aid programs are proof of this administration’s belief that the doors of opportunity should be open for all.”   

Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston: 

“Massachusetts has the strongest public school system in the nation, and it is built on a shared, bipartisan acknowledgement that steadfast investment in public schools is a public good. Significant federal funding is designed to support low-income students and students with disabilities in particular, and federal funds also help improve teacher effectiveness and the quality of education for all students. Removing those supports will harm students, moving our country backward, not forward.”   

Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw: 

“In communities across Massachusetts, partnerships between early education providers, K-12 schools, and higher education institutions are critical to delivering on the long-term academic success of our students, as well as economic opportunities for their families. Undermining long-standing structures that support access to high-quality learning environments and experiences for all children, especially those with special needs, will have destabilizing and devastating effects for families, communities, and our economy.”   

Massachusetts receives over $2 billion in federal education funding a year. The state is not able to fully replace these funds. The funding helps Massachusetts’ students, educators, schools, campuses, and communities: 

• That money is helping low- and middle-income students afford to go to college. 
• It gives districts in low-income areas funding to help pay for teacher salaries and benefits, school counselors, and homeless liaisons. 

It supports special education, including paying for assistive technology for students with disabilities, professional development and salaries for special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading specialists, as well as transportation to help kids to get the services and programming they need and supports those services, like physical therapy, speech therapy, and social workers. 

吳弭市長訂3/19發表市情咨文

(Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 將於3月19日晚上7點，在芬衛區 (Fenway)的米高梅 (MGM) 音樂廳，發表2025年度的市情咨文。

              第七號電視頻道 WHGH將現場轉播，波士頓市有線電視也將從晚上7點到8點，在波士頓市政府的網路平台 (boston.gov/SOTC) 全做場質播。

              活動結束后，波士頓市拍攝的照片將在 Flickr 上提供。

              米高梅 (MGM) 音樂廳的地址為2 Lansdowne Street, Fenway。

MAYOR WU TO DELIVER 2025 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - On Wednesday, March 19, Mayor Michelle Wu will deliver her third annual State of the City Address at MGM Music Hall at Fenway. Programming will begin at 7:00 p.m. with the Mayor’s remarks beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. Mayor Wu will hold a brief media availability following the speech. Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP here.  WHEN: Wednesday, March 19, 2025 Doors: 5:30 p.m. Program: 7:00 p.m. WHERE: MGM Music Hall at Fenway 2 Lansdowne Street, Fenway

Healey-Driscoll Administration Swears in Members of Fossil Fuel Workforce Commission

Healey-Driscoll Administration Swears in Members of Fossil Fuel Workforce Commission  

2024 Climate Law established special commission to develop a report on the impacts of the clean energy transition on workers employed in fossil fuel industries  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today swore in members of a special commission to study the impacts on the fossil fuel workforce, which was established by the 2024 Climate Law. The Commission on Fossil Fuel Workforce will measure and monitor the impacts on fossil fuel workers and industries and examine the ways to increase access to employment, training, and workforce opportunities in clean energy industries and related fields, and submit a report to the Legislature at the end of the year.  

“People work hard every day to ensure we have a safe and reliable source of energy to heat and power our homes and businesses,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We already have underway efforts to ensure the necessary skills training and job opportunities are available to workers, such as in geothermal energy. This Commission will help us develop a coordinated roadmap for this work with everyone impacted shaping the recommendations.”    

“As we work towards our climate goals, we also need to make sure that both current and future workers have access to the skill development and job training they need to fully participate in our clean energy workforce,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “This Commission will allow our Administration to work collaboratively with labor, employers, training partners, and all stakeholders to ensure workers have the support they need to successfully transition to this growing industry.”    

The Fossil Fuel Worker Transition Commission will be coordinated jointly by the Office of Energy Transformation (OET) and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. OET was established in 2024 to address the gas-to-electric infrastructure transition and ensure a just transition for workers and businesses.  

Appointees:  

Melissa Lavinson, co-chair 

Executive Director, Office of Energy Transformation  

Josh Cutler, co-chair 

Undersecretary of Labor and Workforce Development 

Sarah Wilkinson 

Commissioner of Division of Occupational Licensure and Office of Public Safety, Executive Office of Economic Development  

María Belén Power 

Undersecretary of Environmental Justice & Equity  

Jennifer Applebaum 

Managing Director of Workforce Development at MassCEC  

Nikki Bruno 

Vice President, Clean Technologies at Eversource Energy  

Meghan Leahy 

Regional Vice President at Cogentrix Energy, LLC  

Kristen Gowin 

Executive Manager at National Electrical Contractors Association of Greater Boston  

Abel Vargas 

President at Valley Home Insulation  

Amy McGuire 

Senior Director, Market Development at Highland Electric Fleets  

Lawrence Lessard 

Director at Achieve Renewable Energy, LLC  

Mark Melnick 

Director, Economic & Public Policy Research at UMass Donahue Institute  

John Cook 

President at Springfield Technical Community College  

Steve Finnigan 

Sub District Director at United Steelworkers (USW)  

Daniel Leary 

President of Local 369 at Utility Workers Union-America (UWUA)  

David Keating 

International Representative at International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)  

Harry Brett 

International Representative at United Association  

Michael Vartabedian 

Assistant Directing Business Representative at International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers  

Frank Callahan 

President, Massachusetts Building Trades Unit (MBTU)  

Greandoll Oliva 

Youth Leader in Chelsea and Community Organizer with GreenRoots  

Ana Sofia 

Senior Program Director at La Colaborativa