As part of the business brunch series in 2026, we’ve heard from regional and town economic development leaders across Massachusetts to better understand their priorities, opportunities, and challenges. Now it’s time to check-in with our members in city economic development. Our conversation leaders from the Southeast, Northeast, Central, and Greater Boston regions will weigh in on trends and best practices in fostering economic opportunity in cities across Massachusetts.
Conversation Leaders:
Alia Hamada Forrest is the Director of Business Strategy for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion’s Business Strategy Unit. She leads a team of industry managers who support the work of attracting new businesses, retaining and growing existing businesses, and engaging the Boston business community to help build a resilient and vibrant City that centers people and creates opportunities to build generational wealth for all communities.
Emily Sloane recently joined the City of Gloucester as Economic Development Coordinator, drawing on 15 years of experience managing and advising economic recovery and development programs in humanitarian contexts. A Gloucester native, she brings both deep roots and fresh eyes to the work, applying her global background to advance local economic growth and community‑centered strategic initiatives.
Erin Rathe is the Senior Planner for Economic Development for the City of Watertown. Her background in economic development started with founding her own brick and mortar boutique, which gave her firsthand knowledge of what it takes to operate a small business. Since closing that venture, she has worked in economic development across Greater Boston for nearly a decade
Jay has been the Executive Director of the Taunton Office of Economic & Community Development for the last three years. OECD has worked to redevelop long dormant sites including the former Whittenton Mills 42-acre site that will soon become 390-apartment units and 10K of retail space, the former Bacon Felt factory site which recently completed cleanup and set to become New England’s first shipping container retail outlet as well as the blighted 100-106 Oak Street site that’s planned to become 50 senior affordable units. OECD has worked to make downtown Taunton a destination including bringing in the new Taunton Performing Arts Center, Nytia’s Soul Kitchen and 7 Spices Mediterranean Restaurant to name just a few. Prior to Taunton, Jay worked for the quasi state MassDevelopment where he dealt with redevelopment, brownfield assessment and remediation, grant opportunities and more.
Meredith Harris is the Executive Director of Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), which serves as the sales and promotional arm for the City of Marlborough. Meredith joined the team in 2015 and since then has helped companies such as Moderna, Sartorius and the State Crime Lab, either move to or expand within the city. Prior to joining the MEDC team Meredith spent several years working in the Massachusetts State House as a legislative aide. She serves on the Board for the 495/MetroWest Partnership, MassEcon, and the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Pardis Saffari is the Director of Economic Opportunity and Development for the City of Cambridge, where she leads the City’s strategy to strengthen small businesses, support startups, and cultivate an inclusive innovation economy. She works closely with founders, industry partners, and community organizations to expand access to resources and ensure that Cambridge residents and businesses benefit from the city’s globally recognized innovation ecosystem. Pardis oversees initiatives that streamline and strengthen business development, provide targeted technical assistance and funding, and foster partnerships that help businesses grow. She holds an MBA from Babson College and a Master’s in Urban Planning and Policy from Tufts University, grounding her work at the intersection of entrepreneurship, economic development, and community impact.
This event is virtual. Once registered, you will receive an Outlook invitation with the Teams information.
This event is for MassEcon members and invited guests only.
Thank you to Champion Sponsors Bowditch, Langan, BioMed Realty, Citizens, VHB, CBRE, Eastern Bank, Hunneman, and Middlesex Savings Bank
