Breaking News from the Worcester Regional Research Bureau
Date:
August 5, 2019
Contact(s):
Dr. Abraham Haddad
Chairman of the Board
(508) 479-5805
Deborah Penta
Vice Chair of the Board
(508) 616-9900 (117)
(Worcester, MA) – The Worcester Regional Research Bureau (WRRB) announced today that Paul F. Matthews, Executive Director of the 495/Metrowest Partnership, has been appointed to the position of Executive Director of the WRRB, following Timothy J. McGourthy, who left the Bureau in February to pursue a new role with the Baker-Polito Administration as Deputy Secretary for Housing and Economic Development.
After a six-month search, the WRRB Executive Committee voted unanimously to appoint Matthews to the position. “We are pleased that Paul will join the Research Bureau as its third Executive Director,” said Dr. Abraham Haddad, Chairman of the WRRB Board of Directors. “Paul brings a wealth of public policy expertise to our Bureau and a long-standing history of building key partnerships in the region.”
“Paul’s tenured and impactful leadership at the 495/Metrowest Partnership was impressive,” said WRRB Vice Chairman, Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc., “His public policy research and writing experience, reputation for forging strategic partnerships, and his keen understanding and history in working with a myriad of organizations including municipalities, public entities, and the private sector, are all critical to his new role with the Bureau. Paul will build upon the strengths of the organization, and will help it achieve continued forward momentum and growth.”
Former WRRB Chairman, John J. Spillane, Managing Partner, Spillane & Spillane, LLP said, “We are very pleased to welcome Paul to the Research Bureau as its new Executive Director and look forward to working with Paul to serve the organization as it continues to fulfill its mission to promote informed policy and decision-making in the area of finance, economic development, education, health and transportation, and municipal operations.”
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as only the Bureau’s third Executive in 34 years,” said Matthews. “I’m committed to doing my best to continue the legacies of my predecessors.”
“As a lifelong Worcester resident, graduate of the Worcester Public Schools, and father of two teenagers, I know firsthand the benefits of the Bureau’s work on the issues impacting our community and region,” said Matthews. “I look forward to bringing these experiences to the Bureau, and to working with our dedicated volunteer leaders and staff, along with municipal officials, legislators, public agencies, employers, higher education institutions, and the community on behalf of the Worcester region,” he added.
Matthews brings extensive experience to his new role of Executive Director of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau. In his longtime career with the 495/Metrowest Partnership, his leadership helped the organization identify regional issues affecting thirty-five communities including conducting public policy deliberations to address regional needs, convene issue-driven events such as forums with policy makers, writing and distributing case studies and best practices, and providing research and resources to key constituencies.
Matthews serves as the Governor’s Appointee to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council, overseeing the state’s Economic Development Initiative Program. He is the Governor’s Appointee to the 495/Metrowest Suburban Edge Community Commission and the Economic Development Planning Council. He is an Appointee for MassDOT’s Rail Vision Advisory Committee, MassDOT’s East-West Rail Study Advisory Committee, and holds numerous other statewide appointments.
He has authored many noteworthy public policy and transportation reports, and is the recipient of the 2013 MetroWest Regional Spirit Award, from the MetroWest Regional Collaborative. He was honored with a Community Leadership Award from the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission in 2012, and in 2001, he received a 40 Under 40 Award by the Worcester Business Journal.
Matthews received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Colby College and was a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society. He also received Certification by the Institute for Organizational Management, and was awarded a Fellowship for Regional Sustainable Development.
“We look forward to Paul’s leadership,” said WRRB Chairman Dr. Abraham Haddad. “His significant knowledge of Worcester, the region, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, along with his tireless work in the public policy arena and his ability to achieve successful
partnerships across municipalities, and the public and private sector, made him the perfect candidate for the position.”
“Much is changing in Worcester and Central Massachusetts,” said Matthews. “But we’re truly fortunate that the Bureau’s commitment to serve our community with thoughtful and timely policy research hasn’t changed, thanks to the support of community leaders, employers, educational institutions, and foundations.”
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