40 Under Forty: Meredith Harris, 30

Photo | Erika Sidor Winners of the WBJ 2018 40 Under Forty award (from left): Michael P. McDonough, Meredith Harris, Nathan Oriol, Laura Marotta.

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Executive director

Marlborough Economic Development Corp.

Lives: Marlborough

Birthplace: Norwood but grew up in Norton

Colleges: UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston

Before Harris was tapped to lead MEDC in 2016, Marlborough had success attracting major corporate campuses like GE Healthcare Life Sciences and Quest Diagnostics. Harris' task, however, was more complex: Turn the city from a drive-in, drive-out corporate office park into a thriving destination where people can live, work and play. Under her guidance, MEDC created a small business financial incentive program, leading to 13 companies opening and growing, taking up 90,000 square feet of space, retaining 48 jobs and creating 214 new ones. During her tenure, Marlborough added the $160-million, 475,000-square-foot Apex Center of New England retail, hotel and entertainment complex, and MEDC launched a Zagster bikeshare program. She's kept the corporate wins going, too, landing the Northeast headquarters for Whole Foods Market. Harris sits on the boards of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and the MetroWest Economic Research Center. To address the city's housing and transportation issues, Harris led the city to create a special-permit checklist for developers.

From 40 Under Forty judge Kate Sharry: “Meredith is a power player in the development and success of the economic growth in our area. I can't wait to see what she does next.”

What TV character is most like you? Leslie Knope from “Parks and Recreation.” She is the ultimate optimist.

Who is responsible for your success? My husband, Mike, encourages me every day to be my best self and celebrates even the smallest accomplishments.

Read about the entire 2018 Class of 40 Under Forty

Michael Alden - Ascentria Care Alliance

Che Anderson - City of Worcester

Victor M. Archila - VMA Electric Inc.

Allison Beckler, DO - YOU, Inc.

Sam Bitar - Webster Five

Mark A. Borenstein - Seder & Chandler LLP

Kate D. Campanale - Massachusetts House of Representatives

Derek Canton - paerpay

Ryan Canuel - Petricore, Inc.

Jennifer Caron - Body Therapeutics

Danielle J. Clark - Clark Career Coaching