Lunenburg lawmaker resigning to lead statewide business association
Photo | T. Reif Photography
Jen Benson, president of the Alliance for Business Leadership
After serving a decade in the Legislature, state Rep. Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg) will resign to become president of the Alliance for Business Leadership.
The Boston-based trade group is a coalition of CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who say social responsibility and growth of the Massachusetts economy are linked.
"This is a great and exciting opportunity," said Benson. "This gives me a different platform to work on issues that are important to me."
Serving in the Legislature is not a lifetime appointment, she noted.
"This will give someone else the opportunity to serve the district," she added.
Benson has represented Acton, Ayer, Boxborough, Harvard, Lunenburg, and Shirley in the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Following a two-month search by ABL’s board of directors, the panel said it chose Benson because she will bring experience as a statewide leader on health care, clean energy, and economic development to her new role.
Benson will start her new job on Jan. 13.
Working with business leaders and entrepreneurs, Benson is expected to spearhead ABL’s focus on clean energy, transportation, housing, workplace opportunities, and help ensure that they are centered in statewide advocacy efforts, said Beth Monaghan, the ABL’s board chairwoman.
“Jen’s passion for this value, and her advocacy around the issues that matter to our members, make her the ideal candidate for the role of president at ABL,” said Monaghan, in a statement. “Her ability to inspire action and change will fuel our work as we continue making Massachusetts a beacon of what’s possible when businesses advocate for progressive values.”
During her time on Beacon Hill, Benson championed smart growth and expanded opportunity in the commonwealth, including fighting for transparency in the way the state utilizes corporate tax breaks, and support for small businesses.
Most recently, Benson served as the House chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing, where she oversaw the Legislature’s efforts to control health care costs.
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