As interest in making biomanufacturing a bigger player in the state’s economy grows, McCready is the top man at the state level pointing to Central Massachusetts and the advantages the region brings to such plans.
McCready, a Yale University graduate who helped boost the Cambridge innovation economy as the first executive director of the Kendall Square Association, has made his presence known throughout the life sciences community. In a round of tax incentives given to companies expanding their footprint or employee base, the MLSC encouraged businesses outside of Boston and Cambridge to apply, and eventually awarded nearly $2 million in tax breaks to companies located in Central Massachusetts.
“He’s very committed to regional economic development – not just Boston and Cambridge, but Worcester, Springfield, Fall River as well,” said Stephen Flavin, vice president and dean of academic and corporate engagement at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. McCready has been in constant contact with WPI about ways to tie Central Massachusetts into what’s going on in the state as a whole, Flavin said.
Q&A
How can Central Mass attract more biotechnology firms?
Improve transportation infrastructure, pursue and develop opportunities for cutting-edge biologics manufacturing, and continue to make progress on world-class urban amenities. Be proud of the Central Mass. narrative!
Gathered below are the other Central Massachusetts’ 2016 Power Players:
Standard Bearers: Long-time forces in the business community
- Timothy P. Murray, President & CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Mike Angelini, Chairman of Bowditch & Dewey
- The Crowleys, Owners & Shareholders of Polar Beverages & Wachusett Mountain Ski Area
- Sandy L. Dunn, General manager at the SMG/DCU Center
- Don Irving, President of Black Point Realty & Nichols Square LLC
Trail Blazers: Pioneers setting the latest economic trends
- Karim El-Gamal, Co-owner of the Rail Trail Flatbread Co./New City Microcreamery/
- Ed Moore, President & CEO of Harrington HealthCare System
- Girish Navani, CEO of eClinicalWorks
- Kevin O’Sullivan, President & CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, Worcester
- Alec Lopez & Sherri Sadowski, Owners of Armsby Abbey/Crust Bakeshop/The Dive Bar
Behind the Scenes: People in the background who keep the wheels turning
- Cheryl Lapriore, Chief of staff & chief marketing officer at UMass Memorial Health Care
- Gordon Lankton, Retired president of Nypro Inc.
- Ann T. Lisi, President & CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation
- Kate McEvoy-Zdonczyk, Vice president of business development at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Jim McGovern & Karyn E. Polito, U.S. Congressman & Lieutenant Governor
Next Wave: Forward thinkers ushering in the new economy
- Che Anderson, Project manager at the Office of the Worcester City Manager
- Jeannie Hebert, President & CEO of the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce
- Dean Rohan, Co-founder & owner, Tree House Brewing Co.
- Christine Thomas, Development partner at XSS Hotels and Colwen Management
Gear Shifters: Up-and-comers breathing new life into old ideas
- Meredith Harris, Executive director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corp.
- Tarek Elsawy, MD President & CEO of Reliant Medical Group
- Justin & Ashleigh Gelinas, Attorneys at Gelinas & Ward, LLP
- Cliff Rucker, Owner of the Worcester Railers Hockey Club and Worcester Sports Center
- Matthias Waschek, Director at the Worcester Art Museum
