Timothy J. McGourthy
Then: Director of economic development for the City of Worcester
Now: Deputy secretary at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, Boston
In the last decade, McGourthy has gone from focusing on Worcester development, then economic opportunities across Greater Worcester, and now across the state. McGourthy, who’s been the deputy secretary for the Gov. Charlie Baker Administration since March, started his eight-year stint in City Hall as Worcester’s chief development officer and CEO of the Worcester Redevelopment Authority, playing a role in the development of Gateway Park and redevelopment of the former Worcester Center Galleria mall site along Front Street. McGourthy then filled the big shoes at the Worcester Regional Research Bureau starting in 2014, succeeding Roberta Schaefer, who helped found and led the bureau for three decades. His job today returns him to Boston, where he was once the director of policy for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, except now he’s helping the state find economic growth potential. – Profile written by Grant Welker
What is your proudest accomplishment? At 5 years old, I won the blue ribbon at the 4-H Fair Coca-Cola chugging contest (drink a bottle of Coke and run 50 yards). I still have the ribbon (and an unhealthy addiction to soft drinks).
What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? Public service is too often uncelebrated. It was gratifying to be acknowledged.
What advice do you have for this year’s winners? Be passionate about what you do, or find something new.
The 40 Under Forty alumni Class of 2009
