How the MassBio Community Can Accelerate Positive Transportation Solutions for MA

January 28, 2020 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139

Add to Calendar 1/28/2020 8:00:00 AM 1/28/2020 10:00:00 AM How the MassBio Community Can Accelerate Positive Transportation Solutions for MA

Earlier this year, MassBio released a report on the state of transportation in Massachusetts, detailing the results of a survey of 2,133 professionals who work in or support the life sciences. The report shows how transportation in Massachusetts is impacting the industry’s ability to recruit and retain talent. The verdict? We’re at a breaking point, as 60% of respondents said they’d change jobs for a better commute and nearly a quarter said they’ve considered moving to another state. We’re all aware of the transportation crisis in Massachusetts but not everyone knows the various activities proposed or underway to fix the problem. This includes efforts by companies to alleviate the commuting burden for employees, collaborations with like-minded entities in other industries, and support of local and statewide policies and legislation.

This MassBio forum will provide members with a better, more critical understanding of the state of transit in Massachusetts. Our panel, representing local and national associations, advocacy groups, and public agencies will highlight a transportation vision for MA, the current state of transit including challenges and opportunities, and positive solutions proposed or in the works. They’ll illuminate examples of how other parts of the country have addressed similar issues and will demonstrate how to empower companies to make smart transportation decisions and investments. Finally, there will be plenty of time for Q&A.

Our goal for participants is to leave feeling more informed, less frustrated, and inspired to act, armed with the knowledge to support relevant activities in your city, where you work, or on the state level.

Sponsored by MassBio's Safety, Environment & Facilities Operations (SEF) forum working group.

 MassBio, 300 Technology Square 8th Fl, Cambridge, MA 02139
  • Chris Dempsey
  • Director, T4MA
  • The coalition's Director, Chris was formerly Assistant Secretary of Transportation for the Commonwealth. In that role, he co-founded the MBTA’s open-data program, which was named Innovation of the Year by WTS-Massachusetts in 2010. Chris has also worked as a consultant at Bain & Co., on a number of local and statewide political campaigns including that of Congressman Joe Kennedy III, and at a transportation technology startup that provides mobile ticketing for transit systems in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. Chris is a graduate of Pomona College (B.A., 2005) and Harvard Business School (M.B.A, 2012). Chris has taught transportation policy at the graduate level at Northeastern University. In 2015, Chris was named Bostonian of the Year by the Boston Globe Magazine for his volunteer work leading No Boston Olympics.
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  • Jarred Johnson
  • Chief Operating Officer & Development Director, TransitMatters
  • Jarred Johnson joined TransitMatters as the organization’s first Chief Operating Officer and Development Director in February 2019. Prior to that he served as Project Manager for the Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation where he managed a variety of complex affordable housing real estate projects and supported organizing efforts for better service on the Fairmount Line. Before that, Jarred helped to start the “Love Your Block” mini-grant project and helped write the City of Boston’s first Volunteer Plan as a part of the Civic Engagement Office. He also has a wealth of grassroots organizing experience working on various presidential, state, and Cherokee tribal races. Jarred joined TransitMatters as a volunteer member in the summer of 2015 and has served on the Board since the fall of that year. Jarred holds B.A. in MassCommunications/Media Studies and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism from Oklahoma City University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management & Leadership and Nonprofit/Public/Organizational Management from Tufts University’s Institute for Nonprofit Practice.
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  • Zach Stanley
  • Executive Director | Bioversity
  • Zach is the Executive Director of Bioversity, a newly formed non-profit powered by MassBio that operates workforce training centers, runs training programming, and creates connections among employers, training entities, and students in order to reinvent career pathways for Massachusetts individuals traditionally left out of the life sciences. Formerly, Zach was Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at MassBio where he oversaw the organization’s government affairs, communications, marketing, equity, diversity & inclusion, patient advocacy, and workforce development initiatives. Prior to joining MassBio in 2017, Zach was the Vice President of Public Affairs at Rasky Partners where he specialized in message development, integrated digital advocacy campaigns, government affairs, and coalition building. Zach was formerly a field organizer for the Florida Democratic Party during the 2004 Kerry/Edwards Presidential Campaign and served as the assistant to the Deputy CEO for external affairs of the 2004 Democratic National Convention in Boston. Recently, Zach has served on the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Networks’ Reigniting Research Council, as well as on Host Committee for The Children’s Trust’s Celebrating Fatherhood Brunch. Zach earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Boston College. He lives in Westwood with his wife Jessica, their son Reed, and daughter Eleanor.
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  • David Straus
  • Executive Director, Association for Commuter Transportation
  • David was hired as the Executive Director for the Association for Commuter Transportation in December 2015. With a career in Transportation Demand Management (TDM) that began in 1998, he brings a deep understanding and commitment to the issues and challenges facing TDM professionals and organizations as they look to advance progressive programs and policies that support the use of sustainable transportation options that improve the quality of life of commuters and the livability of communities. As Executive Director, David manages the day-to-day operations of the 1000 member organizations and works with its Board of Directors to achieve its mission of supporting TDM professionals in the advancement of TDM in communities and at work sites across the country. Prior to joining ACT, David served as Director of Development & Programs at A Better City (ABC) in Boston, where he also served as the Executive Director for the ABC Transportation Management Association (TMA). As a member of ABC’s senior leadership team, he oversaw the activities of ABC’s Environmental Unit, Transportation Demand Management & Sustainability programs; and tasks related to the organization’s development and operations. A native of Oregon, David graduated from Portland State University. He received a Certificate in Non-Profit Management and Leadership from Boston University. He currently lives in Sharon, MA with his wife, three children, and a varying number of chickens.
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  • C.A. Webb
  • President, Kendall Square Association
  • C. A. Webb designs and builds platforms that enable communities to thrive. At her core, C.A. is a creator. She has co-founded a foundation (Trinity Boston Foundation), launched a venture capital fund (Underscore), and has built numerous tech and consumer products at companies including Whole Foods Market, Preserve, Care.com, the New England Venture Capital Association, and Fast Company magazine. C.A.'s passions include urban living, public transit, social and economic equity, food, and her two young daughters. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and serves on the boards of The Boston Foundation, the Alliance for Business Leadership, T4MA, and MassRobotics. C.A. has been named "one of the 100 Most Influential People in Boston" by Boston Magazine and an "Innovation All Star" by the Boston Business Journal. ​C.A. and her team at the Kendall Square Association create systems, products, and campaigns to drive connectivity, learning, and social impact for the world's epicenter for innovation.
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  • Elizabeth "Lizzi" Weyant
  • Director of Government Affairs at Metropolitan Area Planning Council
  • Lizzi Weyant joined MAPC in the spring of 2015 and serves as the Director of Government Affairs. She oversees MAPC’s legislative priorities both at the state and federal level, including zoning reform legislation, housing production legislation, transportation funding, and energy and environmental initiatives. Ms. Weyant works closely with several state and regional coalitions and committees, including the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance and Transportation for Massachusetts, as well as the Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies, the organization of 13 regional planning agencies in the state. Prior to joining MAPC, Ms. Weyant was the Advocacy Director of Transportation for Massachusetts, a statewide transportation coalition where she successfully advocated for more statewide funding for transportation. Prior to her time at the coalition, Ms. Weyant worked as a staff attorney at the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group, protecting consumers through legal, grassroots and grasstops advocacy, with a focus on transportation issues and consumer affairs. Upon her graduation from law school, Ms. Weyant clerked for the Honorable Justice Susan Calkins of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and then began practicing law in Pennsylvania. Ms. Weyant earned a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy from Carnegie Mellon University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law. Areas of Expertise: Legislative advocacy, transportation policy and finance, policy analysis, coalition coordination.
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