John Regan Named President/CEO of AIM
Longtime EVP of Massachusetts’ largest business association is
unanimous choice of search committee from 100-candidate field
BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–John R. Regan, a Boston native who has directed government affairs
advocacy at Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) for the past 12
years, was selected today as the next President and Chief Executive
Officer of the commonwealth’s largest business association.
The AIM Board of Directors approved the selection of Regan during a
special board meeting this morning. Regan succeeds AIM President and CEO
Richard C. Lord, who is retiring after two decades leading the
organization.
The appointment is effective May 20.
“The AIM board of directors conducted a comprehensive search to find
just the right person to lead this dynamic organization into the
future,” said Patricia Begrowicz, Chair of the AIM CEO Search Committee
and President of Onyx Specialty Papers in South Lee.
“After engaging with an extraordinary and diverse group of more than 100
candidates and prospects, our committee recommended unanimously to the
board that John Regan should be the next President of AIM.”
Regan, who joined the AIM Government Affairs Department in 2000 and was
appointed Executive Vice President in 2007, said: “My goals are to
ensure that AIM remains the pre-eminent voice for businesses on Beacon
Hill, and to make Massachusetts an attractive state for employers of all
kinds to succeed. I’m committed to ensuring that AIM represents, and
advocates for, the full diversity of Massachusetts employers. I am
deeply honored and grateful to the board of directors for their
confidence in me and for all the time and effort they invested in this
search process.”
At AIM, Regan’s focus has been administrative and legislative advocacy,
regulatory affairs, litigation, and ballot initiatives. He has
negotiated favorable outcomes for employers on major issues such as
health-care reform, paid family and medical leave, use of non-compete
agreements, pay equity, unemployment-insurance rate freezes, and the
2018 “Grand Bargain” compromise that avoided costly and contentious
ballot questions concerning the minimum wage, sales tax, and paid leave.
Dan Kenary, Chair of the AIM board of directors said: “John emerged as
the clear top choice to build on Rick Lord’s long legacy of success
advancing the interests of employers and fostering economic growth and
opportunity in the commonwealth. We’re excited to have John lead our
organization.” Kenary is CEO and co-founder of The Harpoon Brewery in
Boston.
Regan has deep experience in both the private and public sectors. Prior
to his tenure at AIM, he served as Chief Operations Officer for
MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, overseeing
real estate development and community revitalization projects including
the transformation of the former Fort Devens. Before MassDevelopment,
Regan was the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business
Development, leading the commonwealth’s business retention and
recruitment efforts.
Regan, a graduate of Boston Latin School, earned his bachelor’s degree
from St. John’s Seminary College in Boston and a certificate in
organizational management from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
About AIM
Founded in 1915, AIM engages in public policy advocacy for more than
3,500 Massachusetts employers who collectively employee 1 of every 5
residents of the commonwealth. AIM is dedicated to supporting
pro-business legislation and policy on the full range of economic issues
including the cost of health care and energy, compliance with employment
laws, state and federal budget, taxes, financial issues, and workforce
development.
Contacts
Christopher Geehern
Executive Vice President, Public Affairs &
Communication
Associated Industries of Massachusetts
cgeehern@aimnet.org
617.834.4414