495/MetroWest Partnership's Jessica Strunkin Joins MassDevelopment as Senior Vice President of Devens

February 12, 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Kelsey Schiller, MassDevelopment, 617-330-2011 & 617-694-9695 (cell)
kschiller@massdevelopment.com

MassDevelopment is pleased to announce that former 495/MetroWest Partnership Deputy Director Jessica Strunkin has joined MassDevelopment beginning February 11 to serve as Senior Vice President of Devens. In this role, Strunkin will serve as MassDevelopment’s lead staff person in Devens with oversight of its Departments of Public Safety (including Fire and Police), Public Works, Recreation, and Utilities.


"We’re thrilled to bring Jessica Strunkin on board as the new Senior Vice President of Devens," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. "With her extensive policy experience, productive working relationships, and familiarity with Devens and the surrounding region, Jessica has what it takes to lead Devens into its next stage of growth."

Strunkin has worked at the 495/MetroWest Partnership in various roles since 2008, and for the past five years has served as deputy director, overseeing operations and government affairs for public-private collaboration with businesses, municipalities, and other stakeholders in a 35-community region to help encourage and support sustainable economic growth. Prior to joining the Partnership, Jessica served as government affairs director for the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce.

"Having watched the transformation of Devens into a community with diverse and innovating businesses, engaged residents, and visitors who travel far and wide to enjoy its many recreational activities and amenities, I am truly excited for this opportunity," said Jessica Strunkin. "I am eager to hit the ground running, working with MassDevelopment’s team and local partners to ensure continued success into the future."

Located in north-central Massachusetts and managed by MassDevelopment, Devens is home to more than 400 residents and a varied mix of businesses, government organizations, and nonprofits employing more than 5,000 people. Created by statute in 1993 to support business growth and attract economic development opportunities in the region, the 4,400-acre site features fast-track permitting and other incentives for businesses. The former military installation is recognized today as a national model for sustainable military base redevelopment. Along with its business tenants, the Devens community also includes more than 2,100 acres of recreation and open space, private residences, schools, and a network of human and social services providers.

MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, works with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2018, MassDevelopment financed or managed 384 projects generating investment of more than $4.1 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 10,994 jobs and build or rehabilitate 830 housing units.