Edith Silva

Edith Silva

Edith Silva, former executive director of the Massachusetts Office of Minority and Women Business Assistance, this spring was named partner of the Boston-based firm Next Street, a merchant bank founded to serve high-performing, high-potential, urban small and midsized businesses across the U.S.

“We welcome a new partner, Edith Silva, to Next Street,” said Ronald Walker, president and founding partner, in a statement. “Edith has spent her career advising and growing businesses. Appointed by Gov. Deval Patrick, under the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, she was charged with increasing economic diversity in the state by promoting the success and accelerating the development of women- and minority-owned businesses. Her experience and expertise are clearly a perfect fit for Next Street.”

In the new position, Silva is responsible for market development and for creating strategic partnerships among major public and private entities seeking alliances with Next Street’s base of high-performing urban businesses.

“By expanding networks and forging strategic partnerships nationally, Next Street is building a new institution for the new economy,” said Walker. “Edith will play a major role in this effort.”

With a history of innovative leadership, Silva has worked with renowned firms including Price Waterhouse, The Tower Group and Virgin Life Care.

Next Street provides hands-on support, advice and guidance to a diverse portfolio of more than 30 small and midsized businesses. Next Street’s services include access to growth capital, strategic advisory services, talent management, marketing and advertising.