Former State Representative Juana Matias has been appointed chief operating officer at the public policy think tank MassINC. Previously a member of the MassINC board of directors, Matias represented the 16th Essex District until this year. In her new role as MassINC’s COO Matias will play a leadership role in strategy and planning, help to elevate the organization’s work with funders and serve as a spokesperson for the organization’s research — particularly in the Gateway Cities.
Chairman of the MassINC Board of Directors Greg Torres noted, “Juana has demonstrated remarkable leadership throughout her career, from addressing issues focused on income equality to diversity and inclusion. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, dedicated to the needs of Massachusetts residents, and how we can best serve as advocates for them.”
“As an immigrant, advocate, and legislator from a gateway city, I have dedicated myself to championing policy that creates pathways to opportunity,” said Matias. “Key issues in education, public health and the criminal justice system were central to my work as a representative and the public agenda I’ve long championed, which is why I could not be more excited to continue this work with MassINC.”
In 2008, Matias was selected as one out of 22 women to be part of the National Hispana Leadership Institute’s Latina’s Learning to Lead Fellowship Program. During her time as an elected representative, Matias sponsored key legislation to make college affordable, increase the minimum wage and expand opportunities for middle-class Americans.
“Juana’s story is the story of the American Dream and dovetails neatly with MassINC’s broader mission of promoting opportunity and inclusiveness throughout the Commonwealth,” added Lauren Louison Grogan, President and CEO of MassINC.
The Massachusetts Institute for a New Commonwealth (MassINC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, founded in 1996. Its mission is to identify and promote public policy that creates a pathway to opportunity for Massachusetts residents.
