Pelton Named ‘Distinguished Bostonian’ by Greater Boston Chamber

President Lee Pelton will be inducted into the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s (GBCC) Academy of Distinguished Bostonians on June 29, during the chamber’s first ever virtual Annual Meeting.

The honor recognizes leaders who have demonstrated outstanding leadership within their organizations and industries, and have been committed to making Greater Boston a place where all people and businesses can thrive.

Pelton joins Andrew Dreyfus, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield Massachusetts; and Marcy L. Reed, president of National Grid’s Massachusetts business and executive vice president of U.S. policy and social impact, in receiving the honor.

“I am honored to be inducted into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians alongside Andrew and Marcy, and to represent Emerson College, where artists and storytellers are shaping society in meaningful and bold ways,” Pelton said.

“The Chamber has always celebrated the values I hold dear, those of equity, diversity, and creativity in fostering growth and economic opportunities for all in the Greater Boston community. In these unprecedented times, it is even more important to ensure that all members of the community are represented in decision making, recovery planning, and the revitalization of the city as we emerge from the worldwide pandemic.”

Pelton, the 12th president of Emerson, is an internationally known speaker and writer on the value of a liberal education and the importance of leadership development, civic engagement, and diversity and inclusion in higher education. He has been recognized in Boston Business Journal’s “50 Most Powerful Leaders” (October 2018), Boston Magazine’s list of “100 Most Influential People in Boston” (April 2018), “The 21 Most Powerful People in Boston Business” (May 2017), and its list of “75 Bold Thinkers Who Are Shaping Our City and the World” (May 2014).

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Boston Chamber of Commerce (executive committee); WGBH (executive committee); Boston Arts Academy Foundation (chair); Facing History and Ourselves; and the Barr Foundation, one of the nation’s leading philanthropic organizations, as well as the MIT Press Management Board, Harvard Graduate School Alumni Council, and the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts.

James E. Rooney, president and CEO of the GBCC, said the Greater Boston business community is having to navigate “unparalleled and unprecedented” times.

“We are proud to be honoring Andrew, Lee, and Marcy at our Annual Meeting on June 29, where we will show our region that we are still moving Boston Business Forward,” Rooney said.