July 27th, 2018

In the news: Midori Morikawa

Midori Morikawa has been appointed director of business strategy for the city of Boston Office of Economic Development. In this role, Morikawa will focus on attracting new businesses, retaining and growing existing businesses and engaging the Boston business community to strengthen Boston’s workforce for growth in the national and international markets. Morikawa previously served as deputy director of workforce and policy development in the Office of Workforce Development.

“I am thrilled to welcome Midori as Director of Business Strategy, and I am confident that her expertise in talent development and successful record of private-public partnerships will strengthen Boston’s broad talent pool and create an even more attractive place to do business,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “Since its creation, Chief Barros and his team have made significant progress not only in attracting business to Boston, but also in ensuring that all Bostonians benefit from Boston’s booming economy. I look forward to even more success with an expanded and dynamic team.”

Morikawa will also lead strategies to enhance emerging industries, including exploring workforce development opportunities for talent pipeline development and retention in response to business community needs. Morikawa led key initiatives in her previous role, including the Mayor’s Tuition-Free Community College and the city’s first Neighborhood Jobs Trust Impact Report. Morikawa has promoted a number of key partnerships, including the Boston Bridge, a collaboration between the city and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education to create tuition-free four-year degree pathways for Boston residents, and oversaw a multi-year evaluation of Summer Youth Employment program in partnership with Northeastern University.

“Boston’s young, deep pool of homegrown talent is the top factor in attracting and keeping businesses in Boston, and I am excited to work with Midori to expand our approach to pipeline development and foster a more inclusive Boston business economy,” said John F. Barros, Chief of Economic Development.

City of Boston