Boston, MA The Massachusetts Business Congress (MBC), a professional association providing business and networking connections for members across the design, construction, and affiliated industries, has appointed Michelle Hopson as executive director. Hopson succeeds the Congress’ director Jan Breed, who served the organization with distinction for three decades, building lasting relationships for the MBC and producing consistently successful events and programs. 

“We are fortunate to be announcing a transition between two respected and talented association management professionals, Jan to Michelle, and to build on the goodwill and member support the MBC is known for,” said Fran Harrison, MBC president and director of business strategy at SMRT Architects and Engineers. “As a century-plus cornerstone of the Massachusetts design and construction industry, MBC looks forward to continuing to support the A/E/C industry in relevant and unique ways. Michelle will be an important part of that effort.”

Hopson is a seasoned nonprofit executive and entrepreneur with 15 years of experience advising nonprofit boards and managing the financial, program, and organizational growth of professional associations. She is a successful business leader, known for guiding socially conscious initiatives and program implementation for volunteer-based teams. 

“I am thrilled to join such a dedicated group of board and committee volunteers at the MBC, and to help continue MBC’s tradition of quality programs and a welcoming environment for all individuals across the industry,” Hopson said. “I feel as though everything I’ve learned in my career to date has prepared me for this important role.” 

Hopson’s experience includes consulting with and working with several nonprofit organizations supporting the A/E/C industry, including the Connecticut Building Congress. In her community, Hopson serves as a commissioner of her local Zoning Board of Appeals. Hopson earned a bachelor’s degree in legal and policy studies from Fordham University and an executive education certificate from Fordham’s Gabelli School of Business and Graduate School of Social Service’s (GSS) Center for Nonprofit Leaders.

Established in 1921, the MBC provides business and networking forums and collaboration opportunities for professionals responsible for leading the $10.6 billion building industry in Massachusetts. Members include the region’s architects, engineers, general contractors, construction managers, subcontractors, clients, labor and trade associations, and professional service providers within the design and construction industry. Recent MBC programs focused on DCAMM’s capital budget and project pipeline, businesses creating opportunities through DEI, an introductory address by Arthur Jemison, Boston’s new chief of planning, and an onsite look at the redevelopment and future of Boston’s Nubian Square.