Good Day Metro South: Economic Activity in Brockton and Surrounding Metro South Region

Please do not attend if you feel unwell, masks are optional.

Please join us on Friday, September 23rd for a Good Day Metro South luncheon hosted by Thorny Lea Golf Club from 11:45AM – 1:30 PM. Our guest speakers will be from Brockton Police Department, Brockton Redevelopment Authority, Brockton Department of Planning & Economic Development, MassDevelopment, and Rockland Trust.

Brockton Police Chief, Brenda Perez: Brenda Perez is the first woman to lead the city’s police force, and the first person of color to do so. Born and raised in Brockton, Perez worked as a patrol officer for roughly 16 years until she was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2016, as only the second female sergeant in the history of the department. Before joining the Police Department, Perez was in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving 24 years in the military, reaching the rank of master sergeant. In addition to serving over two decades as a Brockton Police Officer and 24 years in the Army Reserves, Perez holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from Curry College. Visit brockton.ma.us to learn more

“Thrust into the field of housing years ago, Dr. Patricia Jackson explains a passion for advocacy and social justice as the motivation that guides her efforts. Dr. Jackson is an active advocate for the advancement of adequate and equitable education, while championing efforts to preclude discrimination within the educational system that negatively affect the BIPOC community.

She is currently the interim Executive Director for the Brockton Redevelopment Authority, where she hopes to follow in the illustrious footsteps of her predecessor to continue the fight for fair, equal, and equitable development within the City of Brockton. Dr. Jackson also serves as the chair of the Political Action Committee for the Brockton Area Branch NAACP and is a member of the Education and Legal Redress Committees. In addition, Dr. Jackson serves as a member of the Massachusetts Baby Bonds Task force, aimed at developing publicly funded at-birth trust funds that will be accessible to children when they become adults that can be used for asset-enhancing activities, including paying for higher education.

Drs. Jackson holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, specializing in Urban and Regional planning from Park University, a master’s degree from Northeastern University, and a Doctor of Law and Policy from Northeastern University.” To learn more about the BRA, visit brocktonredevelopmentauthority.com

Rob May, Brockton City Planner: Rob joined the City in 2014 as Director of Planning and Economic Development. He has a Master of Business Administration from Indiana University and has worked in many cities, including Chicago, IL and Somerville, MA. His office provides technical assistance and support to the Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission and Historical Preservation Commission. He sees the role of his office as; to enhance the quality of life, to expand job opportunities, to enrich open and natural spaces, to protect historic resources, to build a vibrant and diverse economy, and to promote professional, unbiased planning for current and future residents of Brockton. Visit brockton.ma.us/city-departments/planning to learn more.

Jay Pateakos, Vice President Business Development, South Region, MassDevelopment: “Jay was added to the MassDevelopment ranks in November of 2017. Prior to that, he had co-owned an English Muffin business which included securing financing, shelf space in supermarkets and much more. He later became a business reporter for a number of daily newspapers as well as an Executive Director for the Sandwich Chamber of Commerce where he helped to raise funds and develop the town’s first stand-alone Visitor’s Center.” Visit massdevelopment.com to learn more

Questions? Contact Cathryn Schofield or call (508) 586-0500 x 231 for assistance.

This event is sponsored by Rockland Trust: Founded over 115 years ago by local business owners as a bank made for businesses, Rockland Trust has a long heritage of innovation and customer focus. We build enduring relationships by listening to our customers and providing insights to help them feel confident about their financial decisions. We serve our communities through more than 120 branches, 20 commercial lending centers, and 11 investment management centers across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Rockland Trust is deeply committed to the communities it serves, recognized in 2021 by the Small Business Administration (SBA) as the #1 Lender to Minority Entrepreneurs in Massachusetts. In addition, the Bank received an “Outstanding” rating in its most recent Community Reinvestment Act performance evaluation. Rockland Trust offers a wide range of banking, investment, and insurance services.