Good Day Metro South

Join us for a can’t-miss Economic Development Luncheon on Thursday, April 30, from 11:45 AM–1:30 PM at the Arc of Greater Brockton, sponsored by South Shore Bank. This event is expected to be a full house, bringing together regional leaders and changemakers shaping the future of Metro South.

The program will feature a conversation with our hosts at the Arc of Greater Brockton, including Dean Rizzo, followed by an economic development panel moderated by Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark. Panelists include South Shore Bank Chief Commercial Banking Officer Steve DiPrete, Mass Office of Business Development Regional Director Alexandra Husted, and the City of Brockton’s Director of Economic Development, Dr. Eliza Wilson.

We will also introduce a “New Faces” panel highlighting key leaders new to the region, including Brockton Rox General Manager Connor Carey, Bridgewater Town Manager Justin Casanova-Davis, and incoming Easton Town Administrator Elizabeth Dennehy. Join us as we come together to celebrate progress and collaborate on the future of our region!

About our guest speakers:

Frederick W. Clark Jr., Esq. serves as President of Bridgewater State University, his alma mater, and is the 12th leader in its 185-year history. Since 2015, he has led BSU’s rise as a national model for student success, expanding access, eliminating equity gaps, and earning recognition for advancing social mobility among diverse student populations. 

Under his leadership, BSU has launched cutting-edge programs in cybersecurity, photonics, and optical engineering, and is developing a state-of-the-art cyber range to train students and regional partners. The university continues to strengthen its nationally recognized undergraduate research and experiential learning opportunities while deepening partnerships with industry to prepare students for the workforce. 

Dean Rizzo serves as Executive Director of the The Arc of Greater Brockton, where he leads a mission-driven organization dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. 

With a background in nonprofit management, Rizzo oversees a wide range of programs focused on advocacy, community-based services, employment support, and day habilitation, all aimed at promoting independence, dignity, and inclusion. 

Under his leadership, the organization has continued to expand its impact across the Greater Brockton region, including facility improvements and program growth designed to better serve individuals and families while strengthening community partnerships. 

Stephen DiPrete joined South Shore Bank in 2020 and brings nearly twenty-five years of banking experience and an award-winning record of providing customized commercial lending and treasury service solutions. Prior to joining South Shore Bank, Stephen spent sixteen years at Eastern Bank, most recently as a Senior Vice President with the Middle Market Lending team. 
 
Stephen coaches youth basketball and serves on the Board of Governors at Foxboro Country Club. Stephen also serves on the Corporate Advisory Council of Cradles to Crayons and is a passionate supporter of veterans’ organizations, including Mass Fallen Heroes, Veterans Legal Services and The New England Center and Home for Veterans.

Alexandra Husted is the Greater Boston Regional Director for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD). In this role, she works with businesses across the region to ensure that they receive the support they need to grow and thrive here. She works closely with companies, municipalities, and community partners with a focus on driving private investment and job creation.

As a key part of the Commonwealth’s economic development team, she helps companies of all sizes access tailored support—from workforce development to capital programs—while advancing a coordinated, responsive approach to business attraction and retention across the Greater Boston region.

Alexandra brings a background in economic development, stakeholder engagement, and project management, with experience working across government, for-profit and non-profit organizations. She holds an MBA/MPP from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in International Relations from Tufts University.

Dr. Eliza Wilson is a Brockton-based professional with experience in workforce development, higher education advancement, and operations. She currently serves as Director for Economic Development at the City of Brockton and Chair of the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (2025–present), helping guide economic development and redevelopment initiatives in the city.

Wilson’s career includes roles in institutional advancement at Franklin Cummings Tech (2022–2025), where she served as Executive Director of Development Operations and Individual Giving Officer, as well as Associate Director of Alumni Relations and Development at Boston Architectural College (2019–2022). Earlier in her career, she worked in finance at Berkshire and as a Project Manager at United Building Maintenance, after beginning with AmeriCorps in fund development and marketing.

She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts Boston (2008) and holds a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.).

Connor Carey serves as General Manager of the Brockton Rox, bringing a passion for baseball and a diverse professional background to the organization. Originally from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Carey began his career in baseball on the western side of the state before spending several years in Indiana continuing to build his experience in the sport. Now back in Massachusetts, he is excited to return east and lead the Rox while settling in with his fiancée. 

A lifelong fan of the New York Mets, Carey’s love of the game is rooted in memorable experiences, including attending a World Baseball Classic game in Los Angeles where Puerto Rico secured a walk-off win against the Netherlands, and watching his childhood hero, Mike Piazza, play at Shea Stadium. 

Justin Casanova-Davis, ICMA-CM, has served as Town Manager of Bridgewater since July 1, 2025, bringing a strong background in municipal finance and collaborative, community-focused leadership. Previously the Town Administrator in Norfolk, MA, he helped deliver major projects under budget, secure over $3 million in funding, and advance key economic development initiatives. His experience also includes leadership roles in Brookline, Cambridge, and the Massachusetts House Ways and Means Committee.

A graduate of Boston College with a Master of Public Administration and certificate from Suffolk University, Justin is an ICMA Credentialed Manager and an active member of several professional committees. He has earned national recognition for his work in public finance, including awards from ICMA, Suffolk University, and GFOA. Selected through a national search, he is focused on strengthening Bridgewater through financial sustainability, economic growth, and strong partnerships with local leaders and residents.

Justin is a credentialed public administrator with a master’s degree from Suffolk University and a bachelor’s from Boston College. He is actively involved in leading professional organizations, including ICMA and Massachusetts municipal associations, and has served on multiple committees focused on public service and local government.

An award-winning leader in public finance, Justin has received national recognition for his work, including honors from ICMA, Suffolk University, and GFOA. Selected through a national search, he brings expertise in financial sustainability and economic development, with a vision to collaborate with local leadership to strengthen and grow the Bridgewater community.

Elizabeth Dennehy serves as the incoming Town Administrator for the Town of Easton, bringing nearly two decades of experience in municipal government and community development. She was appointed by the Select Board in 2026 and is slated to begin her tenure in the spring.

Dennehy most recently served as Town Administrator for the Town of Plympton, where she was the community’s first to hold the role and led the establishment of its professional management structure. In that position, she oversaw daily operations, budgeting, capital planning, and personnel, helping guide the town through key organizational and financial initiatives.

Earlier in her career, Dennehy held leadership roles including Community Development Director in Walpole and Planning Director and Environmental Affairs Officer for the City of Fall River, where she contributed to major redevelopment efforts and long-term planning initiatives.

She holds a Master of Public Administration from Bridgewater State University and is a Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official (MCPPO), reflecting her expertise in municipal finance and procurement. In Easton, Dennehy is focused on effective governance, strategic planning, and maintaining strong community partnerships.