Former Baker aide to lead Healey's competitiveness council

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  Sports and Competition on Sat, Oct 18th, 2025 by Eagle-Tribune

Former Baker Aide to Lead Healey’s Competitiveness Council

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has tapped Michael Dennehy, a veteran of Republican former Governor Charlie Baker's administration, to chair her newly formed competitiveness council. The announcement, made last week, signals an intent to prioritize economic growth and innovation within the state while drawing on expertise from across the political spectrum. Dennehy’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given his previous role in a rival administration and underscores Healey’s stated commitment to bipartisan collaboration.

The Massachusetts Competitiveness Council, formally established through executive order [https://www.mass.gov/news/maura-healey-establishes-competitiveness-council-to-drive-economic-growth-and-innovation], is tasked with identifying and addressing barriers to business growth in the state. Its focus areas include workforce development, infrastructure improvements, regulatory reform, and attracting investment in key sectors like technology, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. The council will also be responsible for recommending strategies to enhance Massachusetts’ global competitiveness.

Dennehy served as Baker's director of special initiatives from 2015 until late 2022. During that time, he was involved in a range of policy areas including workforce development, housing production, and infrastructure projects. He is known for his pragmatic approach and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Prior to working for Baker, Dennehy held positions within the Massachusetts Republican Party and served as a consultant advising various businesses and organizations. His experience spans both government and private sectors, providing him with a broad perspective on the challenges facing Massachusetts businesses.

The creation of the competitiveness council reflects Healey’s campaign promises to focus on economic growth and address concerns about the state's affordability and business climate. While Massachusetts consistently ranks highly in innovation metrics, it also faces challenges including high costs of living, burdensome regulations, and a shortage of skilled workers – issues that have prompted some businesses to relocate or consider expansion elsewhere.

Healey’s executive order outlines the council’s composition, which includes representatives from industry, academia, labor, and community organizations. The council will be supported by staff from the Executive Office of Economic Development. The order also mandates regular reporting to the Governor on progress made toward achieving its goals [https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2023-10/executive-order-establishing-the-massachusetts-competitiveness-council.pdf].

Several business leaders have expressed cautious optimism regarding the council’s potential impact. The Massachusetts Business Roundtable, a prominent advocacy group representing large employers in the state, released a statement welcoming the initiative and emphasizing the need for collaborative solutions to address long-standing challenges [https://www.themassroundtable.org/news/2023/10/26/governor-healey-establishes-competitiveness-council]. They specifically highlighted workforce development as a critical area requiring immediate attention, echoing concerns raised by numerous businesses struggling to find qualified employees.

The selection of Dennehy is seen by some as a strategic move to foster bipartisan support for the council’s recommendations and ensure their practical implementation. His familiarity with state government processes and his established relationships across different sectors are expected to facilitate effective collaboration. While he previously worked under a governor with differing political ideologies, Dennehy's reputation for being results-oriented suggests that he will prioritize finding common ground and developing solutions that benefit the entire state.

The council’s initial focus is anticipated to be on identifying quick wins – relatively simple regulatory changes or workforce training programs that can demonstrate tangible benefits in the short term. Longer-term goals include attracting significant foreign direct investment, fostering innovation clusters around key industries, and improving Massachusetts' infrastructure to support future growth. The success of the council will depend heavily on its ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders and translate policy recommendations into concrete action. Dennehy’s leadership role will be crucial in navigating these complexities and ensuring that the competitiveness council delivers meaningful results for the Commonwealth.

The Eagle Tribune article also mentions a previous attempt at a similar council under Governor Baker, which ultimately did not achieve its intended goals. This history serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of sustained commitment and effective implementation to ensure the new council’s success.