MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge Names Lesa Lessard Pearson Executive Director

Pearson Will Guide Largest MIT Enterprise Forum Chapter Through Its Next Stage of Growth


CAMBRIDGE, MA--(Marketwired - Jan 7, 2014) - The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge today announced Lesa Lessard Pearson as its new executive director. Lesa joined the organization to create a vibrant refuge for the most ambitious and visionary entrepreneurs in this community. She will focus on breaking down the barriers to individual success and building up the relationships between those aspiring to participate in the innovation economy with the people and companies invested in its growth and profit.

Pearson brings more than 20 years of experience in building, leading and managing mission-based organizations to the self-funded, volunteer-driven organization that connects future entrepreneurial game-changers to the educational and networking opportunities they need to succeed.

A reception welcoming Pearson to her new position will be held next Tuesday, January 14, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Cambridge Innovation Center Venture Café. The evening will be hosted by the Consulate General of Canada in Boston and open to all MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge members.

"The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge plays a vital role in driving innovation and entrepreneurship in a region that is internationally renowned for such activities," said Ed Ahn, board chairman of the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge and managing director and chief science officer for Medical Capital Advisors. "As the first and largest MIT Enterprise Forum chapter, we consistently challenge ourselves to do all we can to help our members succeed in building whole new industries, products and services. Lesa shares this passion and she'll be a tremendous addition to our team."

"At the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge, first-time and serial entrepreneurs alike can learn from one another as well as from a wide range of world-class technology and business experts," Pearson added. "Graced with a stellar board of directors and a cadre of exemplary business sector volunteers, I am thrilled to lead a revolution to accelerate the success of our members, the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge itself and for the innovation ecosystem overall."

In guiding the MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge through its next stage of growth, Pearson draws upon previous leadership positions with United Way of Massachusetts and Merrimack Valley, National Association of Government Employees, The Phyllis and Jerome Lyle Rappaport Charitable Foundation, Suffolk University, New England Police Benevolent Association, New England Coalition for Cancer Survivorship, The Global Learning Company, Foster Care Alumni of America and Angel Ed.

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About The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge

The MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge is the founding chapter and 1 of 27 worldwide chapters comprising the MIT Enterprise Forum, Inc. Offering more than 40 programs and events annually that inspire innovation, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge initiatives facilitate critical one-on-one mentoring while providing team services that increase the skills and expertise necessary for entrepreneurs to succeed. To learn how to get involved as a member or a corporate sponsor, please visit: http://www.mitforumcambridge.org/

Contact Information:

PRESS CONTACT:

Shannon Todesca (for MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge)
CHEN PR, Inc.
781-672-3147

Lesa Lessard Pearson, Executive Director, MIT Enterprise Forum of Cambridge