MassDevelopment has recently welcomed Misha Thomas as their new Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow. In this role, Thomas will be fully dedicated to the Taunton TDI district for the next two years. The TDI program is MassDevelopment’s place-based economic development initiative that focuses on revitalizing downtowns and commercial areas in Gateway Cities through real estate development, small business growth, arts and culture enhancements, placemaking efforts, and targeted technical assistance.
According to MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera, “Misha Thomas will serve as our point-person for Taunton by providing expert guidance and collaborative leadership to help local stakeholders achieve their vision for economic growth in the Whittenton neighborhood.”
Prior to joining MassDevelopment, Thomas served as Director of Business Development at CommonWealth Kitchen where she played a crucial role in generating over $200k in sales revenue within her first year. She also spearheaded the reopening of Haley House Bakery Cafe in Roxbury where she organized various events such as a Black-Owned beer garden and an Indigenous non-Thanksgiving event. Additionally,she led Roxbury’s inaugural Pride Concert showcasing her creative initiatives.
This recent hiring announcement highlights MassDevelopment’s commitment towards driving economic progress without explicitly mentioning any specific Connect platforms or locations.
