Boston – Urban Land Institute( ULI) Boston / New England announced the second cohort for the Center for Leadership, a curriculum-based program designed to educate and connect the next generation of Boston leaders. The center’ s mission is to cultivate leadership development by informing a select group of emerging leaders of the transformative dynamics emerging within Boston’ s real estate and land use industries, and to promote engagement in the process.

The second cohort consists of 16 mid-career professionals with strong experience in, or a deep understanding of, the real estate and / or land-use sectors. These individuals are emerging leaders, poised to assume leadership roles in their organizations or professions. The

11-month program is comprised of eight program days, a tour, and graduation day. Each program day focuses on a specific topic and takes place at various locations around the Greater Boston area, hosted by Center for Leadership Sponsor / Partner organizations.

Program days will address key themes in land use and commercial real estate, including Housing and Economic Development, Capital Markets, Fundamentals of the Development Process, Urban Design, Policy and the Public Sector, and more. Participants will learn from and network with industry leaders through case studies, panel discussions, and roundtable conversations, with leadership topics presented in both land-use and skills-building contexts.

The 2026 cohort members:

• Samantha Brien, Downtown Boston Alliance

• Matthew Connolly, Nutter

• Caitlin Coppinger, Boston Planning Department

• Matthew Curtin, Samuels & Associates

• Lindsey DiTonno, McClure Engineering Company

• Elena Eimert, City of Malden

• Matt Feuerman, Goodwin Procter LLP

• Justin Fisher, Synergy

• Chris Freda, Sasaki Associates

• Michael Harris, Chestnut Hill Realty

• Amanda Newmiller, MassDevelopment

• Sarah Peck, City of Boston Planning Department

• Robert Phillips, Langan Engineering & Environmental Services

• Meagan Sippel, Stantec

• Stephen Stewart, Nordblom Development Company

• Ethan Vogt, East Boston Main Streets

“ We’ re excited to welcome this year’ s Center for Leadership cohort and recognize such a strong group of emerging leaders,” said Michelle Landers, executive director of ULI Boston / New England.“ The program is designed to spark the next wave of leadership in land use and development. We’ re confident these participants will gain valuable perspectives, build important relationships, and make a positive impact across Greater Boston.”

Ralph A. Barnes 1927 – 2024

• Ralph A. Barnes, Newscaster WLOB Portland, ME;

• Senior Manager, UPI State of Maine;

• Administrative Assistant for U. S. Congressman;

• Owner, RAB Associates, PR Agency, Boston, Massachusetts;

• and founding editor and consultant, High-Profile Monthly.