LAWRENCE PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Former state economic development official George Ramirez to take over for longtime Executive Director Mitchell

LAWRENCE (June 14, 2021) – George Ramirez, a former state economic development official, has been named Executive Director of The Lawrence Partnership, the collaboration of business and civic leaders committed to building an inclusive and resilient economy in Lawrence. The Board of Directors announced the move today, concluding a lengthy search to replace longtime director Derek Mitchell, who is leaving the Partnership later this month to become president of LEADS.

Ramirez, who was born in Colombia and raised in Lowell, is an attorney and consultant to businesses and nonprofits. Ramirez previously served as Executive Vice President of Operations for MassDevelopment, a quasi-state economic development agency in Massachusetts. Prior to that, he served as General Counsel to the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development under Massachusetts Gov. Deval L. Patrick's Administration. Ramirez also served as chairman of the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council, a member of Emerging Technology Fund Advisory Committee, and as a member of Gov. Patrick's Development Cabinet. Earlier in his career, Mr. Ramirez served as a member of the Lowell City Council.

“It is my great honor to have an opportunity to work with such a distinguished board made up of business, non-profit, and education leaders,” said Ramirez. “Derek Mitchell and his staff have done a great job building an organization that is well positioned to help Lawrence continue its trajectory as a City on the Move. I look forward to getting started.”

“We are excited to welcome George Ramirez as the Partnership’s new Executive Director,” said Lawrence Partnership Board Chair Wendy Estrella. “I’m looking forward to working with George as we enter a new leadership phase. I am confident that together we will continue the Partnership’s ongoing work of strengthening Lawrence's economic development in a way that benefits the whole community.”

“George has the perfect combination of experience, creativity, relatability, and drive to keep the wind in the sails of the Lawrence Partnership and all of the opportunities for inclusive economic development ahead for us,” said Lane A. Glenn, president of Northern Essex Community College and chair of the board’s search committee.

Ramirez will begin his role later this month.

About The Lawrence Partnership

The Lawrence Partnership was launched in 2014 by leaders from local businesses, area banks, nonprofits, educational and healthcare institutions, and government, all committed to building a resilient, inclusive and equitable local economy. Always guided by a people-first strategy, the Partnership develops and implements initiatives that support small businesses, foster leadership and grow the workforce in Lawrence.

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