New Members
Experienced Private & Public-Sector Leader Michael R. Sweeney Joins Agency as Executive Vice President of Devens Operations
Kelsey Schiller, 857-325-3477
DEVENS – Today, MassDevelopment announced that Michael R. Sweeney will join the agency later this month as executive vice president of Devens operations. In this role, Sweeney will serve as MassDevelopment’s lead staff person in Devens – with oversight of its departments of public safety (including fire and police), public works, recreation, and utilities – and serve as a member of the agency’s executive team.
“Devens demonstrates what is possible when strategic planning, infrastructure investment, strong partnerships, and a commitment to community come together,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as Chair of MassDevelopment’s Board of Directors. “Michael Sweeney brings a strong background in economic development and public service, and we look forward to working with him to ensure Devens continues to grow as a center for jobs, housing, and regional opportunity while continuing to be a great place for people to live, work, and gather.”
“Under MassDevelopment’s stewardship, Devens has become a model for military base reuse that’s now home to a vibrant residential community, innovative companies and organizations, and popular open space and recreation destinations that attract thousands of visitors each year,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “Michael R. Sweeney will bring valued public-private sector experience and leadership to the role of executive vice president of Devens operations as our agency continues to deliver first-rate community services and ensure Devens remains a welcoming place for all who live, work, and visit here. With Devens playing an increasingly important role in fostering housing and economic development in north central Massachusetts, Michael is well positioned to build and strengthen partnerships across Devens, the region, and the state to further this exciting momentum.”
An executive leader with more than 10 years of experience in economic development, real estate, and community development, Sweeney comes to MassDevelopment from Operation Able, a Boston-based nonprofit where he has served as chief executive officer since 2024. He previously held leadership roles as executive director of Fletcher Tilton, PC, executive director of the Massachusetts State Lottery, member of the Public Health Trust Fund Executive Committee and Illegal Tobacco Task Force, deputy general counsel for the Office of the State Treasurer, and planning director for the City of Lawrence. Sweeney holds a Juris Doctorate from the City University of New York Law School and a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.
"I am excited to join the dynamic team at MassDevelopment and I am looking forward to partnering with all the community members, local officials, business leaders and public safety officials to continue the tradition of excellence at Devens in creating an energetic and forward-looking community,” said Michael R. Sweeney.
Located in north central Massachusetts, Devens is a 4,400-acre mixed-use community and an award-winning model for military base reuse. After serving as the U.S. Army’s New England headquarters for 79 years, Fort Devens was closed in 1996. Since then, MassDevelopment has worked to transform this site into a sustainable and thriving mixed-use community, providing municipal services, education, environmental protection, and infrastructure improvements to support continued redevelopment and job creation.
MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities, providing resources to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. During FY2025, MassDevelopment financed or managed 409 projects generating investment of more than $4.65 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 25,246 jobs and build or preserve 2,867 housing units.
