Governor Maura Healey has appointed Eric Paley as the new Secretary of the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) for Massachusetts. Paley, a longtime entrepreneur and partner at the venture capital firm Founder Collective, will begin the role in September.
Paley has experience supporting early-stage companies and has been active in the state’s startup ecosystem. Governor Healey stated in Mass.gov, “Eric Paley has dedicated his career to starting and growing businesses in Massachusetts. Most recently, he has focused on providing startups with the early support and resources they need to succeed. This is exactly the type of leadership, experience and dedication we need in a new Economic Development Secretary.”
Yvonne Hao, who previously held the role, stepped down earlier this year. Ashley Stolba has been serving as the Interim Secretary.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll expressed support for Paley’s appointment, citing his experience with startups and business development.
Paley said he is ready to contribute to the state’s economic efforts. His appointment follows several recent initiatives, including the $4 billion Mass Leads Act targeting sectors like life sciences, climatetech, and AI, as well as participation in national programs like ARPA-H and the CHIPS and Science Act.
Paley has worked for more than 25 years in the innovation sector. His past roles include co-founding Brontes Technologies and serving as a board member of various technology companies, including The Trade Desk until 2023. He and his wife, Shirley, have also supported efforts to address food insecurity in Massachusetts.
