Mayor Michelle Wu has named Dorchester native John Borders IV, who previously worked for the Boston Celtics, as the new director of tourism, sports and entertainment.
As head of tourism, sports and entertainment offices, Borders IV is tasked with attracting events, conventions, festivals and conferences to the city. His office works with the Meet He Boston, formerly known as the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (both private companies).
The office also oversees film and television productions in the city.
Raised on Blue Hill Avenue and now living in Rosslyndale, Borders IV sees the job as a combination of his expertise, ranging from relationship management and community engagement to sports and entertainment. “I want to be part of it because it can change the narrative about Boston and what this city stands for,” he told reporters.
“For some people, Boston isn’t always the most welcoming. I hope my time in this seat not only changes the narrative, but really changes the opportunities we have.
More than 19 million tourists visit Boston each year, according to Meet Boston. Meet Boston recently announced a new marketing and advertising campaign that will target not only Boston’s five-star hotels and professional sports teams, but also 23 neighborhoods with 76-speaking residents. language.
“Boston is a city for everyone, and there is something special for every resident and every visitor to experience in our neighborhood,” Wu said in a statement. , as we welcome people from all over the world, we want to further center and emphasize the vibrancy of our community.I am grateful to John for his contributions to our city and I look forward to his leadership in ensuring Boston remains a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
Borders IV previously worked as a Principal at the consulting firm VTH & Madison. VTH & Madison focused on expanding and growing businesses, including start-ups and boutique brands owned by people of color. He also worked as Senior Manager of Community Engagement for the Celtics for four years, where he worked as an executive for Everfi’s account, where he focused on addressing educational inequalities through software. .
Borders IV also worked for Governor Deval Patrick’s Office of Education. He graduated from St. Sebastian’s School in Needham and his College at Morehouse in Atlanta, where he first met and befriended singer and film star Janelle Monae. Borders IV recalls moving from dormitory to dormitory, selling his CDs from his guitar case when they met.
Borders IV reports to the Mayor’s Head of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion, Segun Idowu. “With a vision to revitalize our communities and transform our neighborhoods into destinations, I know John, as the son of Boston, will elevate us on the local and global stage. .
Borders IV was hired in 2020 to replace Kate Davis, who left last year to serve as Executive Director of the Meet Boston Foundation and Director of Special Projects for Meet Boston. City Hall veteran Amy Yandl served as interim director during Davis’ and Borders IV’s terms.
This article was originally published by The Dorchester Reporter.
