Boston Private Industry Council, Executive Director

Michael O’Neill, MBA

Following a national search, the Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) appointed Michael O’Neill as executive director. 

A lifelong Bostonian and graduate of the Boston Public Schools, O’Neill brings deep experience across the city’s business, civic, and education sectors. He has spent more than 25 years with leading financial services institutions, including SBLI, U.S. Trust, and Citizens Financial Group, and previously served as executive vice president of Zozimus, a Boston‑based digital marketing and public relations firm.

O’Neill has also played a significant leadership role in Boston’s public education and workforce ecosystem. He has served on the Boston School Committee since 2008, including as chair from 2013 to 2017 and currently as vice chair, and concluded his service at the end of 2025. In addition, he has been a longtime member of the Boston Private Industry Council, serving as chair of the committee responsible for overseeing the distribution of federal workforce development funding for youth.

As executive director, O’Neill will lead the PIC into its next chapter, strengthening its role as the city’s MassHire workforce board and a key partner to the Mayor of Boston, Boston Public Schools, employers, and state and regional workforce agencies. The PIC has worked for more than 45 years to connect Boston residents—particularly young people—to meaningful career pathways while supporting employers in building a diverse, skilled talent pipeline.

O’Neill earned his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and an MBA, both from Babson College. 

Read the full press release here.

Donna Cramer led this search with Angelo Alexander and Ryan Smillie.