Inside the Corner Office

Hosted by The New England Council

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Latest episode

May 2026

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EN-US

About the show

"Inside the Corner Office" was established to introduce leaders from throughout the region to a broad audience of Council members across an array of industries. Guests share their own backgrounds and approach to leadership, highlight their organization's priorities and initiatives, and discuss how federal policy impacts their industry and the region’s economy more broadly. These programs afford Council members the opportunity to get to know and learn from the leaders of some of the region’s most well-known and highly respected corporations, organizations, and institutions.

Listen to episodes

38 recent

May 31, 2026Episode 3929 min

Episode 39: Daniel F. Cence, CEO of Issues Management Group

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel F. Cence, CEO of Issues Management Group. Dan reflects on his career in politics, public affairs, and strategic communications, sharing insights on building and leading successful consulting firms, navigating today’s rapidly changing media landscape, and advising both political and business clients. He also discusses Democratic messaging heading into the midterms, the evolving role of earned media and social media, and offers advice for young professionals interested in careers in politics and communications.

May 3, 2026Episode 3831 min

Episode 38: Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, President of Regis College

In this episode, we sit down with Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, President of Regis College. Dr. Hays reflects on her remarkable 40-year career—from her early days in nursing to leading one of the region’s top institutions—and shares how those experiences have shaped her approach to higher education leadership. She highlights Regis’ growth under her tenure, including the expansion of its nationally recognized nursing program, innovative workforce development initiatives, and support for neurodiverse students, while also addressing challenges facing higher education and healthcare training. As she prepares to retire, Dr. Hays looks back on the accomplishments she’s most proud of and shares her perspective on the future of Regis and the next generation of leadership.

March 31, 2026Episode 3729 min

Episode 37: Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts

In this episode, we sit down with Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts. Maura shares her journey to leadership and the experiences that drive her advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She highlights The Arc’s work—from programs like Operation House Call to expanding employment opportunities and supporting caregivers—and reflects on key policy challenges impacting the disability community, while emphasizing how we can all help advance inclusion and opportunity.

February 28, 2026Episode 3630 min

Episode 36: Alexis Steel, President of the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children

In this episode, we catch up with Alexis Steel, President of the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. Alexis reflects on her journey to leadership and the Center’s long-standing mission to support women and families across Boston. She shares how the Campaign for Women & Children is helping shape the organization’s next chapter, how today’s funding pressures are impacting human services, and what it meant to host a New England Council Fellow—all while highlighting how our community can continue to strengthen opportunities for those who need it most.

February 1, 2026Episode 3520 min

Episode 35: Christopher Pyne, Executive Vice President, Group Benefits, Unum Group

In this episode, we catch up with Christopher Pyne,Executive Vice President of Unum Group. Chrisreflects on his long career with Unum and shares insights into the wide rangeof services the company provides across New England and the country. We alsodiscuss how Unum is leveraging AI and emerging technologies to better supportcustomers and drive innovation.

January 4, 2026Episode 3429 min

Episode 34: Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam, President of Boston University

In this episode, we catch up with Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam, President of Boston University. Dr. Gilliam became BU’s eleventh president in July 2024 and brings an impressive background spanning medicine, public health, interdisciplinary research, and higher education leadership. In this episode, we learn more about her path from physician to interdisciplinary researcher to university leadership, as well as her priorities as BU’s new president, the university’s work in convergent research, AI, and the arts, and how Boston University is partnering with government and industry to drive innovation and economic impact across the region.

December 1, 2025Episode 3329 min

ITCO Episode 33: Kathleen C. Marchi, CEO & President, Samaritans, Inc.

In this episode, we catch up with Kathleen C. Marchi, CEO & President of Samaritans, Inc., headquartered in Boston and serving our region for the past 50 years. Kathy has had an impressive career in non-profit leadership here in New England, and has overseen remarkable growth at Samaritans. In this episode, we learn more about the services this organization offers in our communities and how you can support their important, life-saving work.

October 1, 202545 min

Episode 32: Bob Rivers, Executive Chair of Eastern Bank

In this episode, we catch up with Bob Rivers, Executive Chair and Chair of the Board of Directors, Eastern Bankshares, Inc. and Eastern Bank. In a wide-ranging conversation, Bob reflects on his incredible, four-decade career in the banking industry, and about Eastern Bank's incredible growth under his leadership. We also talk about the bank's work to support New England's gateway cities, address regional housingchallenges, and support a diverse workforce.

September 15, 202531 min

Episode 31: Dr. Elizabeth Chilton, President of the University of New Hampshire

In this episode, we catch up with Dr. Elizabeth Chilton, President of the University of New Hampshire, who reflects on her first year leading the Granite State's flagship public university. President Chilton also highlighted UNH's incredible economic impact in the region, and how federally funded research on campus is leading to cutting edge new technologies and innovations.

August 3, 2025Episode 3050 min

Episode 30: Tess Kuenning, President and CEO of the Bi-State Primary Care Association

In this episode, we sit down with Tess Kuenning, President and CEO of the Bi-State Primary Care Association. As Tess marks an incredible 30 years at the helm of the organization, we talked about her early career as a nurse—including four years spent working in Nepal—her transition into public health, and the tremendous growth Bi-State has experienced under her leadership. We also discussed the critical challenges facing Community Health Centers in New England today, from workforce shortages to recent federal budget decisions that threaten essential services like Medicaid and SNAP. Tess offered her insight on how these changes will impact some of the most vulnerable populations in our region, and how CHCs are adapting to meet evolving community needs—including mental health and rural healthcare access.