Danny Best, a vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, has joined the Board of Directors of the Boston Private Industry Council, a citywide agency that focuses on building a stronger, better- equipped workforce.

Best’s appointment continues the Boston Fed’s decades-long partnership with the council, which includes the Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals program for Boston public school students.

Best, who leads the Bank’s Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, said he was excited to serve on the board – especially as a lifelong member of the local community.

“I grew up in Boston, and I went to Boston public schools,” he said. “(Joining) an organization like this and being able to give back – particularly with the council’s mission around education-to-career (support) and jobs for underserved youth – resonates very strongly with me.”

The Boston Private Industry Council, also known as the PIC, works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, overseeing the city’s career centers and federal investments in job training. Mayor Michelle Wu appointed Best to the council’s Board of Directors on April 12.

In 1982, the Boston Fed and the council launched the program now known as Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals, or TIP. Bank Interim President and CEO Ken Montgomery recently retired from his position as chairman of the council’s Board of Directors after more than six years. Bank Vice President Jeanne MacNevin, the Bank’s corporate secretary and chief of staff, has served as the PIC board’s clerk since 2017.

Bank and council share common ground in public service, research

MacNevin said the council has a strong focus on supporting the public good and brings together a wide range of Boston’s business, education, and civic leaders. The Boston Fed supports the council by sharing regional economic data annually to provide context to the council as it strategizes and plans initiatives, MacNevin said.

She added that between the Boston Fed’s workforce research and its goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, the Bank and the council share a lot of common ground.

“Everyone on the council is thinking about our future workforce and how to make sure it matches the needs of organizations in our region,” MacNevin said. “We’re also thinking about how to help community members complete their education and get the support or training they need to pursue a career they find meaningful.”

During his time as chairman, Montgomery helped run board meetings and worked closely with PIC Executive Director Neil Sullivan on developing a long-term strategy. Montgomery also helped guide the organization during the onset of COVID-19 and often dedicated time to discussing the council’s finances and fundraising goals.

“I’ve really enjoyed serving on the PIC Board of Directors, and the PIC’s work aligns with what we’re doing at the Bank to try to increase economic opportunity for all people,” Montgomery said. “A better-prepared workforce benefits everyone.”

Internship program works to create career pipeline for Boston youth

The TIP program focuses on expanding career opportunities for Boston students, said Dawn Hicks, a program manager in the Bank’s Regional & Community Outreach department and TIP leader.

“We’re working to help these young people become sustainable, wage-earning young professionals,” she said.

Hicks said the Boston Fed and the council work together on student recruitment efforts, visiting local schools and hosting information sessions. In a typical year, about 20 students participate in the summer portion of the internship program, and about half of those move on to the full-year program, based on supervisor recommendations and spot availability.

“We see some great results with some of our TIP alums being hired by the Boston Fed, and others going on to professional opportunities outside of the Bank,” Hicks said.

Suzanne Cummings, the Bank’s community development communications outreach manager, described the program as a pipeline for underserved students to the professional workforce.

“When they're out in the world looking for jobs, they will understand what's expected of them, and how they can use their skills and talents to advocate for themselves,” she said. “It also helps the Bank bring in young people who can establish careers here – and at the same time, it's bringing in more diverse talent.”

Learn more about the TIP program here.