Stephen Michon is a deputy director in the Boston Fed’s Working Places initiative leading work focused on inclusive economic growth, capital absorption, and civic leadership. This includes the Fed’s Inclusive Economies effort to get more capital to locally led economic development projects in New England and the Fed’s Working Communities Challenge in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. Prior to the Boston Fed, Stephen was principal/owner of FutureWorks, a national consulting firm that provided strategic planning and applied economic analysis for communities across the US. During his tenure there, Stephen led high-impact efforts in 23 states and more than 75 small cities, big metros, and rural areas.

Earlier in his career, Stephen held a series of positions at Mt. Auburn Associates leading industry cluster strategy, entrepreneurship and innovation strategy, and regional development. He is also a former two-term New Hampshire state legislator, and prior to his economic development work, he held senior positions in two New England community-based housing organizations. Stephen has volunteered his time in a variety of leadership capacities, including as current chair of the Nashua Rail Committee, former national advisor to the CEOs for Cities Talent Dividend Network, and a long-time member of the Greater Nashua Revolving Loan Fund. Organizations such as the Aspen Institute, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, and American Association of Chamber Executives have published his analysis and research.