Steve Poftak, a onetime CEO and general manager of the MBTA from January 2019 to January 2023, has been selected as the next CEO and president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, the independent, non-partisan group that is “focused on shaping effective governance in Boston.”
Poftak, who will start next week, will succeed Martha (Marty) Walz, who has served as interim president since November 2023.
Poftak, most recently the principal at Rebel Group, ran the T from January 2019 to January 2023. A Boston resident who sits on the board of the Polish-American Citizens Club in Dorchester, he was executive director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at the Harvard Kennedy School from 2012 to 2018.
Earlier in his career, Poftak was a research director at the Pioneer Institute, a Boston public policy think tank.
“Steve Poftak is a proven leader with a deep understanding of urban policy and transportation,” said Charlene Rideout of Dorchester, BMRB’s board chair.
Said Poftak: “I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to advance our mission of fostering a vibrant city. Together, we will provide an independent voice on critical issues such as affordable housing, education, and fiscal governance to ensure a bright future for Boston.”
For her part, Walz was lauded for her role in ensuring the group’s mission by “delivering a comprehensive analysis of property tax assessments and budget growth” and “providing guidance on school budgets and labor agreements,” among other duties.
“With Steve Poftak at the helm, the Research Bureau will continue to drive positive change in Boston,” said John P. Drew, president of the Drew Company and vice chair of the Research Bureau’s board.
“His leadership will be key in addressing upcoming challenges and ensuring our city remains a great place to live and work.”
