by John Osborn ·
Friday, March 6, 2026
MassDevelopment has appointed Michael R. Sweeney as executive vice president of Devens operations, the agency announced today, tapping an economic development veteran to oversee the sprawling 4,400-acre mixed-use community in north central Massachusetts.
Sweeney fills a vacancy left by Meg Delorier, who retired in October. MassDevelopment's leadership team has managed Devens operations in the interim.
Michael Sweeney (Courtesy photo)
Joining the agency later this month, Sweeney will serve as MassDevelopment's lead staff person on the ground in Devens, with oversight of public safety—including fire and police departments—along with public works, recreation, and utilities. He will also sit on the agency's executive team.
He comes to MassDevelopment from Operation Able, a Boston-based nonprofit where he served as chief executive officer since 2024. His resume spans more than a decade of public and private sector leadership, including stints as executive director of the Massachusetts State Lottery, deputy general counsel for the Office of the State Treasurer, and planning director for the City of Lawrence. He holds a law degree from the City University of New York Law School and a bachelor's degree from UMass Amherst.
MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal called Sweeney "well positioned to build and strengthen partnerships across Devens, the region, and the state" as the community takes on what she described as “a growing role” in addressing housing and economic development needs across north central Massachusetts.
Devens was once Fort Devens, the U.S. Army's New England headquarters for 79 years before its closure in 1996. MassDevelopment has since redeveloped the site into a thriving residential and commercial community.
"I am excited to join the dynamic team at MassDevelopment and I am looking forward to partnering with all the community members, local officials, business leaders and public safety officials to continue the tradition of excellence at Devens,” said Sweeney in a press release distributed to local media this afternoon.