BOSTON, Mass. – John Borders IV has been named the new director of tourism, sports, and entertainment for the City of Boston, a department within the city’s Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Cabinet.
Borders IV most recently served as principal of VTH & Madison, a consulting firm based in Boston, where he concentrated on implementing strategies focused on the growth and expansion of businesses owned by people of color like start-ups and celebrity boutique brands. Prior to his work at VTH & Madison, he served as an account executive at Everfi, a company that addresses education inequities through data-driven software, and as senior manager of community engagement at the Boston Celtics.
“Boston is a city for everyone, with something special for every resident and every visitor to experience across our neighborhoods,” says Mayor Michelle Wu. “As Boston continues to grow and welcome people from around the globe, we look to center and highlight the vibrancy of our communities even more. I’m grateful to John for his commitment to serving our city and look forward to his leadership in ensuring that Boston is a welcoming and inclusive place for all.”
In this role, Borders IV will help to advance the department’s “new vision of creating a more welcoming city by proactively attracting the meetings, events, conventions, and festivals that amplify Boston’s rich cultural diversity and bring people together.”
To achieve these goals, Borders will focus on community-driven events and celebrations, and collaborate with Meet Boston, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, and the Greater
Additionally, Borders IV will oversee the process of film and TV production in the city, ensuring the city’s diversity is highlighted and that all neighborhoods are cast in a positive light.
“What an opportunity to join the administration in this role at such a critical time in the history of our city,” says Borders. “As the narrative of Boston continues to shift, we get to shape the next chapter of what that means locally, domestically, and internationally. I am excited to leverage Boston’s greatest resource—its people—to enhance the great work already being done by so many and to amplify what’s to come. The possibilities are endless, and the best of Boston’s communities will be showcased like never before.”
Borders IV is a graduate of Morehouse College and hails from Dorchester, Mass. Some of the organizations he has worked with include Goalsetter, Everfi, CUME, Morning Star Baptist Church, the Boston Celtics, as well as the Patrick administration for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
