Steve Poftak is the new CEO & President of the city’s fiscal watchdog.
Boston, MA – July 8, 2025 – The Boston Municipal Research Bureau is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Poftak as its new Chief Executive Officer & President, effective July 14, 2025. He succeeds Martha (Marty) Walz, who served as Interim President since November 2023, guiding the organization through a transitional period.
Founded in 1932, the Boston Municipal Research Bureau is an independent organization focused on shaping effective governance in Boston. By providing insights and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, the Research Bureau promotes efficient and effective city government.
Steve Poftak, an experienced public sector leader with over two decades of public policy experience, will now lead these efforts. Most recently, he was a Principal at Rebel Group, helping state transportation agencies and transit systems across the U.S. achieve their decarbonization goals. Prior to that, he served as General Manager and CEO of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) from January 2019 to January 2023, leading the fifth-largest transit agency in North America.
A resident of Boston, Poftak has a strong background in public policy and research, having served as Executive Director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston at the Harvard Kennedy School from 2012 to 2018. In this role, he designed and led a university-wide public policy research and capacity-building program focused on key challenges facing Greater Boston.
He oversaw grant-making efforts that funded policy research across a range of issues—including transportation, education, housing, and governance. Steve also led outreach efforts to bring academic research into the public sphere, developing communication strategies for research dissemination, and organizing conferences and public events to engage local policymakers and civic leaders. Earlier in his career, Poftak served as a research director at the Pioneer Institute, a Boston public policy think tank.
Throughout his career, Poftak has held several civic leadership roles, including serving as Vice-Chair of the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board and Director on the MassDOT Board of Directors. He has contributed to multiple state commissions on budget reform and performance management and currently serves on the board of the Polish-American Citizens Club in Boston.
“Steve Poftak is a proven leader with a deep understanding of urban policy and transportation,” said Charlene Rideout, Chair of the Board of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau. “His research expertise and public sector management experience will be instrumental as we advocate for policies benefiting Boston’s businesses and residents.
“We also extend our gratitude to Marty Walz for her exceptional interim leadership, which laid a strong foundation for the Research Bureau’s future.”
During her tenure as Interim President, Walz ensured the Research Bureau remained committed to its mission of providing independent research and analysis to support effective governance and enhance the quality of life for Boston residents. Key milestones included:
- Delivering a comprehensive analysis of property tax assessments and budget growth.
- Providing guidance on school budgets and labor agreements.
- Analyzing changes to the city’s annual budget.
- Producing a report about how to diversify the city’s revenue sources.
- Hosting signature events, including the annual Shattuck Awards, honoring exceptional contributions to the Boston community.
“The Boston Municipal Research Bureau has been a vital resource for our city,” said John P. Drew, President of the Drew Company and Vice-Chair of the Research Bureau’s Board of Directors. “With Steve Poftak at the helm, the Research Bureau will continue to drive positive change in Boston. His leadership will be key in addressing upcoming challenges and ensuring our city remains a great place to live and work.”
“I am honored to take on the role of CEO at the Boston Municipal Research Bureau,” 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.”
About the Research Bureau
The Boston Municipal Research Bureau is an independent, member-supported, non-partisan organization established in 1932 to provide objective research and policy analysis, promoting efficient and responsible government in Boston. By offering expert insights, the Research Bureau supports constructive actions, tracks city performance, and fosters collaboration between public and private sectors on critical policy issues. As a trusted source of accurate information, the Research Bureau serves its members, government officials, media, and the public, enhancing understanding and stimulating informed citizen participation in city affairs.
For more information about the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, please visit www.bmrb.org.
