The Greater Boston Food Bank Celebrates the Induction of Catherine D’Amato into the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Academy of Distinguished Bostonians

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Greater Boston Food Bank Celebrates the Induction of Catherine D’Amato into the  Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce’s Academy of Distinguished Bostonians 

Boston, MA – The Greater Boston Food Bank is pleased to share that the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce will induct Catherine D’Amato into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians at the 2026 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 4:30pm – 8:00pm. One of the largest gatherings of the Greater Boston business community, the Annual Meeting attracts more than 1,500 business, government, and civic leaders for the opportunity to connect and celebrate the Chamber’s Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. This year’s ceremony will be held at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center with the theme, Revolutionary Past. Visionary Future.  

“Receiving the Distinguished Bostonian Award from the Chamber is a profound honor and affirmation of our shared commitment to ending hunger. When we support our neighbors in need, we transform lives—and when we invest in charitable organizations like The Greater Boston Food Bank, we strengthen our entire community. In my 30 years leading GBFB, we’ve made significant progress thanks to so many great partnerships, yet more than 1 in 3 of our neighbors still faces food insecurity. I am filled with both gratitude and hope knowing that together we have the compassion and courage to advance our mission and ensure every person has the resources they need to thrive,” said Catherine D’Amato, President & CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank. 

“Congratulations to our 2026 Distinguished Bostonians! This year’s Distinguished Bostonians are building a better future for all of us across industries and communities in the Commonwealth.” said James E. Rooney, President & CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. “Our honorees reinforce our Annual Meeting with their revolutionary and innovative work that helps residents, families, and businesses of all sizes. Together, we will continue to champion economic growth, ensuring Massachusetts remains competitive on the world stage.” 

“It is an honor to welcome the 2026 Inductees into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. Each of these leaders has made immense contributions to their communities,” said Corey Thomas, CEO of Rapid7 and Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors. “I’m proud to elevate these honorees, and I look forward to our continued collaboration to ensure a stronger future that benefits families, workers, and our Commonwealth.” 

During the Annual Meeting, the Chamber inducts illustrious members of the business community into the Academy of Distinguished Bostonians. 

In addition to Catherine D’Amato, the 2026 Distinguished Bostonians are Paul J. Ayoub, Chair, Nutter and Kevin B. Churchwell, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Boston Children’s Hospital.  Ayoub, Churchwell, and D’Amato, join an exemplary group of Academy members, including business leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, dignitaries, and sports legends who have local and international acclaim. 

Information about tickets and a list of past honorees are available online here.