New cabinet chief to lead economic recovery, close racial wealth gap

Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the appointment of Segun Idowu, currently President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, as Boston’s new Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion. In this role, Idowu will lead the city’s efforts to advance neighborhood economic development, support business growth and formation, and spearhead reforms to city contracting, all with a goal of closing the racial wealth gap and expanding equitable job and business opportunities for Boston residents.

“Segun Idowu has expanded our vision for what is possible when we champion inclusive business and economic development and use our city’s resources to build wealth and opportunity in every community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’ve worked alongside Segun to require equitable city contracting and ensure that Boston invests in building wealth in our communities. I’m thrilled that Segun will be leading our efforts to grow a thriving, inclusive and equitable economy as the Chief of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion.”

Segun Idowu is the President and CEO of the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts, whose mission is to advance the economic wellbeing of Black businesses, organizations that support the Black community, and Black residents of the Commonwealth.

“I am grateful to Mayor Wu for giving me this opportunity to serve the city I love and grew up in in this way,” said Idowu. “I am excited at the prospect of working with my colleagues in an administration keenly focused on making Boston an equitable world-class city for all.”

Idowu is a proud product of the Boston Public Schools and a 2012 graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia with honors from the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key Societies. 

Following his graduation, Segun Idowu joined the office of then-District 4 City Councilor Charles C. Yancey as a Legislative Aide. After two successful years, Idowu transitioned to the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. At this time, Idowu organized the Boston Police Camera Action Team (BPCAT) in 2014 with fellow high school graduate, Shekia Scott. As a result of BPCAT’s advocacy, Boston police officers were equipped with mandatory body cameras, a major step in furthering accountability and safety in Boston. In April 2021, Idowu was recognized by Boston Magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the City of Boston.”

Wu also announced that Interim Chief of Economic Development Midori Morikawa would continue to serve in the role through the end of the year and then transition into a new city role supporting neighborhood economic growth. As Interim Chief, Morikawa led the launch of multiple campaigns to help Boston’s workforce and economy recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the All Inclusive Boston campaign, B-Local and most recently the Restaurant Revitalization Program. She also helped launch small business relief funds to aid business owners in their reopening and recovery. 

“I am excited to stay with Mayor Wu’s administration, support the transition, and continue the ongoing work of neighborhood economic recovery and small business growth,” said Morikawa. “This is a moment to expand what’s possible in Boston.”