ABOUT US

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Gil Pontes

Executive Director

Gil Pontes is the Executive Director of the NextGen Chamber of Commerce, where he heads the mission to support our emerging business leaders through fostering leadership development, generating insights, and encouraging engagement to shape the future economy.


A strong advocate for next-generation leadership, Gil is passionate about the intersection of politics, policy, and business. He recognizes the importance of building connections to create coalitions, advance policy initiatives, and expand organizational growth.


Before joining NextGen, Gil served as Managing Director at The Nora Project. His previous roles include leadership positions at Thundermist Health Center and Options RI, as well as Selectman for the Town of Berkley, Massachusetts. In this capacity, he supported diverse and inclusive economic initiatives and was a dedicated advocate for the small business community. Gil was also featured as one of Boston Spirit Magazine's Under 30 LGBT+ Power Players.


Gil earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.