PEABODY, MA — MassDevelopment has named six Transformative Development Initiative fellows for newly designated districts in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden, and Peabody, with the three-year program set to begin in August.
The state agency said the fellows will work on the ground to help accelerate economic growth in focused downtown neighborhoods and commercial districts.
In February 2026, MassDevelopment announced new TDI districts in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden, and Peabody.
According to MassDevelopment, each city will receive a fellow and access to tools including technical assistance, grants, and other support during the three-year period. The agency said each fellow is embedded within a locally led partnership of municipal leaders, businesses, nonprofits, property owners, and residents that guides district strategy, defines goals, and governs the program's direction.
"MassDevelopment's Transformative Development Initiative has helped Gateway Cities strengthen local businesses, revitalize commercial districts, and create new economic opportunities," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who serves as Chair of MassDevelopment's Board of Directors. "The fellows are at the heart of that work, bringing dedicated capacity to help local partners coordinate efforts, connect with resources, and pursue opportunities for growth."
"We are thrilled to kick off our new Transformative Development Initiative districts this month in Chelsea, Fitchburg, Holyoke, Lowell, Malden, and Peabody," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. "Our fellows bring dedicated capacity and expertise, empowering local leaders who are working hard to turn community priorities into action. The partnership is key to supporting businesses, attracting investment, and creating momentum."
The fellows are Adelsa Mendes in Chelsea's El Centro Neighborhood, Luis Edgardo Cotto in Fitchburg's Water Street Corridor, Kevin Moforte in Holyoke's Puerto Rican Cultural District, Erin Padilla in Lowell's Cambodia Town Neighborhood, Nick Schonberger in Malden Downtown, and Rikelma Vargas in Peabody's Foster Street Corridor.
Vargas most recently served as dean of curriculum, instruction, and student engagement at an alternative high school in Lawrence, where she oversaw school-wide strategy.
She has also built cross-sector partnerships, managed grant funding, and designed systems to support student engagement. She brings a decade of experience in education, as both a classroom educator and school leader.
MassDevelopment said TDI is its signature place-based economic development program for Gateway City downtowns and commercial districts. The program uses an accelerator model focused on real estate development, small business stability and growth, arts and cultural amenities, placemaking, technical assistance, and strategic planning.
Since 2015, MassDevelopment said it has invested $50 million in TDI districts. According to the agency, that investment has directly influenced more than $168 million in public investment, $314 million in private investment, and helped secure an additional $8 million in philanthropic investment. The new fellow assignments begin in August 2026 and continue for three years.
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