Chris Dempsey, Leader of the Olympics Opposition, Has a New Gig

Chris Dempsey / Photo by Andy Laub

Less than two years after he led the effort to scuttle Boston’s ill-conceived bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics, Chris Dempsey has a new job tackling an issue that was central to the Boston 2024 debate: transportation.

The Brookline native was named director of Transportation for Massachusetts, a non-profit coalition of 50 organizations focused on transportation policy and backed by the Barr Foundation. Dempsey previously served as assistant secretary of transportation under Gov. Deval Patrick and future Boston 2024 chief executive Rich Davey.

“Transportation is my lifelong passion,” Dempsey said in a release. “I could see the Green Line from my bedroom window growing up, and I’ve been captivated by transportation—and its ability to provide access and create economic opportunity—ever since. That access and economic opportunity is threatened by Massachusetts’ aging and decaying road and transit system. But we can change that by working with federal and state elected officials, advocates, and local civic and business leaders.”

Following Boston 2024’s ignominious demise, the No Boston Olympics co-chair joined Masabi, the London-based tech firm behind the commuter rail’s mobile ticketing app, amidst intense speculation he might consider a run for public office.

“Together, we can reverse the decline and ensure that the Commonwealth enjoys a safe, convenient, and modern transportation system that fuels economic growth and helps eliminate the delays and frustrations all our residents feel,” Dempsey said.