Hamilton “Tony” James, veteran financier and former executive vice chairman of Blackstone, played a central role in building the firm into the world’s largest alternative asset manager. Joining Blackstone in 2002 after a long career at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse, he helped drive its expansion across private equity, real estate, credit, and hedge fund solutions. Known for his strategic vision and operational discipline, James also became a trusted voice in public policy and philanthropy, cementing his reputation as one of Wall Street’s most influential dealmakers.

George Sakellaris, Greek-American entrepreneur and engineer, is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Ameresco, a leading energy services company specializing in renewable energy, efficiency, and infrastructure modernization. Since launching the firm in 2000, he has overseen its growth into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise delivering clean energy solutions to governments, businesses, and institutions across North America and Europe. Known for combining technical expertise with a vision for sustainability, Sakellaris has established himself as a key figure in advancing the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Fred Ehrsam, cofounder of cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase, played a pivotal role in bringing digital assets into the financial mainstream. A former Goldman Sachs trader, he launched Coinbase in 2012 with Brian Armstrong, helping it grow into one of the world’s largest crypto platforms. After stepping back from day-to-day operations in 2017, Ehrsam cofounded Paradigm, a leading crypto-focused investment firm backing blockchain startups and decentralized finance projects. Known for his early conviction in Bitcoin and blockchain technology, he remains a prominent voice shaping the future of digital finance.

Frank McCourt, real estate developer and former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, built his fortune through large-scale property holdings and high-profile sports investments. After selling the Dodgers in 2012 for a record $2.15 billion, he expanded his portfolio through McCourt Global, a diversified enterprise spanning real estate, sports, media, and technology. Known for bold, often controversial deals, McCourt has also turned his attention to digital infrastructure projects aimed at rethinking data ownership, positioning himself as both a traditional asset mogul and a forward-looking tech investor.

Frank Laukien, chairman, president, and CEO of Bruker Corporation, has built the scientific instruments maker into a global leader in analytical and diagnostic solutions. Taking the helm of the company founded by his father, Laukien expanded its product portfolio across life sciences, materials research, and industrial applications, serving top research institutions and laboratories worldwide. A physicist by training, he has guided Bruker’s growth through innovation-driven acquisitions and a focus on precision technologies, securing its reputation as a critical partner in advancing scientific discovery.

Forrest Lee Preston, a self-made billionaire, founded Life Care Centers of America in 1970 and built it from a single facility in Cleveland, Tennessee, into one of the nation’s largest privately held networks of nursing homes, assisted-living, and retirement communities. As sole owner and CEO, he has overseen more than 200 locations across 27 states, employing over 30,000 people and serving tens of thousands of residents. Known for his hands-on control and aggressive expansion, Preston has navigated regulatory challenges and industry upheavals, cementing his reputation as a dominant force in the senior-care sector.

Edward Johnson IV is an American billionaire heir and real‑estate executive in the Johnson family, which owns and controls Fidelity Investments. As President of Pembroke Real Estate—Fidelity’s global real-estate arm—he directs high-value acquisitions and developments including Boston’s Seaport Place. He also holds roughly 5–10 % of FMR LLC.

Charles Dean Metropoulos is a Greek‑American billionaire investor and turnaround specialist. Founder and CEO of C. Dean Metropoulos & Co., he has revived iconic consumer brands like Hostess, Pabst Brewing, Bumble Bee Foods, and Pinnacle—all through disciplined buy-and-build value creation across 80+ companies and ~$12 billion of invested capital.  

Bill Alfond is an American investor and philanthropist who inherited a billion-dollar fortune when his father, Harold Alfond, exchanged Dexter Shoe Company for Berkshire Hathaway stock. A trustee and Maine community supporter, he co-founded the Bill & Joan Alfond Foundation and holds a minority stake in Fenway Sports Group alongside his siblings. 

Andrew Bialecki is the co‑founder and CEO of Klaviyo, the Boston‑based marketing automation unicorn. A Harvard‑trained engineer and physicist, he bootstrapped Klaviyo since 2012 and retained a rare ~38% ownership at IPO, guiding the company to a multibillion-dollar valuation through disciplined, data‑driven growth.

Alan Trefler is the founder and CEO of Pegasystems, a global leader in AI-powered business process automation and customer engagement software. A former chess prodigy and systems architect, Trefler has built Pegasystems into a multibillion-dollar enterprise serving Fortune 500 clients worldwide. He is also a thought leader in digital transformation and enterprise AI.

Rick Cohen is an American billionaire businessman, best known as the owner and executive chairman of C&S Wholesale Grocers, the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the United States. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly, supplying independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases, and institutions.

Mark Wahlberg is a versatile and influential figure in Hollywood known for his successful acting career, entrepreneurial ventures, and philanthropy. With a background in music, acting, and business, he has carved out a significant place for himself in the entertainment industry and beyond.

Abigail Johnson is the CEO and President of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms in the world. Known for her strategic acumen and commitment to innovation, she has significantly influenced the financial industry and continues to lead Fidelity with a focus on technology and customer-centric services.