Meade Chosen To Lead Boston Redevelopment Agency

A lifelong Boston resident who has held a series of leadership posts in the public and private sector has been named the new director of the Boston Redevelopment Authority.

Peter Meade was named Tuesday to lead the city agency, hoping to jump start development in the city stalled by the recession. He most recently was president and CEO of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Mayor Thomas Menino said he selected Meade because of his track record of success.

The 66-year-old Meade served in the administration of former Mayor Kevin White, and was executive vice president of health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for 12 years.

He also co-chaired a commission that reviewed the Boston Archdiocese's church closing plan. He called his new post "an honor."