Anthony R. Sapienza

Anthony R. Sapienza is the President of the Board of Directors of the New Bedford Economic Development Council in which capacity he has served for 16 years. The NBEDC Board leads the not-for-profit corporation that is the economic development agency for the City of New Bedford. In 2018 he retired from his position as the President/CEO of the JA Apparel Corp. and the Joseph Abboud Mfg. Corp. after a 45-year career in the men’s fashion and apparel industry.

During his entire professional career, Mr. Sapienza has had many civic and professional affiliations. He currently serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the New Bedford Whaling Museum, the Co-Chair of the New Bedford Regeneration Project, a Director of the Bristol Community College Foundation, and a Director of the New Bedford Light. His previous board memberships include the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, the Merrimack Valley Private Industry Council, the Merrimack Valley Textile History Museum, the Mass Jobs Council, the South Coast Learning Network, the International Association of Clothing Designers and Executives, Bristol County Savings Bank, UNITE HERE National Retirement Fund, and Bristol Community College Board of Trustees.

Mr. Sapienza graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He also holds a Master of Urban Affairs degree from Boston University.

Mr. Sapienza speaks Italian and served in the US Army Reserves. He has two adult children; is an avid golfer, sailor, and skier; and resides in Dartmouth, MA.