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Date: 8/1/2023
CHICOPEE — After many years of leadership, Executive Director of the Westover Metropolitan Development Corporation Michael Bolton has retired.
Bolton has served in this role since 2015. His official retirement date was July 31, at which time Airport Manager Andy Widor immediately took over.
On July 25, city employees, colleagues and friends gathered at Westover Air Reserve Base to recognize Bolton for his work.
Mayor John Vieau shared some of Bolton’s accomplishments including the development of several Massachusetts State Police helicopter hangars and his tenure as director of civil aviation since 1990, which has had “much growth and prosperity” for Westover. Vieau said the city is “very fortunate to have an exceptional industrial/commercial presence surrounding Westover.”
He shared that Bolton’s efforts have enhanced the airport’s capability. “His contributions have facilitated significant advancements in our city and have left an indelible mark on our state and the aviation history,” Vieau added.
Bolton said, “It’s always a team effort.”
He recognized a few of the Board of Directors in attendance who volunteer to help and guide Westover.
“WMDC will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year — so it started in 1974 after Richard Nixon downsized the military here and that’s what created [the] Metropolitan Development Corporation,” Bolton said.
Vieau presented Bolton with a proclamation and claimed July 25, 2023 “Michael Bolton Day” in the city of Chicopee.
The University of Massachusetts Amherst Donahue Institute report credits $2.2 billion in economic impact to the region under Bolton’s leadership, as well as the creation of several jobs.
Bolton shared that he will miss the people the most, along with the “exciting atmosphere.”
As most of his time has been spent working or on call, Bolton plans to travel with his wife, including visiting their summer home in the Adirondacks.