Patricia Simboli

Patricia Simboli, a driven and accomplished professional, did not initially plan to join the family development business, ACS Development Corp., which her father co-founded. Instead, she pursued her ambitions and spent nearly a decade at JP Morgan, working in both New York and London. During her nine years with the financial services giant, Simboli distinguished herself in various ways. She was the first employee to attend the executive education program at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, balancing her coursework with a demanding job. Additionally, Simboli led JP Morgan's recruiting efforts, traveling across the country to find top talent. Her relentless work ethic and drive for success saw her constantly on the move, often keeping three bags packed at her front door to accommodate her busy travel schedule. However, the high-stress environment eventually took its toll. After continuous promotions and increasing responsibilities, Simboli decided to leave the corporate grind. JP Morgan's plans to decentralize accounts and move staff to Milan and Brussels further influenced her decision. At 30, unmarried and disillusioned with her corporate life, Simboli made a significant change. In 1991, during a deep recession, her father asked her to return home and help manage ACS Development Corp. Tenants were leaving without notice, and her father's business needed support. Simboli took a 12-month leave of absence from JP Morgan, fully intending to return. However, the decision to join ACS became permanent, and she has been an integral part of the company ever since. Under Simboli's leadership, ACS Development Corp. has flourished. The company owns 35 commercial properties across 25 cities and towns in Massachusetts, with 14 properties in Chelsea alone. ACS has built a reputation for reliability and quality, which is especially evident in its pursuit of a new Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarters. The FBI is considering an ACS-controlled parcel in Chelsea as well as a site in South Boston for its new 250,000-square-foot office. Simboli remains committed to upholding her father's legacy and maintaining the trust of the communities where ACS operates. Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash has praised ACS for its consistent track record and strong community ties. However, the pressure to live up to her father's reputation and the demands of her role have not come without personal challenges. Simboli faced a debilitating lung condition that required multiple surgeries, forcing her to step back and re-evaluate her commitments. Despite these setbacks, Simboli's drive and passion remain undiminished. Kevin Andrews, headmaster of the Neighborhood House Charter School in Dorchester, where Simboli has served as a board member for five years, described her as a formidable presence who asks critical questions and holds her own in any situation. Under her leadership, the school achieved its most successful fundraiser to date, raising $458,000 at a gala event. Reflecting on her career, Simboli often speaks of her father, Anthony, a self-made man who instilled in his children the importance of creating their own security. She recalls a privileged upbringing in Winchester, attending private schools and participating in various extracurricular activities, from piano lessons to varsity soccer. At Bowdoin College in Maine, Simboli juggled her academic responsibilities with teaching religious education and leading her dormitory. Although she has accomplished much, Simboli acknowledges that her life is not entirely complete. She aspires to get married and start a family, viewing it as a missing piece of her life. She believes in finding a balance between work and personal relationships, striving to do her best in both areas. Simboli's journey is a testament to her resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to her family's legacy and her personal aspirations.

• Markets
  Boston
• Property Types
  Office, Retail, Flex
• Websites
  LINKEDIN PROFILE
• Education
  The Wharton School Master of Business Administration - MBA Bowdoin College Bachelor of Arts - BA, Economics and Government