Frank Vella: A Beacon of Entrepreneurial Spirit in New England's Business Landscape

On April 22, 2026, it was announced that Frank Vella, the CEO of Constant Contact, has been named a finalist for the esteemed Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2026 New England Award from Ernst & Young LLP (EY US). This recognition signifies a tribute to the bold, innovative leaders who are reshaping industries and uplifting communities through remarkable entrepreneurial efforts.

Now in its 41st year, the Entrepreneur Of The Year program is dedicated to celebrating those who drive economic growth and create a better future for business. Frank Vella stood out among the 24 finalists selected by an independent judging panel, which evaluated candidates based on entrepreneurial spirit, purpose, growth of their company, and significant contributions to creating long-term value.

In response to his nomination, Vella expressed gratitude, stating, "New England was built on the grit and grind of small business owners, and that's who we show up for every day at Constant Contact. I’ve built a career enabling entrepreneurs with the tools to compete, grow, and thrive on their own terms. None of that happens without customers who trust us, a team that believes in the mission, and the New England community that continues to inspire it. This recognition means the world because it's validation that this work matters."

Constant Contact, founded in 1995 in Waltham, Massachusetts, serves as an AI-powered marketing partner for small businesses and nonprofits. Over its 30-year history, the company has dedicated itself to assisting entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders in nurturing relationships with their customers, ultimately fostering growth. Under Vella's leadership, Constant Contact has embraced a disciplined, multi-stage capital strategy aimed at transforming the brand into a vigorous SaaS powerhouse, a shift that showcases innovation and adaptability in today’s competitive landscape.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program recognizes business leaders who exhibit ingenuity, courage, and an innovative spirit. This prestigious awards program acknowledges a diversity of backgrounds — from original founders who jumpstarted their enterprises from scratch to transformational CEOs who have infused innovation into existing organizations for rapid growth. Furthermore, it honors multigenerational family business leaders who have re-envisioned traditional business models to prepare for future success.

This year’s esteemed New England finalists represent a mix of industries, including technology, consumer products, finance, life sciences, manufacturing, and more, across Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The influence that these entrepreneurs wield within their respective sectors, alongside their potential to ignite economic advancements, underlines the critical role they play in shaping the regional business landscape.

The announcement of regional award winners will take place on June 16 during a special celebration in Boston, Massachusetts. Those who win will become lifelong members of a distinguished community of Entrepreneur Of The Year alumni from around the globe. Following that, the winners will be evaluated by national judges for the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards, slated for November at the annual Strategic Growth Forum®.

This event gathers high-growth CEOs, Fortune 1000 executives, and investors to contemplate the crossroads of entrepreneurship and growth and the future direction of business.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, includes notable sponsors such as PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, SAP, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, among others. In New England, additional sponsors like regional Platinum sponsor DLA Piper and Gold sponsor ADP also play a critical role in supporting this recognition of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Since its inception in 1986, Entrepreneur Of The Year® has recognized over 11,000 trailblazing visionaries steering successful and dynamic businesses throughout the US, expanding to nearly 80 countries globally. The program's commitment to supporting and celebrating entrepreneurial spirit underscores the invaluable contributions these leaders make to their communities and the global economy.

As EY continues to champion a better working world through building trust and creating new value, they are dedicated to illuminating the path forward for budding entrepreneurs like Frank Vella and his fellow finalists, ultimately enriching the entire ecosystem of entrepreneurial success.

Frank Vella’s recognition as a finalist not only highlights his individual achievements but also stands as a testament to the hard work and resilience of small businesses in New England, emphasizing their critical role in economic growth and community development. As this story unfolds, it remains clear that impactful entrepreneurship continues to thrive, inspiring future generations to follow in these distinguished footsteps.

For more information about Constant Contact and its role in empowering entrepreneurs, visit constantcontact.com.