Epsilon is honored to announce the retirement of one of its Founding Principals, Cindy Schlessinger, effective August 1, 2025. As an instrumental leader in the establishment and growth of the firm since its founding in 1997, Cindy has played a central role in shaping Epsilon’s Planning practice and contributing to some of the most impactful development projects in Boston.
Throughout her career, Cindy has developed thoughtful, strategic approaches to navigating complex regulatory processes – ensuring that clients were able to complete the entitlement phase of their projects efficiently and with confidence. Her deep understanding of Boston’s development landscape, particularly her experience working with Boston’s Planning Department (previously known as the Boston Planning & Development Agency and the Boston Redevelopment Authority), has made her an invaluable partner to public and private clients alike.
Cindy has led permitting efforts for a wide range of high-profile projects, including major hospitals, prestigious academic institutions, cultural centers, and transformative real estate developments. Her work has helped bring to life projects that have saved lives, educated generations, inspired minds, provided housing and places to work, and reshaped neighborhoods.
Among the many significant projects or institutions she has supported are:
- Massachusetts General Hospital
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Faulkner Hospital
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
- South Station Air Rights
- Seaport Square
- 115 Winthrop Square
- Harvard University
- Emmanuel College
- Museum of Fine Arts
- 330 Boylston Street
Her work has been vital, yet she has consistently carried herself with humility. She says it best herself:
Photo Source: IMPNF 2010.03.08
“For the past many many many years, I have been privileged, and am incredibly grateful to have worked on some of the most exciting projects in Boston with some of the most wonderful project teams. Though my involvement doing permitting was small and brief in the life of the project, we got to touch projects that saved lives, educated many, enriched minds, provided homes and places for people to work, and transformed parts of Boston. I was part of teams filled with interesting and creative people. It was the people that I enjoyed and inspired me. It was a wonderful gig, and now it is time to retire.”
More than just a leader in permitting and planning, Cindy has been a mentor, a connector, and a source of steady wisdom for colleagues and clients. Her legacy at Epsilon is one of integrity, collaboration, and thoughtful guidance.
As she steps into retirement, Epsilon offers its heartfelt gratitude for her leadership, friendship, and years of unwavering dedication. Her influence will continue to be felt not only through the built environment she helped shape, but also through the colleagues she has mentored and inspired.