Experience

• 

  The Food Bank Of Western Massachusetts

  • Member Board Of Directors

• 

  Food Bank of Western Massachusetts

  • Chicopee, Massachusetts, United States

  • Member Board of Directors

    • Jan 2023 - Present
    • Chicopee, Massachusetts, United States

• 

  Florence Bank

  • Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

  • Member Board of Directors

    • Jan 2022 - Present
    • Northampton, Massachusetts, United States

• 

  Consulting Communities

  • western Massachusetts

  • Strategic Advisor

    • Sep 2019 - Present
    • western Massachusetts

    I have been empowering non-profit and business leaders throughout my 25+ years in community investment and economic development. Drawing on my experiences as Executive Director, Board Director and Committee member, I consult with clients to help them problem-solve strategy, organizational relationships and the day-to-day situations, benefitting from a listening ear with the experience to offer guidance and support. Our goal? To accomplish more with greater impact.

• 

  Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce

  • United States
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • 1 - 100 Employee

  • Executive Director

    • Jun 1992 - Jun 2019

    Charted the growth and transformation of a non-profit Chamber of Commerce respected as an influential community partner with a reputation for innovation throughout the region. Continually developed visions and strategies, working with the Board and community leaders, to respond to the evolving needs and opportunities for the region. Initiated innovative approaches to expand capabilities to fulfill the organization’s mission. Applied research, benchmarking, assessment and vision to develop strategic goals. Developed a resource of engaged leaders to build partnerships and collaborations leveraging progress in areas of shared interest.

  • Leadership Hampshire County Pilot Program

    • Jan 2006 - Jun 2006

    Led a 6-person, collaborative team to pilot a training program for emerging leaders. Together we designed a curriculum to prepare leaders with the skills for collaborative leadership, connect leaders to mentor one another and deepen their curiosity and understanding of community needs. We recruited 25 experienced leaders to pilot the 6-month curriculum, assess its effectiveness and help establish a permanent program. Our advocacy led to the creation of Leadership Pioneer Valley, the first of its kind in western Massachusetts.

• 

  Mount Holyoke College

  • South Hadley MA

  • Guest Lecturer

    • Jan 2016 - Mar 2019
    • South Hadley MA

    Invited by Alan H. Bloomgarden, Ed.D., Director of Community Engagement and Adjunct Lecturer in Education to co-teach the "Engaging the Pioneer Valley" symposium. We designed the curriculum to equip students to enter communities effectively and responsibly in many different roles -- as learners, researchers, volunteers, interns, advocates, activists organizers and citizens. Students develop an understanding of themselves and of communities, enabling them to identify assets, needs and opportunities in preparation for purposeful engagement with organizations, issues, and people.

• 

  Springfield Central

  • Springfield, MA

  • Associate Director

    • 1983 - 1992
    • Springfield, MA

    A non-profit development organization leading the revitalization of Downtown Springfield, Massachusetts.