South
Coast
Fellows
Fellows represent a variety of sectors including the business community, public institutions, and a wide range of non-profits spanning the arts, healthcare, recovery, education, and other community services.
Through LEADS programming, the fellows build new relationships with leaders in other sectors. These unique connections set the stage for their individual success and spark new types of partnerships to benefit their communities and organizations.
South Coast Partners
We are excited to be partnering with the following organizations to develop and deliver our LEADS programming in the South Coast.
Joshua Amaral
Director of Housing & Community Development, City of New Bedford
Josh proudly serves the City of New Bedford as the Director of the Office of Housing & Community Development, an excellent team devoted to responding to community needs, developing housing and public facilities, alleviating homelessness, and supporting the city’s nonprofits and other institutions. In 2023, responding to the regional housing crisis, Josh led the development of Building New Bedford, the city’s comprehensive strategy to increase housing development and related services.
He previously served in various roles, including Assistant Executive Director at PACE from 2015-2022. PACE serves over 30,000 individuals each year in areas ranging from early childhood and adult education to health, housing, food, and other basic needs supports.
Josh holds a B.A. in Political Science and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Public Management from UMass Dartmouth, where he was a Commonwealth Scholar.
A product of public schools and a proud graduate of New Bedford High School, Josh served on the New Bedford School Committee for eight years, winning election as the youngest official in the city's history. He is a lifelong New Bedford resident, currently residing in the city with his wife Sharon, son Jack, and dog Carly.
Sarah Athanas
Founder, Groundwork
Sarah Athanas is the founder of Groundwork, a coworking space with locations in New Bedford and Fall River. Groundwork serves the professional community of the South Coast with flexible office space, meeting rooms, event programming, and additional services. Sarah was inspired to start Groundwork nearly a decade ago when she moved to the South Coast as a freelance marketing consultant and found herself searching for a place to connect with other professionals in a meaningful way.
Sarah recently transitioned out of a managerial role at Groundwork to join the team of the Green Shuttle, a sustainable transportation business serving Southeastern Massachusetts. The Green Shuttle, founded by Sarah’s father in 2006, is a family business, and Sarah will focus on expanding their footprint in the South Coast. Prior to settling in New Bedford, Sarah was a Marketing Director for the language education firm Bridge-Linguatec, working from both Denver and Buenos Aires.
Originally from Cape Cod, Sarah has enjoyed living in California, Colorado, Argentina, and Chile before returning to Massachusetts. She currently lives in New Bedford with her partner, Matt, and their cat, Luna. Sarah serves on the Board of Directors for the Zeiterion Theater and enjoys surfing, gardening, and spending time outdoors as much as possible.
Sarah completed her BA in Art Studio from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She is scheduled to complete her MBA at UMass Dartmouth in the fall of 2024.
Carlos E. Avila
Business Development Manager, New Bedford Ocean Cluster
Carlos E. Avila is the Business Development Manager for the New Bedford Ocean Cluster, a non-profit marine business association that leverages local assets to draw investment to the region, with an emphasis on the offshore wind and commercial fishing industries. Prior to joining the NBOC, Carlos served the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 11 years in roles at Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Bristol Community College, where he oversaw equitable access initiatives related to recruitment and the oversight of five Early College designated pathway programs.
His commitment to the region goes beyond his professional roles. Carlos actively supports his community by serving as an entrepreneurial mentor for EforAll and as a Board Member for the SouthCoast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Originally from Bayamón, PR, Carlos resides in New Bedford, MA, where you can find him enjoying the shore, gardening with his family, and engaging in occasional motorcycle/automotive tune-up sessions with friends.
Carlos holds a Master of Science in Facilities Management from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Springfield College.
Tracy Silva Barbosa
MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow, Attleboro TDI District
Tracy Silva Barbosa holds the position of MassDevelopment TDI Fellow in Attleboro, MA. Tracy is a multi-media artist who creates, manages, and facilitates public art with an eye toward creative economic development in gateway cities. A passionate poet with materials, she has works in private and public collections all over the world. Barbosa began working with glass in 1997 at the Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. Soon after, she collaborated with the world-renowned architectural glass artist John Lewis, assisting with glass marvels such as the OK City Memorial and One World Trade, NY. Today, Barbosa is the owner of Duende Studio based in New Bedford, MA, which is heavily involved in public and community art projects. Her Azorean heritage, passion for collaboration, and admiration for craftsmanship greatly influence Barbosa’s artworks as well as her community-building endeavors.
Tracy was born in Taunton, MA, to a Portuguese immigrant family working in the garment and metallurgy industries. Growing up in the shadow of the smokestacks affected her deeply as an artist and community organizer. She is married to a gentle yogi named Christopher and has one child named Ziggy. She lives in New Bedford, MA, and is exceedingly proud of her wonderful city. Tracy enjoys late-night bicycle rides around the city and loves swimming and roller coasters of all kinds.
Tracy holds a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art.
Robyn Branco
Chief Development Officer, YMCA Southcoast
Robyn Branco is the Chief Development Officer at YMCA Southcoast. She brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision to drive organizational growth across YMCA Southcoast locations. Prior to this role, Robyn held key leadership positions at the Marion Institute and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, where she successfully managed programs that significantly expanded organizational presence and enhanced operational efficiency.
Robyn has over 25 years of nonprofit fundraising experience and possesses unique institutional and cultural knowledge of the Southcoast region of Massachusetts. Born and raised in New Bedford as a first-generation Portuguese American, Robyn’s bilingual proficiencies and broad professional experience contribute to her proven success in fundraising and communications. As CDO, she is committed to driving sustainable growth strategies that align with YMCA Southcoast’s mission and values.
Robyn’s passion and commitment to giving back to the community extend well beyond her work as CDO at YMCA Southcoast. Her current volunteer efforts include serving on the Board of the Immigrants Assistance Center. Prior to this role, she served on the Boards of the YWCA and the Azorean Maritime Heritage Society, reflecting her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the corporate environment.
Robyn is a single mom to an amazing 11-year-old boy, Liam. When Robyn is not at work or volunteering in the Southcoast community, you can find her rowing an Azorean whaleboat or attending sporting events with her son Liam and their dog, Angel, as Liam plays almost every sport available.
Robyn graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a BS in Natural Resources Studies and a minor in Anthropology. She was a recipient of the New England Business Bulletin’s 2011 Top Young Professionals under 40.
Dr. Aimee Bronhard
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Strategic Integration, Fall River Public Schools
Dr. Aimee Bronhard, known as "Dr. B," is the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services and Strategic Integration for Fall River Public Schools. In her current role, she focuses on reducing chronic absenteeism, building community partnerships, enhancing parent engagement, and developing school programs that foster relationships and extended school day experiences for students.
Dr. Bronhard began her career as a substitute teacher and MCAS English teacher in Fall River. Her determination to serve her community led her to run for the Fall River School Committee, where she was elected in 2004 as the youngest female ever elected in the city. She holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Cambridge College and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Northeastern University. Her previous roles include school guidance counselor, Department Head of Guidance at B.M.C. Durfee High School, and Vice Principal at both middle and high school levels. As Principal of Henry Lord Community School, she led transformative school reform, moving HLCS from the 4th to the 13th percentile over six years.
In addition to her professional work, Dr. Bronhard is active in the Fall River community. She has served on the Board of Advisors for the Fall River YMCA since 2018 and SSTAR Family Healthcare Center since 2018, contributing to rehabilitation and addiction support services in the community.
Dr. B is a lifelong resident of Fall River, Massachusetts. She grew up in the Flint (East side) and upon returning from college moved to the South End of Fall River, where she has lived for over 15 years. Her partner, Robert Martins, owner of Robert’s House of Formals, is a big support to Dr. B, always advocating and sponsoring the many initiatives she spearheads for the city's youth. Finally, Dr. B enjoys spending time with her eight nieces and nephews whenever possible and maintaining an active lifestyle.
Peter Daley
Director of Public Relations, People Incorporated
Peter Daley is the Director of Public Relations at People Incorporated, a nonprofit human services organization offering a range of programs in Adult Day, Children, and Residential Services, as well as educational supports and specialized programming through affiliate organizations focused on youth diabetes, mentoring, and housing. Based in Fall River, People Incorporated serves the Greater Fall River and Greater Taunton communities of the SouthCoast with a mission to provide premier services for children and adults of all abilities in a collaborative and creative environment.
Before joining People Incorporated in 2016, Peter worked as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts State House for State Representative Carole Fiola of the Sixth Bristol District. He also served as a high school teacher and university instructor in business communication courses. At People Incorporated, Peter is responsible for the agency’s internal and external communications and public outreach, including press releases, marketing efforts, government relations, media appearances, and community events. His role also encompasses business and program development through preparing grant applications and reports, contract and bid submissions, and organizing fundraising and community events.
Peter is a visible and highly recognized volunteer in the community, serving on several boards, including One SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce, Citizens Scholarship Foundation, the Fall River Lions Club Scholarship Committee, and the Lions Club of Fall River, Inc. as its Treasurer. He is also a member of the Elks Lodge #118 and the Rotary Club of Fall River and serves as a judge for the Fall River Youth of the Year.
Peter resides in Fall River but spends much of the summer running and swimming on the beaches of Westport. A former lifeguard, lifeguard trainer, swim instructor, and high school swim coach, he has completed several charity swim events and 5K runs and aims to compete in longer distances and a triathlon.
Peter received a bachelor’s degree in English from Providence College and a master’s degree in professional writing from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. He is a graduate of Leadership SouthCoast’s Class of 2020 and a recipient of the 2021 John S. Brayton, Jr. Memorial Community Service Award.
Colleen Dawicki
Director, Working Places - Federal Reserve Bank of Boston; New Bedford School Committee
Colleen Dawicki is the Director of the Working Places team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, supporting leaders in smaller cities who are building more inclusive economies through the Working Cities Challenge, Leaders for Equitable Local Economies, and the Working Places Learning Network. Before joining the Boston Fed in late 2014, Colleen worked with smaller cities to provide urban policy research and technical assistance as the director of the UMass Dartmouth Urban Initiative.
Colleen’s community leadership includes serving as an elected member of the New Bedford School Committee since 2018 and co-founding ELECT SouthCoast, an organization that works to increase the representation of women in elected and appointed office in the region. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from UMass Dartmouth and a B.A. in Public and Private Sector Organizations from Brown University.
A native of Fairhaven currently residing in New Bedford, Colleen lives with her husband Jeremy Dagold and two sons, Nick and Sam, both in elementary school. The Dawicki-Dagold family spends as much time as they can sailing on and splashing in Buzzards Bay, while Colleen’s newest hobby is rowing with the New Bedford Rowing Center.
Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares
President and CEO, SouthCoast Community Foundation
Dr. Melanie Edwards-Tavares is the President and CEO of the SouthCoast Community Foundation. She has held positions across the state and region’s nonprofit sector at organizations such as the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Service Alliance, MassHousing, PACE YouthBuild New Bedford, and New Bedford Child and Family Services. Most recently, she served as the Director of Capacity Building and Nonprofit Support at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, where she managed over $3 million in charitable giving annually to strengthen nonprofits in the Greater Hartford region.
Melanie is a New Bedford native who grew up in several neighborhoods across the city, including the former United Front Homes Housing Development. As a teen mom, she and her mother started a small nonprofit organization to encourage peer leadership and youth advocacy around issues related to HIV and AIDS prevention, teen pregnancy prevention, and community leadership. Today, she champions youth voices by serving on the board of Big Picture Learning, an international nonprofit advocating for more equitable and student-centered education.
She holds Associate Degrees from Johnson & Wales University and Bristol Community College, a Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University, a Master’s Degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University, and in 2019, she earned her Doctorate from Harvard University with a focus on system-level leadership and nonprofit sustainability.
Katelyn Ferreira
Health Equity Program Manager, Southcoast Health
Katelyn Ferreira is the Health Equity Program Manager at Southcoast Health, where she works with care teams and communities to address disparities and promote health access. Katelyn also serves as the co-chair of More Pride Southcoast, an LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group. Her career has included leading research teams as well as providing direct service to individuals and families impacted by incarceration and involvement with child welfare systems. She is passionate about bridging science, policy, and practice.
Born and raised in Somerset, Katelyn is a proud graduate of the public school system. She comes from a tight-knit family deeply rooted in the community and grew up surrounded by local politics and fresh malasadas. Katelyn lives in nearby Pawtucket, Rhode Island, with her partner Jeffrey. She enjoys traveling, camping, crafting, and reading, and is happiest near the ocean.
Katelyn received an MPH from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where she focused on Social Drivers of Health and Disparities, and completed a concentration in Women, Gender, and Health. Prior to that, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Katelyn is also a proud alumna of the Fulbright Program, through which she spent a year living and working in Malaysian Borneo.
Gail Fortes
Executive Director, YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts
Gail M. Fortes has served as the Executive Director of the YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts since September 2006. Gail has been with the YWCA in various capacities since January 1994, recently celebrating her 30th year with the organization. She is deeply committed to the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
In 2019, Gail completed a $4.5 million capital campaign, which included the renovation of the Levi Standish House, YWCA's administrative office, and the addition of a two-story building. This expansion added eight units of congregate living housing in the Another Women’s Place Residential Program for low-income women aged 18 and over, as well as the YWkids School Age Child Care Program for 52 children in New Bedford. Gail also oversees programming in Youth, Adult, and Residential Services, Advocacy, Health and Wellness, Economic Empowerment, and Racial Justice. In February 2024, she opened YWCA Drayton House, its third residential program, which provides services for 12 low-income women.
Gail is a 2023 Black Excellence on the Hill awardee from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts House of Representatives, a 2015 Standard-Times New Bedford Woman of the Year, and a 2016 Unsung Heroine recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. She currently serves as Chair of the SouthCoast Community Foundation Board of Directors, Chair of the Board for Youth Opportunities Unlimited, President of the National Association of YWCA Executives, Board Member of One SouthCoast Chamber, Member of the Board of BayCoast Bank, Trustee for Alma del Mar Charter School, Trustee for Global Learning Charter Public School, Board Member of the United Front Development Corp., and Treasurer of the Cape Verdean Association in New Bedford.
Gail holds a Bachelor's in Physical Education and a Master's in Public Administration from Bridgewater State University. She is the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of a five-year-old girl.
Genesis Galan
Director of Community Impact, PACE
Genesis Galan is the Director of Community Impact at PACE, where she leads the agency in its strategic planning and assists in developing key partnerships to leverage resources for community members experiencing barriers related to poverty and low income.
Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, and a product of public schools, Genesis is an active volunteer with several community organizations and boards, including serving as a tutor at Our Sisters’ School and as a board member for The New Bedford Light.
Committed to the field of human services, she graduated from Bridgewater State University with a double major in English and Psychology and is currently enrolled in Boston University’s Master of Social Work program.
As a first-generation American with family from the Dominican Republic, she is passionate about increasing awareness and opportunities for all community members, including youth and Spanish-speaking individuals.
Jeff Glassman
President and Chief Executive Officer, DarnIt! Inc.
Jeff Glassman is the founder and CEO of Darn It! Inc., located in New Bedford, MA. Darn It! was started in 1996 as a quality control and refurbishment company, helping solve problems with apparel, shoes, and accessories shipments that arrive in the United States with quality or re-packaging issues. A few years later, he started the fulfillment and distribution arm of the company, where brands store their products at Darn It! and the staff picks and packs the brands’ orders daily.
In 2015, Jeff purchased the Hatch Street Studio building in New Bedford and has helped grow the artist community by building over 70 private art studios in the building to provide space for artists to create their work. These artists include painters, woodworkers, weavers, photographers, designers, and more. Prior to Darn It!, Jeff worked in advertising and operations at Filene’s and Milton’s clothing stores in the Boston area. He also ran a disc jockey business for 25 years, which he started in middle school.
Jeff grew up in Dartmouth, MA, and now lives in Sharon, MA, with his wife Lori and their three children, Noah, Jack, and Sydney. When not working, Jeff loves to play golf, travel, and enjoy time with family and friends.
He is a 1990 graduate of the University of Massachusetts Isenberg School, where he volunteers his time speaking and mentoring business students during the school year. He also sits on the One SouthCoast Chamber Board of Directors as well as the New Bedford Mayor’s Regeneration Committee.
Mike Goodman
Executive Director of Economic Development & Community Partnerships and Professor of Public Policy, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Dr. Michael Goodman is the Executive Director of Economic Development & Community Partnerships and Professor of Public Policy at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. Prior to assuming this role, he served as Senior Advisor to the Chancellor after 18 months as Acting Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. His previous roles include six years as Executive Director of the Public Policy Center, two terms as Faculty Senate President, and six years as Chair of the Department of Public Policy.
An economic sociologist, Professor Goodman is a leading analyst of the Massachusetts economy. He has authored or co-authored over fifty professional publications on a wide range of public policy issues, including regional economic development, housing policy, and demographic and other applied social science research topics. Throughout his career, he has supported this work with over $6 million in external grants and contracts from a diverse array of public and private sources.
Since 2001, Dr. Goodman has served as a Senior Editor of MassBenchmarks, the journal of the Massachusetts economy published by the UMass Amherst Donahue Institute in cooperation with the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. He was educated at Boston University, where he earned his BA in Psychology (1990), and his MA (1998) and Ph.D. (2000) in Sociology.
Professor Goodman is actively engaged in several state and regional boards and serves as an advisory board member for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the Boston Fed’s New England Public Policy Center. Since 2003, he has served as a gubernatorial appointee to the Massachusetts Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC), which oversees state economic development incentive programs.
Dr. Goodman lives in New Bedford with Jo, his wife of 32 years. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling with his adult son Milo, and live jazz.
Tim Griffin
Terminal Director, New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal
Tim Griffin is the Terminal Director of the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, a 30-acre, purpose-built facility constructed and operated by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) for the construction, assembly, and deployment of offshore wind projects. The facility is currently being used as the staging and pre-assembly port for Vineyard Wind 1, one of the nation’s first commercial-scale offshore wind projects.
In his role, Tim manages the business, marketing, and contract administration for the terminal with direct oversight of day-to-day operations. He is responsible for engagement with offshore wind developers, OEMs, Tier I companies, and other organizations in the supply chain and maritime community. He helps lead the planning and implementation of capital improvements to ensure terminal readiness and market competitiveness. Additionally, he supports the broader initiatives of MassCEC’s Offshore Wind Program priorities, focusing on ports and infrastructure assessments, investments, and supply chain development. Prior to joining MassCEC as Terminal Director, Tim worked internationally as a Merchant Marine Officer aboard commercial ships and as a port professional in the offshore wind industry.
Tim is a Trustee of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy Foundation Board, a member of the Nautical Institute in London, UK, and a member of the Propeller Clubs of Boston and Narragansett Bay.
A lifelong resident of Cape Cod, he lives in Falmouth with his wife, Brittany, and their two daughters, Maeve and Violet. Happiest on or near the ocean, he enjoys swimming, boating, and being outdoors with his family along the Massachusetts coast.
Tim earned his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) in 2010 and a Master of Science in Maritime Business Management from MMA in 2020.
Michelle Neves Hantman
President & CEO, United Way of Greater New Bedford
Michelle Neves Hantman is the President & CEO of the United Way of Greater New Bedford. She is a first-generation American of Portuguese, Brazilian, and Spanish descent and is fluent in Portuguese. Born, raised, and living in the area, she has a deep knowledge of the region and relationships with many community stakeholders. Since 2006, Michelle has served as President & CEO of the United Way of Greater New Bedford, being the first woman and youngest person to hold this role. Under her leadership, the organization has expanded its programs and services, diversified revenue, and become a regional leader in volunteerism, launching VolunteerSouthcoast.org and various other community, family, and corporate volunteer engagement initiatives.
In 2017, she completed the prestigious Executive Leadership Development Program by United Way Worldwide. Michelle is a 2007 Leadership Southcoast graduate, a Top Young Professional under 40 (New England Business Bulletin, 2009), and a "100 Women for 100 Years" honoree (YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts). She won the Leadership Southcoast Distinguished Alumni Award in 2020.
Michelle is a BankFive Corporator and the incoming Board Chair of Lifestream Inc. She serves on the UMass Dartmouth Leduc Center for Civic Engagement Advisory Board, the Southcoast Health Community Benefits Advisory Council, and is the Co-Chair of the Council of Massachusetts United Ways. A travel, fashion, and food enthusiast, Michelle enjoys cooking, entertaining, reading fiction, and listening to autobiographies. She lives in Rochester, MA, with her husband, Jason, and their son, Maxson.
Michelle holds a BS in Mass Communication from Emerson College, a Certificate in Professional Fundraising from Boston University, and a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Harvard Business School.
Joe Lopes
New Bedford City Counciler
Joseph Lopes is currently serving his seventh term as a member of the New Bedford City Council. He is a four-time City Council President. Joe has also worked in the fields of commercial finance and not-for-profit leadership.
Joe is a lifelong resident of the City of New Bedford and is the proud father of a 13-year-old son. He enjoys playing golf and is looking forward to his next triathlon.
Joe is a graduate of New Bedford Public Schools. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and a Master's degree in International Business from Johnson & Wales University.
Adelsa Mendes
MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow, New Bedford TDI District
Adelsa Mendes is a MassDevelopment Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Fellow for the New Bedford TDI District, where she works in a cross-sector partnership to leverage public resources and catalyze private investment to spur economic development. Prior to joining MassDevelopment, Adelsa served as the Business Assistance Manager for the Brockton Redevelopment Authority (BRA), where her understanding of diverse populations, community-building skills, and outgoing personality were fundamental in enhancing minority-owned businesses' access to critical resources, such as COVID-19 relief funds. She was responsible for building relevant partnerships to help address the needs of Brockton’s small businesses, nurturing a sustainable and stronger small business enterprise. Adelsa spent nearly ten years as the Coordinator of Immigration Affairs at the Consulate of Cabo Verde in the United States, where she provided case management to more than 400 individuals. She also worked as a liaison for the Boston Public Schools' newcomer families.
Originally from Cabo Verde, Adelsa lives in Boston with her husband, Nelson, and three children, Neicy, Alanah, and Mandela. She loves cooking for her family and friends.
Adelsa has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Lisbon. She was the recipient of the MassINC Gateway City Innovation Award in 2022 and received the 2024 Heroine Award from the Cape Verdean Association of Boston at an event highlighting Women's History Month and Cabo Verdean Women's Day.
Jacob Miller
Tribal Lead, Vineyard Offshore
Jacob Miller is a Vineyard Offshore Tribal Lead. He works to build and maintain collaborative relationships and partnerships with tribal governments and members of Tribal Nations. Recently, he helped facilitate a historic agreement between the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and Vineyard Offshore.
Jacob has many years of government and community development experience. He most recently worked as a Senior Policy Advisor and Community Development Director in the office of Massachusetts State Senator Mark Montigny, where he led numerous COVID-19 response efforts and built programs, including a youth exchange between New Bedford, Massachusetts, and Grimsby, United Kingdom. He has worked as a union organizer with the Greater Southeastern Massachusetts Labor Council AFL-CIO, a grassroots coordinator with Opportunity Nation, passed state health care expansion for college students, coordinated a capacity-building organization SouthCoast Serves, wrote service learning curriculum, opened UMass Dartmouth's first student-run business Jumpin’ Juice, founded the Common Project that focuses on boosting millennial civic engagement, created workforce development programs connecting veterans to job opportunities, established biannual youth civic engagement summits, and has helped register hundreds of people to vote. He also served as an elected student representative to the UMass Board of Trustees.
Jacob holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and English from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, where he was named a Truman Scholar. He spent two years in the United Kingdom as a Marshall Scholar, completing a master’s in Management from the University of Cambridge and a master’s in Building and Urban Design in Development from University College London. He completed his Juris Doctor degree at UMass Law in 2024.
Jacob lives in New Bedford and loves to run, row, and spend time with his new puppy, Lily.
Von Marie Moniz
Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer, South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Von Marie Moniz is the founding member, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the South Coast Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the region's first Hispanic Chamber. She also serves as the Program Experience Manager at Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through comprehensive business classes and mentorship, driving their business initiation, growth, and transformation.
Recognized for her significant contributions to the Hispanic community and her efforts in empowering women through her Latinas in the South Coast women’s networking group, Von Marie was nominated by State Representative Tony Cabral and honored with the prestigious 2023 Latino Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus.
A first-generation Dominican-American born in Jersey City, New Jersey, and raised in Fall River, Massachusetts, Von Marie earned her degree in communications from Bristol Community College and furthered her studies in public relations and marketing at Salem State University. She now resides in New Bedford, Massachusetts, with her husband, Dan, their two children, Olivia and Ethan, and their two dogs, Oscar, a Morkie, and Sofie, a Golden Retriever. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, or catching up on her favorite shows.
Fr. Rob Nemkovich
Pastor, Blessed Trinity Church
Fr. Rob Nemkovich is the Pastor of Blessed Trinity Church in Fall River, MA. As pastor, he oversaw the merger of two parishes and the construction of a new church facility on Plymouth Avenue in 2005. In addition to his pastoral responsibilities, he is active in the greater Fall River community, serving as a chaplain for the Fall River Police Department, on the Fall River Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee, and in collaboration with the Father Kelly Neighborhood Association, several veterans' groups in Fall River, Angels Anonymous, Citizens for Citizens, Narcotics Anonymous, Steppingstone Inc., and Thrive for Humanity. He also serves as the Ecumenical Officer for the Polish National Catholic Church and as secretary for the dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church. He is the professor of Liturgy at Savonarola Seminary, Chairman of the PNCC National Liturgical Commission, and serves on the PNCC Doctrine Commission and PNCC Supreme Council. On the diocesan level, he serves as the diocesan Youth Chaplain and Chairman of the Diaconate Program and Liturgical Commission. Additionally, since 2006, he has been serving as parish administrator of Holy Cross Parish in Central Falls, Rhode Island.
Originally from Westfield, he lives in Fall River with his wife, Kathryn. They enjoy giving back to the community and helping others in need during their spare time.
Fr. Rob graduated with a BA in Financial Economics and a minor in Theology from St. Anselm College in 1992. In 1994, he completed studies at Savonarola Theological Seminary in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and in 1995, he received a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Marywood University.
Jill O'Connor
Deputy CEO & Chief Financial Officer, New Bedford Community Health
Jill O’Connor joined New Bedford Community Health as CFO in 2016 and was recently promoted to Deputy CEO. She oversees the health center’s financial operations, patient access, and quality improvement initiatives, while also playing a key role in managing federal grants and contracts. During her tenure, Jill has been instrumental in strengthening the health center’s financial outlook, ensuring long-term stability and sustainability.
Jill also serves as Chair of Community Care Cooperative’s (C3) Medicare ACO REACH Committee and was recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s CFOs of the Year in 2023.
She resides in Westport, Massachusetts, with her husband Patrick and their children, Kylie and Ian. In her free time, Jill enjoys activities by the water, such as boating, as well as jogging and playing tennis. She holds both a BA in Accounting and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth.
Andrew O'Leary
Superintendent, New Bedford Public Schools
Andrew O'Leary is the Superintendent of New Bedford Public Schools. He draws inspiration from the great New Bedford abolitionist James Bunker Congdon, who said of the school system in 1848: “All are and have ever been satisfied, and no schools in the Commonwealth stand higher than ours.” The New Bedford school district has led the Commonwealth throughout its history and will again in the future.
Andrew began teaching in the New Bedford Public Schools in 2004, and a year later, he served as Director of Federal/State Programs, managing all of the district’s grant programs. In 2013, he was appointed NBPS Business Manager, overseeing almost $200 million annually in service of New Bedford students. This period included a ten-year stint teaching undergraduate history to the students of Greater New Bedford at Bristol Community College as adjunct faculty.
In the years prior to his appointment as Superintendent, Andrew served as Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations, leading the most active period of investment in classrooms and some of the most visible infrastructure improvements in district history.
Recognized as an advocate for equity in education systems, Andrew is a regular contributor to media and legislative forums on education leadership, finance, and facility improvements. He serves as a current board member of Massachusetts's Advisory Council on School and District Accountability and Assistance (AAAC).
A native of County Cork, Ireland, Andrew is a graduate of University College Cork, Ireland, and the College of St. Rose, Albany, New York, with advanced graduate study in Education Leadership at Northeastern University. Most importantly, Andrew is a busy parent of five, including two NBHS students.
Mike O'Sullivan
Chief Executive Officer, One SouthCoast Chamber
Mike O’Sullivan is the CEO of One SouthCoast Chamber, the second-largest Chamber of Commerce in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving 19 communities with over 1,300 members who collectively employ more than 50,000 people. One SouthCoast Chamber was formed in 2020 through the merger of the Bristol County Chamber of Commerce (Fall River area) and SouthCoast Chamber of Commerce (New Bedford area). The Chamber employs 10 professionals who provide a variety of services to its membership.
Mike O’Sullivan has more than 30 years of experience in Chambers of Commerce, management, media, sales, and community service. He began his career in advertising sales, eventually becoming a publisher, a role he held for nearly 20 years.
Mike’s involvement in the Chamber of Commerce industry started over 30 years ago as a volunteer. He served on the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for nine years, including a term as Chairman in 2013. He was also a member of the Saratoga 150 Committee, which organized the 150th-anniversary celebration of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs. O’Sullivan was President of the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce in Troy, NY, where he oversaw more than 900 members.
Mike has been a Rotarian for over 35 years, with memberships in Wayne, PA; Wakefield, RI; Saratoga Springs, NY; and Fall River, MA. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Leadership SouthCoast and is a member of the Regeneration Committee in New Bedford, MA. He has served on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations and has spent many years coaching youth sports.
O’Sullivan graduated with a degree in business administration, specializing in marketing, from Villanova University, where he met his wife, Sharon. They have three adult children and two grandchildren.
Glenn Oliveira
Executive Director, Carney Family Charitable Foundation
Glenn Oliveira is the Executive Director at the Carney Family Charitable Foundation. Founded in 1989, the Foundation serves as a catalyst and resource for organizations to expand and sustain their capacity to build equitable and vibrant communities, with a focus on Greater New Bedford. Glenn has led the Foundation as Executive Director since 2020 and began his career at the Foundation in 2017. In his role, Glenn works in cooperation with the Board of Trustees, President, staff, and family office to facilitate the Foundation’s vision and strategic goals by researching, awarding, monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on over 150 grants annually. This work is guided by the Foundation’s strategic plan adopted in 2019.
Among his significant previous positions, Glenn served as the Education Director of the Northeast Organic Farming Associations/Massachusetts Chapter (NOFA/Mass), whose mission is to promote organic agriculture and healthy communities through education and advocacy. He was also the Director of the Connecting for Change Conference, a program of the Marion Institute that brought together over 2,500 people in New Bedford, MA, to explore social justice and sustainability solutions.
Glenn is a versatile professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from Shepherd University. He has over seventeen years of experience as a nonprofit director, event and community organizer, and project manager. Glenn is a Leadership South Coast graduate and a founding board member of Round the Bend Farm: A Center for Restorative Community. He also serves on the United Way’s Community Connections Coalition Advisory Board.
Glenn and his wife, Lindsay, live in New Bedford with their two daughters. He enjoys spending time outdoors gardening, camping, hiking, and biking with his family.
Sam Panarella
Dean, University of Massachusetts School of Law
Sam Panarella is the Dean of the University of Massachusetts School of Law, the Commonwealth’s only public law school. UMass Law’s mission, "Pursue Justice," informs and animates the work of the school to nurture and educate the next generation of public servants and legal leaders in Massachusetts and across the country.
A first-generation college graduate and the holder of a GED, Sam has significant expertise in leading organizations in the private and public sectors, including a national public policy institute, the Max Baucus Institute, and a consulting company that worked with Fortune 500 companies across the country and the world. Sam was a partner at a large law firm and has expertise in and practical experience with environmental law, renewable energy development, climate change law, and business and transactional law, including the legal and business aspects of siting, permitting, and operating renewable energy projects. Sam has taught internationally in Asia and Europe and authored several papers, chapters, and articles on energy and environmental topics that have been published in national journals, including the Harvard Environmental Law Review, the Duke Environmental Law & Policy Forum, and the UCLA Journal of Environmental Law & Policy.
He has also published extensively on business law topics, including co-authoring a book on business process that was published by Oxford University Press. Sam is a frequent presenter to both legal and business audiences.
Sam and his wife, Liliuokalani, have three grown children, Jordan, Sofia, and Olivia, and share their home with three English bulldogs, Coconut, Duke, and Frank. In his spare time, Sam enjoys playing sports, hiking, and reading.
Sam is a graduate of the University of Montana, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors in Liberal Studies and History, and a graduate of Lewis & Clark Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctorate degree cum laude, with a focus on environmental law.
Mark Parsons
Founder and Executive Director, New Bedford Research & Robotics
Mark Parsons is the Founder and Executive Director of New Bedford Research & Robotics. An entrepreneur, designer, educator, and technologist, Mark previously founded the Consortium for Research & Robotics in New York City in 2014. He sits on several industrial and educational advisory boards, including an appointment by the U.S. Department of State as a U.S. Speaker on Creativity, Innovation, and Technology.
Mark has held teaching positions in design and art at Cornell University, Pratt Institute, and Hunter College. He has lectured at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, China, SUNY Purchase, the University of Massachusetts, ISE Cultural Foundation, Grounds for Sculpture, and presented a TEDx Talk titled “Making a Thing. Discovering a Space.”
He was the lead designer and principal of the Haiti SoftHouse, a 2010 transitional shelter for Haitian communities after the 2010 earthquake. He has led teams to award-winning designs at the Architectural Digest Home Design Show (DIFFA Dine by Design), the Brooklyn Food and Wine Festival (UrBarn), and New York City Parks projects (Putnam Pavilion).
Mark is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Jacob Javits National Fellowship (1997), the VSA International Fellowship (2004), and two FIPSE Grants (Fund for Improvement of Post Secondary Education, 2009, 2011). He also received the Wynn Newhouse Award (2012), three Faculty Development Grants at Pratt Institute, and two Taconic Fellowship Awards (2014, 2015) for community projects in Brooklyn, NY. In 2016, he was awarded the President’s Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects for his environmental sculpture Big BURR in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Mark has exhibited artwork at prestigious venues such as the United Nations, Kennedy Center for the Arts, Seaport Museum, New Bedford Art Museum, Springfield Art Museum, Provincetown Art Museum, Williams College Museum of Art, and private galleries in New York and abroad.
While matriculated at UMass, Mark rebuilt a 41-foot hurricane-destroyed boat, named her Lazarus, and sailed west for three years and 30,000 miles around the globe—down the Atlantic Ocean, west across the Caribbean Sea, Pacific Ocean, Tasman Sea, Indian Ocean, around Africa, across the Atlantic, a hundred miles up the Amazon River, and home again. He returned to working as a carpenter in the northeast before pursuing an MFA at Cornell University, then moved to New York for 24 years before returning to New England in 2022.
Mark lives with his daughter Ruby (5) and partner Alanna Jaworski Parsons, a licensed architect focusing on affordable housing. His daughters Polly (19) and Lucy (18) Parsons are currently matriculated at Cornell University and the University of Connecticut, respectively.
Mark holds a BFA from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, an MFA from Cornell University, and a Masters of Planning/Urban Placemaking from Pratt Institute.
Andrew Rebello
Assistant Superintendent, Bristol Plymouth Technical High School
Andrew Rebello is the Assistant Superintendent-Principal of Diman Regional Vocational Technical High School. He is an award-winning and nationally recognized educational leader. Rebello's journey in education includes leadership and administrative roles in Greater Fall River Vocational School District, Boston Public Schools, and Fall River Public Schools.
Under Andrew’s leadership as Assistant Superintendent-Principal, Diman Regional has witnessed remarkable growth and achievement. His initiatives to enhance teacher collaboration, student well-being, and academic achievement have significantly improved educational outcomes. He elevated the graduation rate to an impressive 98%, the highest in school history. Diman was rated as the highest-performing high school in the area and had the highest accountability rating. These accomplishments earned Rebello the National Milken Educator of the Year award from the Milken Foundation, which recognizes excellence in education. He has also earned the Massachusetts Principal of the Year award.
During his tenure as vice principal at Durfee High School, Rebello also demonstrated his ability to effect significant improvements. One of his most notable achievements was decreasing suspensions by 91%, a testament to his innovative approach to discipline and student support. Under his leadership, the Class of 2018 achieved the second-highest graduation rate in the school's history.
Rebello's leadership abilities have been widely recognized, leading to his appointment to the Economic Development Planning Council by Governor Maura Healy. In this influential role, he is instrumental in developing strategies that promote economic growth through education. His involvement in various educational organizations further demonstrates Rebello's commitment to the field. He has served on the DESE Focus Indicator Focus Group, the MSAA Educational Policy & Legislative Committee, and is an active National Association of Secondary School Principals member. Rebello also serves as an MSAA Principal and Administrator Coach and is a member of the MSAA Board of Directors.
Rebello received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Merrimack College in 2010, a Master of Education from Frostburg State University in 2012, and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2016.
Andrew grew up in Acushnet, MA, and is a proud graduate of New Bedford High School. He currently resides in Barrington, RI, with his wife Jamie and daughter Sienna. Andrew likes to spend time with loved ones, read, and exercise.
Dr. Vinnie Rege
Dean, New Bedford Campus; Dean, Business Administration - Bristol Community College
Dr. Vinnie Rege currently serves as Bristol Community College’s Dean of the New Bedford campus and as the Dean of Business Administration. Vinnie is a dynamic and innovative academic leader with an entrepreneurial spirit, bringing with him more than 20 years of extensive pedagogical and administrative experience. At Bristol, as the New Bedford campus dean, he oversees the continued evolution of the college's urban campus in New Bedford, Massachusetts. As the business dean, he oversees three academic departments: Business Administration, Culinary Arts, and Office Administration.
He has held several administrative and teaching appointments at various academic institutions, including Howard Community College, Temple University, and Drexel University.
Vinnie brings vast experience in accreditation policies, having served as a Chair and Commissioner of the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA). He has also received awards from several industry organizations, such as the Restaurant Association of Maryland and The Council on Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Education (CHRIE). Additionally, he was a recipient of the Outstanding Alumnus award from his alma mater, the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Vinnie's mission extends beyond the physical campus walls, involving the cultivation of strategic partnerships that contribute to the overall growth, influence, and success of the campus, the institution, and the region.
After living in Maryland for over two decades, Vinnie now resides in Barrington, RI, with his mother, wife, and 15-year-old son. He is a native of India and worked with Royal Caribbean Cruises before entering academia.
Vinnie earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Mumbai (formerly known as the University of Bombay) in Mumbai, India; a Bachelor of Science in Hotel, Restaurant & Catering Management from Baltimore International College in Baltimore, MD; a Master of Science in Service Management with a concentration in Information Technology from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY; and a Doctorate from Iowa State University.
Patti Rego
Executive Director, Viva Fall River
Patti Rego is the Executive Director of Viva Fall River, a tourism organization that guides locals and newcomers alike to Fall River’s vibrant and diverse community. Viva Fall River champions economic growth and celebrates all the city has to offer: creative arts, rich ethnic and cultural traditions, diverse businesses, a picturesque waterfront, spirited events, and more. Before starting Viva Fall River, Patti was the Director of Marketing & Communications for the social justice non-profit The Marion Institute in Marion, MA.
Patti is an active participant in the regional community, serving on the boards of the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition, Southeastern Massachusetts Visitors Bureau, ArtWeek SouthCoast, and the Fall River YMCA Advisory Board.
Born and raised in Fall River, Patti returned to the city in 2015 after 17 years working in marketing, communications, and event departments at notable publishing and media companies in New York City, including The Wall Street Journal, SHAPE, and W Magazine. When not working or spending time with her vivacious daughter Maxine and dog Tig, she enjoys spinning and yoga, loves planning social events (like her daughter’s yearly birthday extravaganza), and is an avid indoor gardener with a passion for spider plants.
Patti graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science in Advertising & Marketing Communications. She is also a 2019 graduate of Leadership SouthCoast.
Kyle Riley
Principal of Resiliency Preparatory Academy, Fall River Public Schools
Kyle Riley is the Principal of Resiliency Preparatory Academy in the Fall River Public Schools. RPA is an alternative school serving a high-risk population in grades 7-12. Before assuming this role, Kyle spent most of his adult life in education, serving as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, Special Education Director, and Assistant Superintendent over the course of 26 years. He also spent several years as Director of Community Outreach and Education for the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Kyle was elected to the Fall River School Committee at the age of 26. After several years on the School Committee, he was elected to the Fall River City Council. Active in his community, Kyle has served on many boards and has volunteered as a coach for over 37 years. He has served as Vice President of the North Park Little League and President of the Fall River Youth Soccer Association.
Born and raised in Fall River, Kyle lives with his wife Ana. The couple has raised six children in the community: Brenna (30), Gaelen (28), Connor (26), Jensen (23), Colman (21), and Seamus (14). When he is not working, he enjoys golf and spending time with his family. Kyle has completed four Boston Marathons and the New York Marathon as well.
Kyle graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a BA in Political Science and obtained his Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College. He holds several licenses in education, including Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, Vocational Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, Vocational Principal/Assistant Principal, Principal/Assistant Principal, Special Education Administrator, and School Business Administrator.
Dr. Sara Rodrigues
Founder, Balanced Learning Center
Dr. Sara Rodrigues is the Founder of Balanced Learning Center, a non-profit organization providing integrated mental health care for youth and families. The practice focuses on neurodivergent and otherwise disabled individuals, offering essential support to build positive social identity and develop supportive communities. Balanced Learning Center was established as a result of Sara’s experiences as a parent of a disabled child. Witnessing the limitations in care for her own son, she decided to create an organization to address some of these gaps. Prior to founding Balanced Learning Center, Sara worked in various mental health services, including community mental health, acute care facilities, residential programs, and wraparound support.
Sara is active in the community, having served on the Fall River School Committee, and persistently advocates for greater community access for all individuals. Genuine inclusion and belonging are at the forefront of her efforts.
Sara is the proud daughter of Azorean immigrants and chose to raise her family in the community she has cherished her whole life. She lives in Fall River with her husband, Gary, and their three children, Christian, Sebastian, and Olivia. When she is not working on creating change, Sara enjoys reading and relaxing with a good cup of coffee and her three dogs, Millie, Tucker, and Miles.
Sara graduated from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth with a BA in Psychology, earned a master’s in social work from Rhode Island College, and completed her doctorate in social work at Simmons University in 2023. She is an independently licensed clinical social worker.
Sepehr Sadeghi
Founder and CEO, Sophava Corp
Sepehr Sadeghi is the Founder and CEO of Sophava Corp, an engineering company specializing in developing software and machinery to automate the wood framing process. Additionally, Sophava provides wood frame designs and installation services for customers. Recently, Sepehr has also taken on the role of President at HardPine Inc, a Fall River-based company dedicated to the design and manufacturing of wood trusses, wall panels, and floor panels.
Sepehr began his career in software and electronics engineering, where he gained valuable technical expertise. He later transitioned into property development, focusing on new construction projects in the Boston area. By combining his engineering knowledge with his construction experience, Sepehr established Sophava to create innovative solutions that significantly reduce labor costs in construction. The acquisition of HardPine has further strengthened this mission by integrating supply chain capabilities and expanding service offerings.
Sepehr resides in Lexington, MA, with his family. He enjoys playing soccer and coaching the Lexington girls' soccer team. Of Persian and German descent, Sepehr is also proficient in Spanish, reflecting his diverse cultural background and linguistic skills.
Sepehr holds a degree in Computer Software and Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY.
Guilmie Santiago
Owner, Santiago Professional Services
Guelmie Santiago is the Owner of Santiago Professional Services, a multifaceted business dedicated to providing a range of services, with a special focus on supporting minority communities. She is also a Co-Founder of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Prior to focusing full-time on her business Guelmie was an HR Manger for various manufacturing companies, most recently, Joseph Abboud. While taking one class at a time towards her bachelor’s degree, she built a business helping her community with tax preparation. She obtained her real estate license in 2018 to help her clients achieve the American Dream of owning a home.
Guelmie is also an active member of the Women United Leadership Council and serves on the PACE board. Recently appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the City of New Bedford, she brings extensive experience to these roles.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Guelmie has been a valued member of the New Bedford community for 26 years. She learned English as a second language then earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Bristol College and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Curry College.
Guelmie lives in New Bedford alongside her three adult children and granddaughter.
Andrea Sheppard Lomba
Executive Director, United Interfaith Action of Southeastern MA (UIA)
Andrea Sheppard Lomba is the Executive Director of United Interfaith Action of Southeastern MA (UIA). She has been engaged in faith-based community organizing for 26 years and has been directing UIA since 2017. Founded in 1996, United Interfaith Action addresses racial and economic justice in Southeastern MA in its core cities of New Bedford and Fall River. Statewide, UIA is affiliated with the Massachusetts Communities Action Network and nationally with the Faith In Action Network.
As the Executive Director, Andrea oversees the growth and development of UIA by training a broad base of grassroots leaders in congregations to surface issues and utilize the skills of community organizing and justice teachings in our faith traditions to create change. UIA works with clergy and lay leaders in an “organizing cycle” that includes deep community listening, issue prioritization, and developing campaigns of local and statewide action with public officials to win concrete policy, budgetary, and systemic change.
Before coming to UIA, Andrea organized in Dorchester, MA for 20 years in the St. Mark Parish community and worked as Congregational Development Training Director with the InterValley Project of New England, working with dozens of congregations around the region in faith-based community issue development and action campaigns.
Originally from Georgia, Andrea currently resides in Taunton, MA with her husband Jacinto Lomba and their two daughters. In her spare time, Andrea likes to spend time with family and friends, enjoy the outdoors (in the warmer New England months), and travel. Much of her time is spent with her younger daughter in softball and dance and her older daughter, who is in her freshman year at Tuskegee University.
Andrea holds a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School and was trained in organizing by Marshall Ganz at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where she served as a Teaching Fellow for three years. Andrea completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina.
John Silva
President and Chief Banking Officer, Bristol County Savings Bank
John Silva was named President and Chief Banking Officer of Bristol County Savings Bank in 2024. Before this role, he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Lending Officer, managing the Commercial Lending, Residential Lending, Consumer Lending, and Indirect Lending departments.
John joined the Bank in 2016 as Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending for Rhode Island. Prior to joining Bristol County Savings Bank, he held several positions at Santander and its predecessor banks for over 25 years. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and New England Regional Director in Santander Bank’s Business Banking Department. Previously, he was the Business Banking Executive overseeing the lending team for Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Active in the community, John is a Board Member for the Pawtucket YMCA, Fall River Office of Economic Development, Greater Fall River Development Corp, Rhode Island Bankers Association, and the South Eastern Economic Development Corporation (SEED). His former community involvement includes serving on the Boards of Blackstone Valley Prep Mayoral Academy, Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, and The Pawtucket Foundation.
John earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Rhode Island and his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Roger Williams University. He resides in Bristol with his wife, Deb, and their children.
Will Silverstein
Director of Operations, Servedwell Hospitality
Will Silverstein is a fifth-generation restaurateur responsible for all guest-facing operations at Servedwell Hospitality, a restaurant-focused group that currently operates five full-service and four seasonal establishments, including The Black Whale and Cisco Kitchen and Bar in New Bedford. Before moving back home during COVID, Will advanced from food runner to dining room manager during his three years at Eleven Madison Park in New York City, which was named the best restaurant in the world in 2017.
In addition to his daily business responsibilities, Will serves on the board of the Academy of Finance, Hospitality, and Tourism at New Bedford High School.
Will resides a mile from where he grew up in South Dartmouth, MA. Like the restaurants, he does not like to stray far from the water. His main hobby, besides hospitality, is offshore fishing, particularly for tuna of all kinds.
Will graduated from The Cornell Hotel School with a degree in Business Administration in 2017.
Kim Smith
Executive Director, United Way of Greater Fall River
Kimberly J. Smith is the Executive Director of United Way of Greater Fall River (UWGFR) and has been actively involved in the South Coast community for over 30 years. Kim was selected as Executive Director of UWGFR in 2018, becoming the 5th person and the first woman to hold this position in 77 years. She brought with her several years of grant writing experience as co-founder of Smith & Vincent Grant Writing Services, as well as a lifetime of serving others as a Funeral Director and civic leader. As a grant writer, Kim helped a variety of small businesses and individuals uncover vital resources essential to economic growth and stability. This experience proved indispensable in informing UWGFR’s annual investment decisions that allow for deeper impact in Greater Fall River and the South Coast region.
As an active member and Past-President (2018-2019) of the Rotary Club of Fall River, Kim lives by the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.” She is a three-time Paul Harris Fellow and currently co-chairs the Environmental and Nominating Committees. She serves on the Board of the Argosy Collegiate Charter School Foundation, the Education Committee of One SouthCoast Chamber, and the Opioid Settlement Funds Advisory Committee for the City of Fall River. She is also a Corporator for Narragansett Financial Corp.
Kim’s past service includes the Board and Finance Committee of Watuppa Rowing Center, whose mission is to provide tuition-free world-class rowing to local youth. She also served on the Board of the Fall River Symphony Orchestra and the steering committees for the Fall River Business Improvement District and the Fall River Arts & Culture Coalition.
Kim resides in Fall River with her husband, Jim, and daughters, Deirdre and Monica. She is a member of the Fall River Book Club and enjoys local cuisine and entertainment, reading, and traveling.
Kim earned her BA in Humanities from Providence College in 1990 and her Associate Degree in Funeral Service from New England Institute of Funeral Service in 1993. She holds licenses as a Funeral Director & Embalmer in both MA and RI with Affiliated Family Funeral Homes.
Bernadette Souza
Executive Director, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.)
Bernadette Souza is the Executive Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.). A longtime youth advocate, Bernadette has significant experience in youth programming, evidenced by her 16-year tenure as the Assistant Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater New Bedford.
Bernadette is one of Our Sisters’ School’s founding Trustees and has served on their Board of Trustees for eight years. She now serves on the school’s Advisory Board. She is the 2nd Vice Chair of the New Bedford Whaling Museum Board, serves on the Executive Committee, and chairs the Museum Learning Committee. Additionally, she is a member of the Board of Corporators for BayCoast Bank, a Board Member for One SouthCoast Chamber, Round the Bend Farm, and a member of the Greater New Bedford Youth Alliance. She also serves on the New Bedford Research & Robotics and Nativity Prep Advisory Councils.
Bernadette attended Rhode Island College and Assumption College/Worcester Diocese, where she received a Certification in Youth Ministries. She is a graduate of the Class of 2013 Leadership SouthCoast. In her spare time, she serves as a Funeral Celebrant and Greeter at Dignity Memorial/Waring Sullivan Funeral Homes.
Bernadette was honored as a Massachusetts Unsung Heroine by Senator Montigny in 2018. She has received numerous accolades for her community contributions, including the YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts' "Women of Distinction" award, being named "Grand Marshal" for the Cape Verdean Recognition Parade, and receiving the Community Service and Partnership Recognition from UMass Dartmouth. Additionally, she has been recognized with the Martha Briggs Educational Club, Inc.'s "Women of Vision" award, the NAACP New Bedford Branch's "Community Service" award, and the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth's "Professor Gloria Waite African American" award. With enormous energy and a deep-seated passion for youth development, Bernadette is a powerful asset to this community and its youth and their families.
A New Bedford native and lifelong resident, Bernadette is married to Kevin and has a son named Cody. She is deeply committed to her community, especially its youth.
Rev. Andy Stinson
Senior Pastor, First Congregational Church of Fall River
Andrew Stinson is the Senior Pastor of the First Congregational Church of Fall River, a continuously worshiping community that has cared for the spiritual life of Fall River for over two hundred years. FCCFR engages in many projects throughout the city, including providing meals for the marginalized and homeless, offering workshops to improve quality of life, extending hospitality to organizations and athletics, and partnering to care for various communities.
Before coming to Fall River six years ago, Andy had a varied ministry career, serving as the Senior Minister in Warren, Maine, and as an Army Reserve Chaplain, deploying to Iraq in 2011. In addition to his congregational leadership and military service, Andy also served as a hospital and hospice chaplain. He brings a wealth of experience and skills to cultivating the spiritual life of FCCFR and the wider Fall River community. Andy is active on the Board of the United Way of Greater Fall River, a life member of the VFW, and regularly supports the Fall River War Veterans Council.
Andy grew up in Maine and still has roots there. He lives in Westport, where his wife, Kristin, serves as the Town Clerk. He is the father of Derek and Ryan. He enjoys hiking and recently completed 180 miles of the Camino De Santiago pilgrimage in Spain. He is also cursed with a love of sailing.
Andy graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a BA in History and a BA in Geography/Anthropology. He was awarded an MA in Swedenborgian Studies from the Center for Swedenborgian Studies and a Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School.
Michael Tavares
President and Chief Executive Director, Horacios
Michael Tavares is an accomplished mechanical engineer and leader, holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management with a specialization in Manufacturing Engineering. With over eight years of experience at Johnson & Johnson in the Orthopedic division, Michael transitioned to a leadership role as the CEO of Horacio’s Inc.
Horacio’s Inc. is a leader in custom stainless-steel fabrication, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to the food service, marine, and HVAC industries. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing high-quality stainless-steel equipment, including cabinetry, sinks, shelving, and countertops, all known for their durability, hygiene, and precision craftsmanship. Horacio’s Inc. also provides custom HVAC systems that prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability. Their reputation is built on a commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction across multiple sectors.
Michael is deeply involved in community service, having served as the former president of the Prince Henry Society, former Board chairperson for the Zeiterion Theater, and currently as the secretary of the Greater New Bedford Industrial Park Foundation. Additionally, Michael is a dedicated Board member of the Greater New Bedford Workforce Board and a proud member of ASME, NAFEM, and ASHRAE.
Marquis Taylor
Executive Director, Coaching4Change
As the CEO of Coaching4Change, Marquis leads the organization in developing strategic initiatives, managing fundraising efforts, and overseeing board relations. His role encompasses aligning the mission with impactful community programs, fostering partnerships, and ensuring sustainable growth. With a background in education and a deep commitment to youth development, he has successfully implemented programs that empower college students to mentor and support younger peers in under-resourced schools.
Marquis lives in Bristol, RI, with his wife, Kara, and their two children. He is passionate about coaching his children's sports teams, including soccer, basketball, and flag football. In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym, biking, and traveling with his family. He has a passion for adventure, learning, and exploring new places.
Marquis holds a BA in Communications from Stonehill College and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Smith College.
Samia Walker
Executive Director, EforAll South Coast
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Corinn Williams
Executive Director, Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (CEDC)
Corinn Williams is the Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts (CEDC), which she co-founded in 1997. Under Corinn's leadership, the CEDC has become a vital resource center for many immigrants in New Bedford, with an emphasis on new immigrant communities from Central America. Her longstanding experience, trust, and relationships built in this community help to build bridges to support newcomers in finding their way to economic opportunities. The CEDC provides legal orientation, financial literacy, tax preparation, English classes, small business support, health promotion, access to health insurance, and basic needs assistance.
Since 2015, Corinn has been immersed in neighborhood revitalization, public art, and creative placemaking efforts in the Acushnet Ave. Commercial Corridor in the North End. In collaboration with the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center, she has conducted oral history interviews of immigrant women seafood processing workers as part of the NOAA Voices from the Fisheries archive (2010) and of New Bedford shoreside workers as part of the Archie Green Library of Congress collection (2016).
Corinn was selected as a Social Innovator in 2017 by the Social Innovation Forum, Standard-Times New Bedford Woman of the Year in 2015, and in 2021, she was recognized as a Commonwealth Heroine by the Mass Commission on the Status of Women.
Corinn earned her B.A. in Sociology from Southeastern Massachusetts University in 1980 and an M.A. and ABD in Economic Anthropology from the University of Connecticut in 1988. She has IRS certifications (VITA/CAA) and is a US DOJ/BIA Accredited Representative. She is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational Portuguese.
Corinn lives in New Bedford and has one son, Bazel Baez, whom she raised as a single parent. She enjoys cooking, the beach, and travel.