Our Leadership Team
Experienced, people-centered leaders committed to partnering with nonprofits to build capacity and community impact.
Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer
Naomi Orensten is Chief Executive Officer of ESC. She is dedicated to ESC’s mission of empowering nonprofits to achieve their goals and contribute to a more just and equitable world, bringing extensive leadership experience in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors to this role.
A trusted partner to civil society organizations and a passionate advocate for a strong nonprofit sector, Naomi is deeply committed to advancing justice and equity. Most recently, she served as Senior Director of Programs and Strategy at the Dorot Foundation, and at the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP) as Director of Research and Director of Assessment and Advisory Services. Earlier in her career, she worked in program and engagement roles in education, civil rights, human services, and civic engagement. Naomi also serves on the board of the Krupp Family Foundation and the advisory council of Horizon Philanthropy.
Naomi is a first-generation college graduate from rural northern Wisconsin. She holds an EdM in Education Policy and Management from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a BA from Brandeis University. She lives in Cambridge, MA with her family, and loves experiencing the world through the eyes of her high-energy kids and testing new recipes from library cookbooks.
Senior Director of Programs
Senior Director of Programs
Sabeta Jarba is the Senior Director of Programs at ESC, where she provides strategic leadership across program design, implementation, and continuous improvement. She brings a strong commitment to equity and systems-level impact, ensuring that ESC’s programs are rigorous, responsive, and aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
At ESC, Sabeta is excited to support the organization’s mission by fostering strong relationships, advancing operational effectiveness, and helping ensure that clients have the tools and resources they need to do their best work. She is honored to be part of a community dedicated to the success and empowerment of nonprofits and is energized by the opportunity to learn, lead, and grow alongside ESC’s staff, clients and volunteers.
Sabeta holds a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management (Human Services) from Northeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Leadership from Simmons University. Her academic training informs a disciplined, human-centered approach to program leadership, grounded in research, data-informed decision-making, and culturally responsive practice.
Fractional CFO
Fractional CFO
Tara is a professional nonprofit financial consultant with over 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Her focus is on working with small to mid-size organizations to create sound financial systems, build financial policies and infrastructure, train finance and human resource staff, and manage grants. Tara has an M.A. in Urban Economics from Northeastern University and a B.A degree in Financial Economics from Saint Anselm College. She lives in Winchester, MA, with her husband and four energetic young children.
Director of Training
Director of Training
Willia Cooper is the Director of Training. In this role, Willa oversees the design, development, and delivery of ESC’s trainings and learning experiences. Willia is responsible for ESC’s new volunteer consultant onboarding program as well as ongoing training and professional development for volunteers across the organization.
Prior to her current role at ESC, Willia served as the Transition Navigator Coordinator for ESC’s Discovery Centers. In this role, she was responsible for working in partnership with five Councils on Aging, providing support to executive directors and their staff in the recruitment, selection, training and maintenance of Transition Navigators (TN).
Willia has worked as a trainer, development project manager, instructional designer, and facilitator for more than 25 years. She has worked across a wide range of industries—from banking and high tech to healthcare and utilities—in roles that have included directing the worldwide implementation of total quality management, leading training and continuous improvement, consulting with healthcare organizations, and coaching emerging leaders at a public health commission.
Willia holds an M.Ed in E-Learning from Jones International University.
Finance, Governance, Human Resources, Operation, Organizational Development, Strategic Planning
Finance, Governance, Human Resources, Operation, Organizational Development, Strategic Planning
Meryl Fink is ESC’s Director of Programs, responsible for managing relationships with clients, consultants, and partners. Before joining the staff in 2025, she served as an ESC consultant, providing strategic planning, board governance, and operational support to clients such as the Maine Appalachian Trail Club, METCO, Marshfield Food Pantry, Southwest Boston CDC, Womenade, and The Furniture Trust. Meryl also serves on ESC’s DEIB Committee.
Previously Meryl served as the Executive Director of The Progeria Research Foundation, a global nonprofit organization with annual revenue of over $2.5 million and the only nonprofit solely dedicated to finding treatments and the cure for progeria, a rare and always fatal disease. In addition, Meryl has over 17 years of experience as a corporate attorney and law firm manager, including the positions of Director of Financial Services Area Management for the global law firm, Bingham McCutchen LLP and Senior Practice Manager with Goodwin Procter LLP. In these roles, Meryl was responsible for operations management and strategic planning and served as the central liaison between the leaders of several business units and all firm administrative departments on a wide variety of issues.
Meryl has had a long-term involvement with a number of community activities including raising funds for the Susan G. Komen Walk NYC and as an elected member of the Wellesley Town Meeting, Natick Town Meeting and appointed member of the Wellesley Human Resources Board. She has supported a number of nonprofits through board service and she enjoys volunteering at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, Maine.
Coaching, Human Resources, Information Technology, Succession planning, Training
Coaching, Human Resources, Information Technology, Succession planning, Training
About
Jeff Ghannam is a skilled senior leader who transitioned from a highly technical career to provide Executive and Leadership Coaching to nonprofits. As an ESC Fellow, he coached and trained executive directors of multiple nonprofit organizations in New Hampshire. Jeff’s coaching approach considers the whole individual, including mind, body, and spirit, and focuses on achieving each individual’s potential while balancing priorities to maximize happiness. His coaching widens perspectives and grows individuals past their limitations to new areas of skill and competence.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Human Resources
- Information Technology
- Succession planning
- Training
ESC Clients
- Children’s Stage Adventures
MORE ABOUT JEFF
Career experience
Intel Corporation – Leadership Coach and Senior Manager of Project/Program Management Team; Compuware/NuMega Lab – Director of Software Engineering; Intel network system – Director of Engineering, Converged Communications Division; Aprisma Management Technology (a.k.a. Cabletron Systems) – Director of Software Engineering, Network Management Applications Group
Education
B.S., Electrical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
graduate coursework towards Master of Business Administration – MBA, Northeastern University
Business Planning, Coaching, Finance, Human Resources, Strategic Planning, Succession planning, Training
Business Planning, Coaching, Finance, Human Resources, Strategic Planning, Succession planning, Training
About
Bill Frye, a former Senior VP of Operations for Acushnet Company, has over 30 years of experience in operations, including planning, budgeting, and leading teams. He has overseen major project work, including a factory start-up in Thailand, and has a wealth of experience in team management and coaching. His non-profit work includes serving as a board member and chairman of Junior Achievement of Southern MA. With a Harvard MBA, Frye is well-equipped to help organizations achieve their goals.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Strategic Planning
- Succession planning
- Training
ESC Clients
- East Smithfield Library
MORE ABOUT BILL
Career experience
Acushnet Company, Senior VP Golf Ball Operations; VP Thailand manufacturing; Senior Director Manufacturing; Custom Ball Plant Manager
Education
Master of Business Administration – MBA, General Business, Harvard Business School
Bachelor of Science in Economic Operations Analysis, Central Washington University
Board or Volunteer Service
University of Hartford, University of New Haven, Ford Consulting, University of New Hampshire, Eastern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Technical College System
Board or Volunteer Service
Junior Achievement of Southern Ma, Board Member 1995-2007, Chairman of the board 2003-2005.
Interests
Golf, Guitar, Fitness
Governance, Strategic Planning
Governance, Strategic Planning
About
For more than 40 years, Maggie Ford has used her experience in fundraising and organizational development to help nonprofits increase organization effectiveness and sustain financial health. Her expertise includes strategic planning; planning for fund development, including capital campaigns; and survey design and analysis. She is skilled in presenting information to decision makers, boards, staff and volunteers, to help set clear direction.
Why do you consult with ESC?
We help a broad spectrum of clients identify viable resolutions to the challenges they face, providing an experienced neutral third party perspective in charting a future.
Top areas of expertise
- Governance
- Strategic Planning
ESC Clients
- Castle in the Clouds
- Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust
- Southern Vermont Arts Center
- Bridgton Historical Society
MORE ABOUT MAGGIE
Career experience
Owner and President, Ford Consulting, LLC; Direct or Development, University of New Haven; Past President, AAUW Education Foundation; Senior Development Associate, University of Hartford
Education
BA, English Literature, University of New Hampshire
MAT, Teaching and Secondary English Education, University of New Hampshire
Board or Volunteer Service
University of Hartford, University of New Haven, Ford Consulting, University of New Hampshire, Eastern Connecticut State University, Connecticut State Technical College System
Governance, Marketing, Strategic Planning
Governance, Marketing, Strategic Planning
About
Fiona Epstein has over three decades of experience in nonprofit management and was most recently the VP of Youth and Adult Engagement at the JCC Greater Boston. She has honed her skills in planning, program development, fundraising, and team building as a member of the executive team. Additionally, she brings strong leadership and facilitation skills to the projects she engages in, including her current role as lead volunteer for resettling an Afghan family.
Why do you consult with ESC?
As a recent retiree I wanted to continue to impact mission driven non profit organizations and help them become even more effective in delivering programs and services. This was also an opportunity to continue to refine my skills, remain stimulated and to meet new and interesting people.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
Since most of the consultants are retired they bring wisdom and experience and generosity of their time. The unique blend of teams that pair consultants from the public and private sector provides interesting perspectives and rich mix of skills for each project
Top areas of expertise
- Governance
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
ESC Clients
- Somerville Homeless Coalition
MORE ABOUT FIONA
Career experience
Vice President, Youth Services and Adult Engagement JCC Greater BostonVice President, Youth Services and Adult Engagement JCC Greater Boston
Education
• Master’s degree, Jewish Communal WorkMaster’s degree, Jewish Communal Work, Brandeis University
• BA Social Work, University of the Witwatersrand
Board or Volunteer Service
Jewish Community Day School, Watertown; Brandeis Alumni Board; Diller Teens International Advisory Board.
Steering Committee, NBARC- Newton Brookline Asylum Resettlement Committee
Interests
My husband and I are taking the opportunity of our recent retirement to travel for long periods. We have visited many countries but are drawn to African safaris. I’m interested in food both tasting, eating at restaurants and cooking. I’m an avid reader, attend lectures, theater and dance performances Exercise – pilates, weights and walking. Crosswords and Spelling Bee are a daily staple.
With NPR and MSNBC on in the background I am engaged in current events and focused on political issues, gun violence and housing.
Branding, Marketing, Positioning and Messaging, Strategic Planning
Branding, Marketing, Positioning and Messaging, Strategic Planning
About
Janice has over thirty years of experience specializing in marketing, new product development and strategic planning with an emphasis on helping organizations increase awareness, enhance positioning and strengthen their brand. Her senior management experience spans both the nonprofit and private sectors primarily with educational and financial institutions. As Director of the Executive MBA program at Boston University, Janice enhanced marketing and admissions to increase student satisfaction and sustain the program’s competitiveness. Janice spent a large part of her career at Fidelity Investments as Vice President of Marketing specializing in the analysis of consumer trends and competitive insights to lead the development and marketing of new products.
Why do you consult with ESC?
Nonprofits often come to ESC when they are at an inflection point needing to grow their clients, enhance their awareness, shift direction or possibly amplify their fundraising. It is gratifying to assist them to identify strategic alternatives, assess the competitive landscape, create strong positioning and help them strengthen their brand.
Top areas of expertise
- Branding
- Marketing
- Positioning and Messaging
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- Literations (ESC Fellow)
- Urban College of Boston
- Boston Jewish Film Festival
- National Bureau of Economic Research
MORE ABOUT JANICE
Career experience
Director, Executive MBA program, Boston University; Vice President of Marketing, Fidelity Investments; Vice President, Bank of New England; Assistant Vice President, BayBanks; Director of Planning, Mass. Dept. of Mental Health
Education
BA, History, Ithaca College
Masters of Social Planning, Community Organization and Social Planning, Boston College School of Social Work
MBA, Questrom School of Business, Boston University
Board or Volunteer Service
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
Development Assessment, Executive and Volunteer Coaching, Operations, Program Development, Strategic Planning, Training and Workshops
Development Assessment, Executive and Volunteer Coaching, Operations, Program Development, Strategic Planning, Training and Workshops
About
Diane DeMarco has over 30 years of experience in development management for various nonprofit sectors. As an ESC consultant, she shares her expertise in fundraising with nonprofits in social services, environment, health, education, and community services. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) and owner of Consultants for Institutional Advancement, a fundraising consulting practice serving greater Boston and New England nonprofits.
Top areas of expertise
- Development Assessment
- Executive and Volunteer Coaching
- Operations
- Program Development
- Strategic Planning
- Training and Workshops
- ESC Clients
- Southeastern New Hampshire Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services
- Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House C
- Foundation for MetroWest
- Raising a Reader Massachusetts
- Cambridge Children and Family Services
MORE ABOUT DIANE
Career experience
Before working as an independent consultant, Diane held key fundraising positions in several institutions such as the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Joslin Diabetes Center, and the Trustees of Reservations. She also served as Vice President and Senior Counsel at Copley Harris Company concurrently for eight years.
Board or Volunteer Service
Currently Diane serves on the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation. She is a devoted American Cancer Society volunteer having participated in 29 consecutive Making Strides Walks as a Pacesetter fundraiser. Prior board service includes Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue and the Zonta Club of Malden/Zonta International.
Business Planning, Finance, Operation, Strategic Planning
Business Planning, Finance, Operation, Strategic Planning
About
John Deeley is a highly experienced financial, operational, and strategic management professional with over 40 years of experience serving the higher education and academic medical center community both as a leader and a senior consultant. He has expertise in managing administration, finance, human resources, facilities, libraries, operations, and research, as well as strategic partner negotiations and development planning. In addition to his management and consulting work, John has served as an ESC consultant on projects such as the Lexington Global Warming Action Committee, the Neponset River Watershed Association, and led the strategic planning projects with Cairn Hill Preschool in Lynn, MA and the Wade Institute for Science and Education in Quincy, MA.
Why do you consult with ESC?
ESC is well known in the local nonprofit community. I preferred its business model where nonprofits needed to pay a consulting fee for services. A fee arrangement helps the organization take the services provided by ESC seriously.
Most memorable experience?
Checking back with clients to see them implementing the results of the strategic plan projects.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
Some orgs charge much more than ESC for the services rendered-a level that many nonprofits can’t afford and some orgs don’t charge for their services. I think ESC provides a good balance of getting commitments from the organization for resources to support our organization. The result is that we have a small cadre of support centrally to manage the administrative functions of the organization.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?
Working with clients to understand the issues they are struggling to address and working through solutions that will resolve these issues.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Finance
- Operation
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- Cairn Hill Nature Preschool
- My Turn
- Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition
- Neponset River Watershed Association
- Wade Institute for Science and Education
MORE ABOUT JOHN
Career experience
Senior Manager-Higher Education/Academic Medical Centers, Attain LLC McLean, VA; Associate Dean-Finance and Business, Howard School of Medicine Washington; Executive Dean, Brown University Division of Biology and Medicine; VP-Finance and Operations, University of Miami Miller Medical School; Vice Dean for Administration, New York University School of Medicine; Dean for Administration and Finance, Harvard Medical School
Board or Volunteer Service
Home Owner’s Associations -four associations. Held position of President or Treasurer
Chairman, Hingham Democratic Town Committee
Town of Hingham Audit Committee
Interests
I enjoy bicycling and working out at a local gym. Four times per year I travel to other parts of the country for a week of bicycling. Politically I am involved in the local town committee-I am the chair of my local town committee.
Business Planning, Coaching, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Strategic Planning
Business Planning, Coaching, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, Strategic Planning
About
Pat is a skilled coach who helps corporate, legal, and nonprofit leaders optimize organizational performance through collaboration and clear messaging. With experience in management positions in financial services, consulting, and small business ownership, Pat brings a wealth of expertise to his work. He has also served on the boards of several arts and cultural organizations and focuses on strategic planning, board development, and leadership coaching in the nonprofit sector.
Why do you consult with ESC?
Helping others feels good.
Most memorable experience?
Taking a private tour of the Worcester Art Museum’s vaulted storage area!
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- ArtsWorcester
- Worcester Art Museum
MORE ABOUT PATRICK
Career experience
Current: Director, Business Risk & Controls for BaaSDirector, Business Risk & Controls for BaaS, Webster Bank
Pass: Director, Technology: Third-Party Risk, Strategy and Program Management, Santander US; Lead Consultant / Founder, Norumbega Securities Services; Managing Director and Integration Lead, Securities Services, The Bank of New York Mellon
Education
Bachelor’s, EconomicsBachelor’s, Economics, University of CincinnatiUniversity of Cincinnati
Certificate Program, Agile Contract Management, Villanova UniversityVillanova University
Board or Volunteer Service
Fuller Craft Museum: Board Chair; Charles River Swim Club: Board Member, Chair of Safety Team; Newton Cultural Council, Governance Committee; Society of Arts and Crafts, Advisory Board, Governance
Interests
Tea importing, anthropology, and open water swimming
Business Planning, Coaching, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Finance, Human Resources
Business Planning, Coaching, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Finance, Human Resources
About
Peggy Cohn is a seasoned professional with over thirty years of experience in driving growth and customer satisfaction. She has expertise in leveraging data, analytics, and technology to lead cross-functional teams in delivering marketplace offerings within budget and on time. Peggy has experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, and she holds an MBA in Finance from New York University.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Finance
- Human Resources
- ESC Clients
- The Boston Home
MORE ABOUT PEGGY
Career experience
Senior Director, Product Management – Dun & Bradstreet; Manager, Center of Excellence – Open Ratings; Risk Management Consultant – Self-Employed; Senior Risk Management Consultant – Robert M. Currey & Associates; Managing Director, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
Education
MBA, FinanceMBA, Finance, NYU Stern School of BusinessNYU Stern School of Business
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Economics, Cornell UniversityCornell University
Board or Volunteer Service
Children’s Center of Lexington, Lexington, MA – past Treasurer and Board of Directors Member
Interests
Women’s reproductive health; Financial literacy (coach for Women’s Money Matters, formerly Budget Buddies); Literacy training (volunteer for Literations, coaching early readers); Health education for seniors, volunteer income tax preparer
Fundraising, Governance, Strategic Planning
Fundraising, Governance, Strategic Planning
About
Bonnie Clendenning has a lifetime of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and external relations. She has spent much of her career helping nonprofits plan, organize, and direct strategic and fundraising initiatives.
Why do you consult with ESC?
We consultants don’t get paid monetarily; we get satisfaction from doing an excellent job for our clients. Many organizations are helping their clients succeed but not many are working as sincerely as ESC does.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
Volunteers work for love and are not constrained by hourly rates. Consultants can freely call on the expertise of other consultants when required.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?
Most of the time the clients are in a better place than before ESC began work with them, and we often keep in touch with them long after the assignment is over. I am continually learning and broadening my own horizons.
Top areas of expertise
- Fundraising
- Governance
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- Worcester Art Museum
- Jamestown Philomenian Library
- 51 Walden
- Metrowest Mediation Services
MORE ABOUT BONNIE
Career experience
The School for Field Studies (President and Trustee); Archaeological Institute of America; The Education Alliance; Radcliffe College (now the Radcliffe Institute at Harvard); The University Hospital (now part of Boston Medical Center); The Fletcher School and The School of Medicine at Tufts University; the World Federation of Friends of Museums (Brussels); International Council of Museums at UNESCO
Education
BA in Russian Civilization, Smith College
MA in International Relations, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
JD, New England Law/Boston
Board or Volunteer Service
Empower Success Corps; Focus on Tanzanian Communities; New Repertory Theatre; Newton Community Chorus; The Boston Club; Massachusetts Bay Community College; Fuller Craft Museum; Massachusetts State Committee of the Museum of Women in the Arts
Interests
Gardening, international travel, reading
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Program and leadership development, Retreat facilitation, Strategic Planning, Succession planning
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Program and leadership development, Retreat facilitation, Strategic Planning, Succession planning
About
Cassandra Clay is a nonprofit consultant and clinical practitioner with over thirty years in social work and education. Clay provides consulting and coaching on systems improvement for nonprofits, and has been a member of numerous social work research teams. Cassandra also has delivered presentations and training on cultural responsibility and cultural humility and is actively engaged in collaborating to create DEIB systems changes in organizations.
Why do you consult with ESC?
Consultants can sometimes feel a bit like marriage counselors when called in during a crisis situation. Whether we are doing crisis intervention or working at a slower pace and more strategically, the goal is to attend to relationship building so that good data can be captured. We work to help the client accurately assess organizational needs and to collaboratively lay the groundwork for long term success.
Top areas of expertise
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Program and leadership development
- Retreat facilitation
- Strategic Planning
- Succession planning
- ESC Clients
- Chica Project
- DOVE, Inc.
- St. Katherine Drexel Parish
- Family Continuity
MORE ABOUT CASSANDRA
Career experience
Cassandra, who taught at the BU School of Social Work for more than 20 years, is now a professor emeriti, member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, and currently serves as a Boston University Trustee.. She is the former program chair for a child health and wellness collaboration between the Links, Inc. and the BPS King School and a former fellow at Center for Social Policy at UMass/Boston. Cassandra currently runs a private counseling practice and serves on the board of Metro Housing Boston, an organization committed to providing housing stability for Boston area residents.
Board or Volunteer Service
Institute for Health and Recovery
Links Incorporated
United South End Settlements
Higher Ground Advisory Board
Education
Boston University’s School of Social Work
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Fisk University
Fundraising, Marketing, Strategic Planning
Fundraising, Marketing, Strategic Planning
About
Mike Byrnes has been a consultant with ESC since 2010. Currently, president of Byrnes Consulting, LLC, Mike helps organizations become even more successful. He is a recognized thought leader that has been published 400 times in over 40 media outlets.
Why do you consult with ESC?
Over the years I have found it incredibly rewarding to partner with ESC to help local nonprofits increase their success so they can better fulfill their missions. Multiple times I was on a board that used ESC’s strategic planning services and saw the positive impact the advice had. Years later I realized I too wanted to help other charities in a similar way.
Most memorable experience?
I have been extremely impressed with fellow consultants that I have been teamed up with. For one branding project I was teamed up with an ESC consultant that had helped create the General Electric (GE) tagline, “We bring good things to life.”
Top areas of expertise
- Fundraising
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- JazzBoston C
- Ford Hall Forum
- Operation ABLE
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
MORE ABOUT MIKE
Career experience
Owner of Byrnes Consulting. Previously worked at Commonwealth Financial Network, Liberty Mutual, Fidelity Investments, Pioneer Investments (now Amundi Pioneer), IXIS Asset Management (now Natixis) and Mellon Financial (now BNY Mellon.)
Education
BS in Business Administration, Saint Michael’s College
MBA, Boston College’s Wallace E. Carroll Graduate School of Management
Board or Volunteer Service
The Good Shepherd School, COMPASS, Holden School
Interests
Mike loves spending family time with his wonderful son and daughter. Some of his favorite things to do with them are going on trips, swimming, golfing, hiking and skiing. He has coached is kids’ baseball and soccer teams. He also is a league coordinator and creator of the first-ever Kingston baseball clinic, a week-long camp for 2nd to 7th graders that includes a ‘Red Sox night out’ at Fenway Park for 100 people.
He is an active member of his church. He is a Haiti180 missionary and volunteer. He also volunteers to help with the St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry. He is a member of the Dynamic Parish Committee for the Saints Mary & Joseph Collaborative. He is a third-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and is a council officer. He also helps as an overnight chaperone for the homeless in his area.
Mike is a frequent blood donor and has helped organize several blood drives.
Favorite quote
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Business Planning, Coaching, Facilitation, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning
Business Planning, Coaching, Facilitation, Governance, Operations, Strategic Planning
About
Skip Burns has over 35 years of experience in leadership, facilitation, coaching, and project management. He has expertise in strategic planning, Six Sigma, troubleshooting, and business improvement aimed at maximizing customer value. Skip has served as board chair for Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island and is currently on the board of the William M Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School in Lincoln, RI.
Why do you consult with ESC?
ESC is different from other consulting services in that it uses a team based approach to bring more experience, new ideas and consulting team bandwidth to clients. The team based approach is a great way to meet and work with new people. In my experience, ESC clients have been grateful for and benefit from the ESC team’s providing a roadmap to strengthen, change and improve in client organizations. As an ESC volunteer, it’s been a very rewarding experience.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Facilitation
- Governance
- Operations
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- Acton Community Supper and Food Pantry
- Dighton Public Library
- The Boston Home
MORE ABOUT SKIP
Career experience
Program Director, Director, Six Sigma Projects, Manufacturing and Engineering Manager all at Raytheon.
Education
Clarkson University, Masters, Business Administration
Rutgers University BS, Industrial Engineering.
Board or Volunteer Service
Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island; Wm M Davies, Jr. Career and Technical High School, Empower Success Corps on Strategic Planning Teams.
Back Office Operations, Information Technology, Program Management
Back Office Operations, Information Technology, Program Management
Irving Burday is an accomplished technology and operations leader with over 25 years of experience leading change and innovation within emerging and mid-sized organizations. He has held several leadership roles during his career including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Information Officer, and VP of Corporate Planning. Irving is also an executive coach who helps leaders build executive presence, manage conflict, and improve leadership capabilities. Irving is also on the board of Great Bay Services, a human services nonprofit organization based in NH and Maine
Why do you consult with ESC?Nonprofits face challenging decisions about where to invest in their technology environment to both scale their operations and manage costs. Taking the time to develop a detailed technology strategy can provide the clarity about where and when to invest in the environment.
Top areas of expertise
- Back Office Operations
- Information Technology
- Program Management
- Father Bill’s & MainSpring C
- East Smithfield Library
MORE ABOUT IRVING
BS, Finance, Northeastern University
Information Technology, Marketing, Strategic Planning
Information Technology, Marketing, Strategic Planning
About
Anne Brazao is an experienced marketing professional with over 20 years of expertise in branding, message development, and content creation. She has provided marketing solutions to a diverse range of organizations, from technology start-ups to large global enterprises. With a unique background spanning marketing, sales, and professional services, Anne uses her skills to help her clients accelerate growth and increase brand awareness.
Top areas of expertise
- Information Technology
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- The Rotch Jones-Duff House & Garden
MORE ABOUT ANNE
Career experience
Current: chief content strategist, BrassOwl Marketing LLC
Past: Director of Content Marketing: Strategy, Operations, and Brand, Privitar; Sr. Content Strategist: GBU is responsible for content marketing operations and strategy, Oracle; Key Solution/Product Marketing Executive and Sr. manager, Dell EMC
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Eckerd CollegeEckerd College
Business Planning, Program Management, Strategic Planning
Business Planning, Program Management, Strategic Planning
About
Elizabeth is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in various business functions, including project management, process development, strategic planning, procurement, change management, and organizational design. She spent most of her career working for pharmaceutical companies, where patient needs guided project objectives. Now, Elizabeth is motivated to support non-profit organizations in the Boston area in achieving their goals by joining a project team.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Program Management
- Strategic Planning
- METCO C
- EqualityMaine
MORE ABOUT ELIZABETH
BS in Chemical Engineering, University of Louisville Degree
Coaching, Governance, Strategic Planning
Coaching, Governance, Strategic Planning
About
Louise is a seasoned financial executive with deep operating experience. Her board governance expertise is evidenced by extensive board service, and her standing as a faculty member of the Risk Management Association. She has substantial experience in board development, risk management, operations, and financial management in both large and small organizations worldwide.
Why do you consult with ESC?
I feel it’s very worthwhile because I am able to learn a lot while giving back. I have been very fortunate in my life and career, so I want to help the non profit sector. I also appreciate the collegial atmosphere fostered by ESC and have made some really good new friends as a result, which is not so easy later in life.
Most memorable experience?
Getting to learn about all of the wonderful work being done by so many people and organizations and being able to provide support to further the goals of these organizations by sharing knowledge and providing information.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
I believe ESC is unique in the offerings we provide, which are more varied and comprehensive than other consulting organizations. We also are unusual in our flexible approach of adding spacialist consultants as needed, which results in a very cost effective engagement for the client.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?
The most satisfying experience is helping to transform an organization that has an important mission from a nonprofit, which is floundering and lurching from crisis to crisis, into a well oiled machine engaged in effectively generating posiitve outcomes that are having a meaningful impact in the community they serve.
Top areas of expertise
- Coaching
Interests
- Governance
- Strategic Planning
- Family Continuity
- The House of the Seven Gables
- LEAP for Education C
- Chica Project
MORE ABOUT LOUISE
Currently Ms. Borke serves as the Organization VP of the Northern New England Region of Hadassah, where she was a past Chapter President. She chairs the Honorary Board of the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress, where she previously served as Board Chair and Chair of the Governance Committee. As a member of the Department of Developmental Services’ Regional Citizen Advisory Board for the Merrimack Valley, Ms. Borke also serves on their Complaint Resolution Team. She is a Trustee of the Massachusetts State Committee of the National Museum for Women in the Arts. Her past leadership has included multiple Board Chair and Trustee positions.
During the Romney administration, Ms. Borke was a member of the Governor’s Public Education Nominating Council. She also tutors middle school girls at Esperanza Academy in Lawrence as a member of the Merrimack Valley Jewish Literacy Coalition.
Education
BS in Economics, Multinational Enterprise and Organizational Management, University of Pennsylvania, The Wharton School
Board or Volunteer Service
Merrimack Valley Chapter of Hadassah and Northern New England Region of Hadassah; MA Down Syndrome Congress; National Down Syndrome Society; Down Syndrome Affiaites in Action; Department of Developmental Services Regional Citizen Advisory Board for the Merrimack Valley; MA State Committee of the National Museum for Women in the Arts; Public Education Nominating Council of the Commonwealth of MA
Interests
Exercising, walking, listening to podcasts, reading, watching movies, rug hooking, donating platelets, playing mahjong
Management, Operations, Program Development
Management, Operations, Program Development
About
Alexander Bezek has over a decade of experience in Youth Development, specializing in curriculum design, program facilitation, and organizational leadership. A strong advocate for community development, he is dedicated to providing high-quality programs, resources, and mentorship to underserved youth. Passionate about financial literacy, especially within BIPOC communities, Alexander runs his own LLC where he conducts financial literacy workshops for teens and young adults.
Why do you consult with ESC?
To hone in on my professional skill set.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?
Knowing that I am supporting nonprofits across the New England region in attaining their goals.
Top areas of expertise
- Management
- Operations
- Program Development
MORE ABOUT ALEXANDER
Career experience
Deputy Director, Providence After School Alliance (PASA), Senior Program Director, YMCA of Greater New York, Operations Director, YMCA of Greater Boston.
Interests
Reading, lifting weights, hanging out with family and friends.
Education
Masters in Education, Providence College.
Bachelor’s Degree, Sociology, minor in Black Studies, Providence College,
Executive Coaching, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Succession planning
Executive Coaching, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Succession planning
About
Bruce Berzin has over 40 years of experience in Finance and General Management in both the private and non-profit sectors. He has been responsible for multiple organizational turnarounds, specializing in risk management, finance, and operations. Bruce’s tenure as a nonprofit board member and executive provide him with a unique perspective from which to tackle clients’ strategic and governance challenges.
Top areas of expertise
- Finance
- Management
- Family and Children’s Services of Greater Lynn
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
MORE ABOUT BRUCE
Career experience
Trustee & Treasurer; Retired President, Habitat for Humanity of Fairfield County; COO & CFO, Dalet Digital Media Systems; Vice Chairman, SCORE, Fairfield County; Senior Banker, Senior Credit Office, J.P. Morgan & Co.
MBA, Business, Harvard Business School
Board or Volunteer Service
Habitat for Humanity of Fairfield County, Dalet SA, Secours Catholique-France, Family and Children’s Services of Greater Lynn, Community Action Partners, Harvard Business School
Branding, Marketing, Positioning and Messaging, Strategic Planning
Branding, Marketing, Positioning and Messaging, Strategic Planning
About
Marjorie Bauer has over 30 years of experience using market research and marketing strategies to help address key issues for both nonprofit and for profit organizations. Her expertise includes strategic planning, brand positioning, outcomes measurement, competitive analysis, and determining trends in the marketplace. She is adept at research design and analysis that identifies insights into people’s needs, wants and expectations. She is skilled in interpreting data and presenting the information to decision makers, helping set clear direction.
Why do you consult with ESC?
So many of the nonprofits that we work with have an amazing story to tell, but don’t convey it as well as they might. Often they are not able to prioritize strategic marketing – to determine what sets them apart from other organizations, or to evaluate what messages work best for potential funders and other important constituents. We help them articulate what makes them unique and how to provide more effective ways to convey this clearly and concisely.
Top areas of expertise
- Branding
- Marketing
- Positioning and Messaging
- Strategic Planning
- Cambridge Public Library
- Maud Morgan Arts
- Gore Place
- Boston Jewish Film Festival
- National Bureau of Economic Research
MORE ABOUT MARJORIE
Education
MBA from Boston University School of Management
MSW from the University of Pennsylvania
BA from Simmons College
Business Planning, Coaching, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Finance, Governance, Human Resources, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Training
Business Planning, Coaching, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, Finance, Governance, Human Resources, Marketing, Strategic Planning, Training
About
Dr. Claudia Bach has extensive experience in education as a superintendent of schools in Oregon and Massachusetts, with a special interest in leadership, strategic planning, governance, hiring, evaluation, and financial planning. She led the development of a new educator evaluation system while working as the Director of Educator Policy, Planning and Leadership at the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Dr. Bach holds a master’s degree from Harvard Graduate School of Education and a doctoral degree from Harvard’s Urban Superintendents Program.
Why do you consult with ESC?
A colleague had heard about ESC and passed some information about the organization on to me. I immediately was interested because I was looking for meaningful work once I retired. I remain very interested in this work and eager to continue participating on ESC’s various committees (especially DEI) and doing more consultant work.
Most memorable experience?
My most memorable work was as an ESC Fellow. I was placed with Education Pioneers, where I was embedded for 6 months and then afterwards did a 3-month consultancy, and then finally became a member of EP’s greater Boston Alumni Council.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
Well, first of all, the consulting work is very affordable, so this is a service that nonprofits with small budgets can access. Secondly, ESC typically provides a team of consultants, so we can meet the needs of our non-profit clients with professional, skilled expertise in more than one area.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?I most enjoy finding ways to have clients find their own solutions to their challenges, and I love being part of a team of consultants.
Top areas of expertise
- Business Planning
- Coaching
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Finance
- Governance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Strategic Planning
- Training
- Essex County Greenbelt Association C
- Education Pioneers
MORE ABOUT CLAUDIA
PreK-12 public and private schools (various locations) – Teacher; Lewis and Clark College – Professor of Ethics (graduate course); Harvard Graduate School of Education – Professor of Managing Negotiations (graduate course)
Education
Harvard Graduate School of Education: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Urban Superintendents Program; Master’s degree, Labor Relations and Negotiations
The Ohio State University: Bachelor of Science (BS), English and History
Board or Volunteer ServiceTrustee, Board of Trustees, Pike SchoolCo-Chair, Alumni Council, Harvard Graduate School of Education
Member, Alumni Council Greater Boston, Education Pioneers
Interests
Writing, mentoring & coaching, cycling, Fitness time at gym
I serve on a number of committees, councils and boards – mainly with Harvard, Pike School, League of Women Voters, Andover Public Schools, and the Town of Andover. I do some coaching and a good bit of mentoring. I enjoy writing, reading and fairly strenuous exercise at the gym. I love working with my spouse on home projects and our garden. I follow with great pride the work of my two sons – one a family practice physician, and the other a documentary producer with a focus on climate change.
Consultant
Consultant
About
Charlie has over thirty years of experience in engineering and technology development. Throughout his career, he has provided strategic and operational expertise to drive development of emerging technology products while optimizing development capabilities. He was instrumental in the formation of an outsourcing strategy and team which resulted in 50% savings in resource and schedule. He has also led several cost transformations with one resulting in over $50M/year in savings.
Why do you consult with ESC?
To leverage my skills, experience and passion in addressing conservation and environmental issues.
Most memorable experience?
Receiving the Caleb Loring, Jr. Award for consulting excellence in 2020.
How are the services ESC provides different than other consulting organizations?
ESC provides a great team based approach and ability to tap into incredible levels of expertise to address client issues and challenges.
What aspects of the consulting give you the most satisfaction?
The ability to match Consultants passions with nonprofit needs.
Top areas of expertise
- Coaching
- Operation
- Strategic Planning
- Norcross Wildlife Foundation
- Lexington Global Warming Action Coalition
- Momental Foundation FKA Mistletoe
- Neponset River Watershed Association
MORE ABOUT CHARLES
Career experience: Director of Engineering, Dell and EMC
Education: University of Massachusetts, Masters of Science Computer Engineering
Board or Volunteer Service: Appalachian Mountain Club
Interests: Hiking, skiing, long distance backpacking
Consultant
Consultant
About
Cora Beth Abel is a consultant with a background in science/technology and design arts, and specializes in education and workforce development. She has over 14 years of experience serving as President & CEO of MSEF Inc., where she led the statewide Science Fair programs and raised over $3M for youth initiatives. Ms. Abel has also co-founded and led MassBioEd, where she designed and directed BioTeach, a workforce development model for the life sciences.
Top areas of expertise
- Coaching
- Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging
- Facilitation
- Fundraising and Development
- Strategic Planning
- ESC Clients
- Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools
MORE ABOUT CORA BETH
Career experience
President, Abel Design LLC Consultant; President & CEO, Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair Inc. (MSEF); Vice President & Founding Director, Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation (MassBioEd) and Director of Education, Mass Bio
Education
Master, Education & Design, Harvard University
Bachelor, Mathematics, Economics, Buffalo State University
Board or Volunteer Service
Cambridge Center for Adult Education (20 years)
Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board
Cambridge Tennis Club
Artspace Condominium Association
Interests
Ms. Abel enjoys writing, designing, playing tennis, hiking local trails, participating in book discussions and writers’ groups, and being a member of the Harvard Institute for Learning in Retirement community.
Global Research Director,* NPD Group, Inc. (last position held)
Global Research Director,* NPD Group, Inc. (last position held)
Education: BA in Art History, Oberlin College; MBA, Simmons University; Certificate in Museum Studies, Tufts University
ESC Involvement: ESC Consultant since 2015. Elected to the Board January 2023.
Career Highlights: Carol most recently held Research Director and Product Management positions at The NPD Group, Inc., a market research company. She served as an internal survey research consultant to all business units and launched numerous ongoing research programs in the US, Europe, Latin America and Asia. Previously Carol was COO of STS Market Research where she created and managed a consumer research panel for the apparel industry and oversaw the operational and financial aspects of the company.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Membership & Development Manager at the Photographic Resource Center (volunteer); former board member, Simmons School of Management Alumnae Association; member, New England Museum Association.
CME Consulting, Principal (Retired)
CME Consulting, Principal (Retired)
Education : BS, Economics, Boston University ; Faculté de Droit et des Sciences Économiques, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
ESC Involvement: Joined ESC Board in 2021 and consultant since 2018.
Career Highlights: Chelinde is the founder of CME Consulting, an independent employee benefits consulting practice. Prior experience in the group insurance business includes Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (1997-2009); Director/Vice President of National Underwriting, Healthsource, Inc. (1996-1997); and Director of Underwriting, Tufts Health Plans (1995-1996). As an ESC Consultant, Chelinde offers expertise in strategic planning, grant writing, needs assessment, and program and service evaluation and has served on ESC consulting teams for ESC clients UWander and Hope House.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Current Board Member, Haiti Development Institute; former Trustee at Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc.; former Chair of the Haitian Multi Service Center Board in Boston, MA.
Certifications CLU, Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), American College of Financial Services.
Founder and President, Marketing & Management Associates for Nonprofits
Founder and President, Marketing & Management Associates for Nonprofits
Education: B.A., Barnard College; Master of Arts and PhD, Columbia University;
MBA Northeastern University.
ESC Involvement: Elected to the Board January 2025. Dorothy was the Board President at the Worcester Art Museum when she recommended ESC to develop the museum’s multi-year strategic plan.
Career Highlights: Works with regional and national foundations, arts commissions and arts councils, as well as cultural, educational, and human services organizations. Projects include strategic/business planning; governance, organizational and operational assessment; market research and audience development.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Recent past Board President, Worcester Art Museum; board member The Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Arts Extension Service of UMASS, Amherst.
Past Board chair YWCA Boston; co-chair WGBH Community Board; Leadership Board Beth Israel Lahey Hospital; board member Visitors Studies Association, New England Museum Association, Massachusetts Foundation for Humanities, The Bostonian Society; Barnard College President’s Advisory Council and Class Vice President.
Finance and Accounting, Governance, Strategic Planning.
Finance and Accounting, Governance, Strategic Planning.
Education: BS and MS from MIT, MBA from Boston University
ESC Involvement: Consultant since 2019, Board Member since 2024, Finance Committee Member since 2023.
Career Highlights: A senior manager with broad-based experience in manufacturing, technology, and financial services including international operations, along with advising non-profits on financial sustainability and board governance. Background includes leadership and strategy-setting roles in finance, accounting, planning, acquisitions and divestitures. Served as CFO at WobbleWorks, Inc., 2016-2018; and Founder and Principal/Practice Director at Patina Solutions, 2003-2016. Currently advises women-owned start-up businesses on strategic planning and how to achieve profitability. Occasionally accepts interim CFO positions.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Former member of the Executive, Finance, Audit and Auction committees for the Center for Women and Enterprise. As former Treasurer, communicated to the Board on a quarterly basis on the status of the financial and cash position of the organization and provided financial forecasts.
MORE ABOUT JOEL
Career experience
WobbleWorks, Inc.; Patina Solutions, formerly Accretive Solutions and The Pentad Group Inc.; Parson Consulting LLC; Availant, Inc. (formerly Clam Associates); Fluor Daniel GTI, Inc.; I.D.E. Corporation; Coopers & Lybrand (CPA)
Education
BS and MS, Biochemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MBA, Accounting and Finance, Boston University, Questrom School of Management
Board or Volunteer Service
Board member and Treasurer for the Center for Women & Enterprise
Interests
Traveling, hiking, and bicycling
Principal – Hekima Consulting
Principal – Hekima Consulting
Education: BA, Hobart & William Smith College; Certificate of Special Studies in Management & Administration, Harvard University; Certificate in Financial Planning, Boston University; Certificate of Nonprofit Board Consulting, BoardSource.
ESC Involvement: Elected Board Treasurer April 2023; ESC DEIB Committee (since 2020), ESC Finance Committee (since 2021) and Board Member (first elected 2021)
Career Highlights: Penny has over 35 years of financial services leadership experience in private banking, wealth management and commercial banking, most recently with SVB, (a division of First Citizens Bank). She has also served as President, Executive and Finance Committee Chair, development, governance, search committee and board member for nonprofits with revenue ranging from $17 million to start-up. In March 2019, she earned a Certificate in Nonprofit Board Consulting from BoardSource (Washington, D.C.), formally deepening her governance expertise. Penny’s interest in board governance, strategic planning, commitment to accessible capital and resources for under-represented populations, are integral to the range of Boston-area nonprofit organizations and professional associations she has spent time leading, advising, mentoring, granting to, raising funds for, and recruiting support.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Lead Boston (YW) graduate, class of 2021; The Philanthropy Connection Board member and DE&I Committee Co-chair; Focus on Tanzanian Communities, Board member; Minds Matter Boston, Board of Directors Vice Chair and Governance Committee chair (past); Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Trustee, four years (past); Miss Porter’s School Board Chair and member, fifteen years (past); Boston Estate Planning Council, Trustee, three years (past); and Family Services of Greater Boston, three years (past)
Vice President, ADE Corporation (retired)
Vice President, ADE Corporation (retired)
Education: BS, M.E., Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn; MS, Management, Northeastern University.
ESC Involvement: ESC Consultant since 2002. Elected to the Board January 2018.
Career Highlights: In addition to serving as the Interim COO of the Jewish Community Centers of Greater Boston, Neil has participated in senior roles at three high-tech start-up companies, one of which went public during his tenure. In addition, he has worked at ADE, Teradyne, Instron and Texas Instruments in a variety of worldwide roles. Neil has been awarded U.S. and International Patents. He was awarded ESC’s Loring Award for Excellence in consulting and the Marshall outstanding project award.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Volunteer tour guide for Boston by Foot, the Boston Public Library, and WGBH. Neil also serves on the Advisory Board for the New England Center for Investigative Reporting as it transitioned to become part of GBH.
Director for Public Service and Pro Bono, Boston University School of Law (last position held)
Director for Public Service and Pro Bono, Boston University School of Law (last position held)
Education: BA, Princeton University; JD, Harvard Law School.
ESC Involvement: Elected to the Board April 2021. ESC Consultant since December 2021.
Career Highlights: Prior to joining the Boston University School of Law in 2019, Toni was the founding director of the Senior Fellows Program at the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF). During an earlier stint as a CLF staff attorney, Toni worked on a wide range of issues, from transportation policy and stormwater management to renewable energy and regional climate action. She has also served as executive director of Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, and as a litigation associate at Ropes & Gray.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Board Chair, Charles River Watershed Association (2023-present, board member since 2020); Board Member, Just Zero (2023-current); Advisory Board Member, Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (2008-present); Formerly National Advisory Board, Union of Concerned Scientists (2007-2014), Head Coach, Girls on the Run Greater Boston (2015-2017).
Executive Director for the Arts, Boston Public Schools (Retired)
Executive Director for the Arts, Boston Public Schools (Retired)
Education: MFA – Music Performance/Education – Governors State University
Career Highlights: Myran is an educator, executive and consultant with over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector providing access to quality education and arts and culture. A key focus of her professional career has been working with organizations on strategic and transition planning, program development and implementation, collective impact model development and public-private partnerships.
She has held senior leadership positions with the Boston Public Schools, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and Longy School of Music at Bard College. Myran has received local, national and international recognition for her work in arts and culture, arts education and arts policy reform. Her recognition includes EdWeek’s “Leader to Learn From” award; the Massachusetts College of Art and Design’s “Excellence in Arts Education” and the “Unsung Hero” award from Boston Dance Alliance. Myran serves as a lead member of the Statewide Arts Coalition, elevating the role of arts and arts education in Massachusetts, initiating legislation and policy reform.
ESC Involvement: Consultant/Volunteer since 2020; Fellow at Fort Point Arts Community, Inc., 2022; Board Member, 2022
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: American Repertory Theater, Board of Trustees; Boston Arts Academy, Board of Trustees; Boston Landmarks Orchestra – Board of Advisors; Community Music Center of Boston, Board of Trustees; EdVestors, Board of Trustees, Longy School of Music at Bard College, Board of Trustees; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Board of Advisors; Boston Chapter of the LINKS; and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Psi Omega Chapter, Boston.
CFO, Haemonetics Corp. (last position held)
CFO, Haemonetics Corp. (last position held)
Education: BS Industrial Engineering, Stanford University; MBA, Columbia University
ESC Involvement: Elected to the Board January 2025. Member of DEIB Committee and since April, 2025 co-chair. Consulting Skills faculty. ESC Consultant since 2008.
Career Highlights: Leadership roles with global companies in manufacturing industries such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals and consumer products. CFO, Haemonetics Corp.; CFO and head of operations, Converse Inc.; CFO Europe, Middle East and Africa, Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. Focus on manufacturing and supply chain management, financial sustainability, operational effectiveness, information systems and turnarounds.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Volunteer mentor with Boston YMCA Training, Inc. computer and office skills career training program for adults since 2008. Formerly member of YMCA Education and Training branch advisory board and partners council; board member, finance committee and chair of audit committee of the Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston; board member, treasurer, Morris County (NJ) Rehabilitation Center (Easter Seal).
National Director of Programs, Liberty Mutual Foundation (last position held)
National Director of Programs, Liberty Mutual Foundation (last position held)
Education: Jackson College/ Tufts University 1972-1976; Certificate Grantmakers for Education Executive Sessions at Harvard Graduate School of Education: Certificate Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship for ESG/CSR Executive Track, 2020.
ESC Involvement: Elected to the Board January 2025. Member of ESC Governance Committee beginning May 2025. Like many I had heard of (Executive Service Corps) as it became Empower Success Corps–and knew several affiliated consultants. Previously my team assessed ESC proposals for Liberty Mutual Foundation. In 2023-2024 I completed the Catalyst Fellows training, joining colleagues in Cohort II.
Career Highlights: Klare retired in 2021 as the National Director of Programs at Liberty Mutual Foundation. She supervised the philanthropy team, reporting to the Foundation President. The team implemented LMIG corporate giving and had oversight for strategy, impact/KPI’s and contributions in Boston, Seattle, Ohio, and Dallas. The foundation invested almost $40M in nonprofits that changed the lives of some of the most vulnerable, seeking to promote equity and self-empowerment. Prior to that position, Klare was a department head at the Boston Public Schools, and a Senior Advisor to then Supt. Carol R. Johnson. Klare’s professional experience blends leadership and expertise from over four decades in philanthropy at the State Arts Council (now MCC), Bank of New England, Boston Globe Foundation, and Barr Foundation.
Klare has also held advisory, staff, and board roles at local and national nonprofits such as EdVestors, Boston Educational Development Fund, Grantmakers in the Arts, Funders Together to End Homelessness (Youth Homelessness sub-group), Philanthropy MA (Summer Fund Committee), New England Blacks in Philanthropy, The Urban Farming Institute of Boston, Action for Boston Community Development, and the Boston Children’s Museum.
Current Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Vice-President of The League of Women for Community Service, Board of the Grimes King Foundation; Advisory Boards: Higher Ground, The Samaritans; and Member Bethel A.M.E. Church, Jamaica Plain.
Selected Awards: Citation From the Boston City Council for Advancing Educational Equity Through Philanthropy 2022/ Boston Education Fund, Trailblazer Award for Educational Equity 2022/ Eastern Bank “Community Advocacy Award” with Sarah-Ann Shaw 2018/ Boston Celtics “Heroes Among Us” Award 2012/ Boston Center for the Arts/ Arts Champion Award 2011/ Discover Roxbury, Roxbury Puddingstone Award 2010 / Black Ministerial Alliance Award 2009.
VP, Group Finance, Misys (last position held)
VP, Group Finance, Misys (last position held)
Education : A.B. (Economics), Dartmouth College ; MBA (Finance), Cornell University.
ESC Involvement:
- Consultant for ESC of Northern New England (ESC-NNE), 2009-18.
- Board of directors, treasurer, and board chair for ESC-NNE, 2015-18 (until ESC-NNE’s acquisition by Empower Success Corps).
- Consultant for Empower Success Corps, 2018-ongoing.
- ESC Finance Committee member since 2023.
- Elected to the ESC Board and Treasurer in 2024.
Career Highlights: Jeff is a retired financial executive for global information services and software companies in the U.S. and U.K., 1980-2008. Positions various financial analyst and manager positions at Dun and Bradstreet (1983-1996); Finance Director, Cognizant Corporation (1997-1998); Senior Director of Finance, IMS Health (1998-2002); Senior Finance Director, Thompson Reuters (2003-2007) and Vice President of Group Finance at Misys (2008). Also served as an adjunct university instructor of business courses, New England College, (2009-2012) and adjunct Instructor & Course Development, Southern New Hampshire University’s College of Online and Continuing Education, as well as Subject Matter Expert for creation of SNHU’s online undergraduate and MBA finance courses (2012-2021).
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Local election volunteer, 2024; Active hiker (currently at 15 of NH’s 48 4000-foot peaks) and trail bicyclist; Longtime leadership roles with local Dartmouth College alumni organizations (1983-2021).
Director of Strategic Management, U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Center (last position held)
Director of Strategic Management, U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe National Transportation Center (last position held)
Education: BA from Wellesley College, Ph.D. in Social Policy from Brandeis University
ESC Involvement: ESC Consultant since 2018, Board Member since 2023
Career Highlights: For over 30 years, Rachel worked for the Volpe Center, a fee-for-service consulting organization within the U.S. Department of Transportation. Rachel held numerous positions including Director of the Technical Center for Transportation Policy and Planning—with a staff of 74 employees, a portfolio of 142 projects for over 50 customers, and a $40 million annual budget. She capped off her career as a key senior advisor to the Volpe Director, identifying and leading major strategic business and organizational initiatives.
Other Boards/Activities/Affiliations: Brandeis Women’s Studies Research Center (Current); Advisory Board, Women’s Transportation Seminar; Transportation Research Board, Management and Productivity Committee.
Selected Awards: U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary’s Award: National Conference on Marine Transportation; Volpe Director’s Award for Integrity, Loyalty, Teamwork and Leadership; Coast Guard Award for Sustained Delivery of Outstanding Products and Services.
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