LAWRENCE — The Merrimack Valley YMCA has hired Chris Meyers of Tewksbury as its next Chief Financial Officer.
In this role, Meyers will provide leadership, direction and partnership in financial operations, management, performance, and strategy.
For more than 25 years, Meyers has held senior financial and technology leadership roles across several YMCA associations, including the YMCA of Greater Boston, MetroWest YMCA, South Shore YMCA, and most recently, the West Suburban YMCA, where he served as Chief Financial Officer.
“Chris comes to our Y with a proven track record and an understanding of the Y’s mission and culture,” said Merrimack Valley YMCA President and CEO Francis J. Kenneally III. “That foundation, coupled with his technical skills and expertise in financial management, is an asset as we look to grow and expand our programs and services.”
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Northeastern University, Meyers began his YMCA career. He’s had experience in many of the Y’s operational arears – from camps and childcare to fitness and membership. Over time, he discovered a deep passion for finance and technology, which became the focus of his professional journey.
Meyers is known for his collaborative leadership style and dedication to mentoring others. He enjoys working closely with engaged board members who are committed to community impact, and with operational directors — helping them understand the financial landscape, modernize systems, and grow into future leaders.
“I feel deeply connected to the Y movement and I am honored to join the Merrimack Valley YMCA, an association I have long admired and been connected to,” Meyers said. “I look forward to working with our talented team to help our association run smoothly, be more efficient, and create systems that allow our employees to do their best work.”
As Meyers joins the team, the Merrimack Valley YMCA is also celebrating the retirement of longtime CFO Cathy Landry, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 14 years of service to the Y.
To learn more about the Merrimack Valley YMCA, visit http://www.mvymca.org
AgeSpan gets support grant
LAWRENCE – AgeSpan is among a group of community-based organizations to receive grant money to support unpaid family caregivers.
More than $400,000 was awarded to fund projects ranging from financial literacy training to resource navigation and community workshops, according to an announcement by Gov. Maura Healey.
AgeSpan, which is headquartered in Lawrence, received a $62,100 grant.
The money will be used to help caregivers in the Merrimack Valley and North Shore navigate the financial challenges of dementia care. A program will provide workshops on elder law and financial planning in partnership with M&T Bank and Northeast Legal Aid. It will also offer $500 stipends to cover estate planning for 100 caregivers.
“Family caregivers work incredibly hard – often holding a full-time job in addition to supporting a loved one,” said Healey. “We know many caregivers struggle with balancing their own work and finances, as well as their loved ones’, and these grants will help provide family caregivers with the support they need to pay the bills.”
AARP estimates the average caregiver pays more than $7,200 annually in out-of-pocket costs for transportation and other needs.
The grant funding comes from the Administration on Aging, which is part of the Administration for Community Living under the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Massachusetts was one of only four states selected to receive the FY 2024 Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers grant, demonstrating the state’s national leadership in aging policy and caregiver support.
“Our community-based organizations know exactly what their communities need, which is why we are so excited to get this funding into their hands,” said Aging & Independence Secretary Robin Lipson.
“These grants will allow organizations on the ground to pilot innovative programs that ease the financial strain on caregivers — whether that’s helping with transportation, groceries, respite care, or other daily costs. By investing in caregivers, we’re investing in the health and stability of families across the Commonwealth.”
Grant-funded programs are expected to begin immediately, with impact reports due to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence this winter.
Lakes group adds to board
CONCORD, N.H. – NH LAKES, a nonprofit working to restore and preserve the health of New Hampshire’s lakes, is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors.
These individuals bring diverse experience and a shared passion for a New Hampshire where all our lakes are clean and healthy, and caring for them is a way of living, doing business and governing.
The new board members are Deborah Hoover, Norm Royce and Larry Keane.
Hoover is a nonprofit attorney and the founder of Feldspar Consulting Group. With deep experience in philanthropy, governance and nonprofit leadership, she also serves as president of the Little Lake Sunapee Protective Association and is a New Hampshire Master Gardener.
Royce is a longtime community leader, having served with the Northwood Lions Club, Northwood Lake Watershed Association, and several town committees. He brings hands-on experience with lake protection programs and a strong commitment to supporting lake associations throughout the state.
Keane is a former prosecutor and senior VP/general counsel of a national trade association. He has served on several conservation nonprofit boards and was president of the Mountain View Lake Protective Association. A full-time resident of Lake Sunapee since 2014, he has long-standing ties to the region.
“We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our team,” said NH LAKES Board Chair Jim Dexter. “Each brings a unique perspective and dedication to our mission that will help us grow and deepen our impact in the community.”
Disability board promoting access
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey this week signed an Executive Order re-establishing the Governor’s Special Advisory Commission on Disability Policy to improve opportunities for people with disabilities, their families and advocates to provide input on policy and program development that will reduce barriers to state services.
“It is very important to me that people with disabilities and their families have a direct line to me and my office,” Healey said. “By establishing this commission, we are getting the input and perspective to make sure that our policies and programs are working for everyone.”
The commission will be chaired by the Massachusetts Office on Disability’s Executive Director Allan Motenko and will consist of at least 24 people appointed by Healey based on recommendations from organizations that support people with disabilities.
Membership will include a diverse group of people who have lived experience, family members of people with disabilities, advocates, a representative from the Statewide Independent Living Council, and executive branch staff who have oversight of state programs supporting these populations.
“Every day our teams offer supports to people across the state to help everyone live full lives in our communities, whether it’s job supports, assistive technology, day programs, or mobility training,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA.
“We want to make sure our own process makes our services truly accessible, and that individuals and families are able to easily find the office and specific programs or supports they need. This commission will allow us to hear first-hand from people with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates,” Mahaniah said.
The first priority of the commission will be to assess where the concerns are for people with disabilities and their families when interacting with state government, as well as ways that the state can promote inclusion in the programs and services the state offers, Healey said.
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