LOWELL COHORT
EMILY BYRNE
District Director for Congresswoman Lori Trahan
Emily Byrne currently serves as the District Director for Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) where she oversees all district office operations. She develops and implements objectives, strategies and operating plans for Congresswoman Trahan’s district. She represents the Congresswoman throughout the district at constituent meetings and community events. Emily maintains communication with the Washington, D.C. office and acts as a liaison between the Congresswoman and district constituents. Prior to joining Congresswoman Trahan’s team, Emily Byrne was a key figure at UMass Lowell and the UMass President’s Office for over 11 years. As a senior advisor to then UMass Lowell Chancellor Marty Meehan from 2007 to 2015, then to UMass President Meehan from 2015 to 2018, Emily interacted with the diverse array of university stakeholders and worked at overseeing the daily operations of the Chancellor’s Office and the executive administration team of the President’s Office.
Emily has lived in Lowell, MA her entire life and attended Lowell Public Schools. She is involved in many local community organizations, including serving on the boards of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell and the Greater Merrimack Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. When not working or helping in the community, Emily enjoys yoga, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Emily graduated from UMass Lowell with a B.S. in Political Science and Criminal Justice and a M.A. in Regional, Economic and Social Development.
JANE CALVIN
Executive Director, Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust
Jane Calvin currently serves as the Executive Director of the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT), a private non-profit conservation organization in Lowell, MA. Jane joined LP&CT in 1995. LP&CT is a small membership-based urban land trust that focuses on land conservation, environmental education, trail connectivity, historic preservation, and urban forestry. Jane is an advocate for urban conservation throughout New England, sat on the national land trust Standards Advisory Team, and is treasurer of the Lowell Heritage Partnership. Prior to joining LP&CT Jane was a high school science teacher, an Outward Bound instructor, and a community forester with the Commonwealth of MA. Jane’s love of community conservation came through work in Baltimore, MD and through solo travel in Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
Jane grew up in Lexington, MA and has lived in Westford, MA for more than twenty years. She is married to Jonathan and they have two sons, Isaac (15) and Silas (17). Jane enjoys hiking, knitting, and travel.
Jane is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire with a B.S. in Biochemistry. She holds a masters degree in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Jane is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE).
YUN-JU CHOI
Chief Executive Officer, Coalition for a Better Acre
Yun-Ju Choi currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for Coalition for a Better Acre in Lowell. She joined Coalition for a Better Acre in May 2014, bringing over 20 years of experience impacting for-profit and nonprofit organizations in the Greater Boston area, most recently at Madison Park Development Corporation as their Managing Director of Programs and Operations. In addition to her work with CDCs, Yun-Ju has experience in the philanthropic sector as Director of Donor Services with The Boston Foundation, as well as senior leadership positions with other nonprofits. She started her professional career in finance before finding her passion in the nonprofit world.
Yun-Ju was born in Seoul, Korea and grew up in Maine. Yun-Ju spent over 20 years living in Boston prior to moving up to the Merrimack Valley. Yun-Ju currently serves on the board of Whistler House Museum, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Mill City Community Investment, Lowell Heritage Partnership, and LDFC. During her spare time, Yun-Ju enjoys traveling, hiking and cooking.
Yun-Ju holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from Bowdoin College and a master’s degree in Management from Cambridge College.
MATTHEW (Matt) COGGINS
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Enterprise Bank
Matthew (Matt) Coggins serves as the Chief Marketing and Communications Officer for Enterprise Bank, headquartered in Lowell, Massachusetts. Matt joined Enterprise Bank in 2012, after serving 10 years as the Assistant City Manger and Director of the Division of Planning and Development, for the City of Lowell. In his capacity as Assistant City Manager and DPD Director, Matt was responsible for the daily operation of an agency with over 50 employees and an annual budget of approximately $6.5 million. He served as the Chief Advisor to the Office of the City Manager on policies, budgets and strategies for the City’s economic development, planning and housing programs. He also coordinated the DPD’s projects and programs with other public, quasi-public, and private entities. The US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Renewal Community (RC) designation was aimed at supporting business and job training opportunities for residents and businesses in city’s five neighborhoods.
Originally from North Stonington, CT, Matt has lived in Greater Lowell for 27 years. He and his wife Karen have three sons and one daughter. In his spare time, Matt enjoys traveling, reading, landscaping and community service – most notably with the Boys & Girls Club of Lowell, and Project Learn.
Matt earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Bryant University and a M.S. in Marketing from Southern New Hampshire University. He is a 2012 graduate of the ABA’s School of Bank Marketing and a 2015 graduate of the ABA Stonier School of Banking. He earned his Certified Financial Marketing Professional designation in 2012.
JOHN DRINKWATER
Lowell City Councilor
John Drinkwater is currently serving his first term on the Lowell City Council after being elected in November 2019, and Chairs the Housing and Municipal Facilities Subcommittees. Since 2006 John has worked for the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the state’s largest umbrella organization for labor, representing over 400,000 unionized workers throughout Massachusetts. He has served the organization in a variety of roles including Chief of Staff and Legislative Director, in which he helped to pass pro-worker legislation including protections for temporary workers, a domestic workers’ bill of rights, and a higher minimum wage. Currently, John serves as the Senior Workforce Development Specialist and assists with the AFL-CIO’s Dislocated Worker Assistance Program and efforts to provide training opportunities and career pathways to incumbent, under-employed and unemployed workers.
John grew up in Tewksbury and moved to Lowell in 2002 to attend UMass Lowell where he met his wife, Julie. Both John and Julie were All-American track athletes at UMass Lowell, but now can barely keep up with their three children, Adeline (8), Sean (6), and Reilly (3). He claims to still enjoy running, but would much rather be at the beach.
John is a “Double-Riverhawk,” with two degrees from UMass Lowell -- A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (2006) and a Master’s degree in Regional Economic & Social Development (2011). Earlier this year John also received an Executive Leadership Certificate from Harvard University’s Trade Union Program.
CARL W. HOWELL
Division Director of Housing and Homeless Services, Community Teamwork Inc.
Carl W. Howell currently serves as the Division Director of Housing and Homeless Services for Community Teamwork Inc. in Lowell. His current administrative focus is on the operations of a variety of programming and supportive services that Community Teamwork provides across 72 cities and towns within the Commonwealth. Carl currently services on the board of Common Ground, an affordable housing subsidiary of Community Teamwork and on the Homes For Families Policy Action Board, that advocates for policy change that benefit homeless families across Massachusetts. Carl joined Community Teamwork in April 2010 from Catholic Charities of Baltimore County, Maryland where he managed Christopher’s Place Academy, a workforce development program for homeless men. Prior to joining Catholic Charities, he spent 2 years at Target Educational and Communities, Westminster, MD where he manage a residential program for adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to moving to Maryland, Carl was a supervisor of case management services for 3 years at Chase Home for Children, Portsmouth, NH which is a residential home for children that are in need of behavioral and clinical supports.
Originally from Exeter, NH, he has lived in Worcester for the past 10 years where he and his wife, Nicole, are raising Mekhi (13), Enzo (10), and Kimmo (5) their three sons. When Carl is away from the office he enjoys playing basketball, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Carl graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a BA in Psychology and also holds a MA in Clinical Psychology from McDaniel College, Maryland and has received a Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Boston University
LIANNA KUSHI
Executive Director, EforAll Lowell-Lawrence
Lianna Kushi is the Executive Director of EforAll Lowell-Lawrence and part of the founding team of EforAll. In her role, she is a champion for entrepreneurship in the greater Lawrence and Lowell areas, supporting individuals to launch businesses. Since 2011, she’s held roles as a Program Associate and Senior Program Manager. Currently, she focuses on the site’s fundraising and development, operations, and overall program oversight. Prior to EforAll, Lianna worked at the Cultural Organization of Lowell, and Harvard University’s Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. Passionate about entrepreneurship and community development, she serves as a Director on the Greater Lowell Community Foundation Board, Trustee for the Women Working Wonders Fund, and former Commissioner of the Asian American Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Lianna grew up in New England and North Carolina. She has lived in Lowell for over a decade, where she met her husband Sovanna and together are raising Bryanna (19/child), Ella (2/child), Nova (7 months/baby), and Mochi (4/dog). In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family outdoors, cooking, and reading.
Lianna received her B.A. in Japanese Language & Literature from Smith College, M.A. in Regional Economic & Social Development from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice affiliated with the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University.
SAKO LONG
Director of Reentry and Outreach, UTEC
Sako Long is the Director of Reentry and Outreach at UTEC overseeing the Streetworker Program and Reentry efforts
for Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill. Sako started his career at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lowell as a part-time staff to help coordinate an after-school program called the A.D.A.M. Project (Awareness and Development of Adolescent Males). While working with the A.D.A.M. project, he also volunteered at UTEC facilitating peace conversations with gangs in the city of Lowell. Sako was then hired as a Streetworker at UTEC while also continuing to work on his professional development and making Lowell a safer place for all to live. After Sako's 12 years with UTEC during which he wore many hats, he went on to work for the Cambodia Mutual Assistance Association as their Director of Programs for 2 years managing and implementing new walk-in services, youth development programs and summer camps, and their young Professional Program. Sako later went to work at the Coalition for a Better Acre as their Workforce Development Director and then Director of Programs overseeing all of CBA programs before returning to UTEC.
Sako was born in Cambodia and came to America at the age 4. His family first settled in Revere, MA, later moving to Lowell in 1985 to join the growing Cambodian community. Growing up in Lowell during that time frame was difficult for many Cambodian youth and because of the environment that Sako grew up in, he got involved with gangs at a young age. Sako was in and out of juvenile detention as a teen and eventually ended up serving 4 years in jail as a young adult.
In January of 2010 the Lowell Sun named him “Top 25 Most Fascinating People of Lowell”. He’s been awarded the “Spirit of Youth Award” by Reclaiming Youth International. He was also awarded the “May Takayanagi Making Waves award” by Asian American Resource. Sako worked with Gerry Leone from Middlesex DA’s office to create a documentary call “On Track” to help youth understand the gang lifestyle and hope that they make the positive changes in their life or prevent them from joining a gang, the documentary was given to all the school district in Middlesex County. Sako has traveled across the United States to present his story and also share the success he’s had with working with young adults.
JAY MASON
Principal & Manager of Architectural Consulting Services, LLC
Jay Mason is the Principal and Manager of Architectural Consulting Services, LLC (ACS), formed in 2003 and specializing in historical and adaptive re-use architectural design projects. ACS collaborates with their clients focusing on a holistic approach which includes and balances budget, program considerations, design and environment. Their goal is to provide the best possible design and management services possible. ACS brings a high level of energy and a proactive attitude to each and every project. ACS expects demanding clients who require creative solutions for their design and planning problems.
Jay has been married to wife Jackie Doherty since 1985. They have two children- Luke (age 27) and Jovanna (aged 24). Jay likes to bike ride, tinker in his shop and the whole family enjoys their still active cat- Bobby (age 14). The family enjoys the beach and spending leisure times together when possible. Jay is very active with environmental causes and sustainability. He is a founding member of 350MA of Greater Lowell and the chair of the Lowell Sustainability Council.
Raised in New England, Jay traveled for school- University of Florida at Gainesville for his Batchelor’s degree and Virginia Tech at Alexandria for his Master’s. Jay has been a licensed architect since 1994.
CHRISTINE MCCALL
Director of Economic Development for the City of Lowell
Christine McCall currently serves as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Lowell. Her primary focus is collaborating with key stakeholders and partners to support small businesses in Lowell through this unprecedented period. Her office is responsible for working with businesses of all sizes to assess needs, explain City services, develop tax increment financing agreements, and provide technical assistance. Christine started working for the City of Lowell in 2015 as an Assistant Planner for land use.
Christine is a lifelong resident of Lowell and enjoys reading, spending time with her family, and supporting the Lowell Parks and Conservation Trust.
Christine graduated from Bates College in Lewiston ME, with a B.A. in History and is currently pursuing her master;s degree from UMass Lowell in Public Administration.
CATHY MERCADO
Project Coordinator and Manager of Business Operations, Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership
Cathy Mercado is the Project Coordinator and Manager of Business Operations for the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership (MVHP), a nonprofit organization that promotes responsible and sustainable homeownership for low- and moderate income earners. A HUD-Certified Housing Counselor, Cathy coordinates classes for homebuyer programs in multiple languages and provides one-to-one counseling on economic and housing related issues. She has also worked as a mortgage loan officer. Prior to joining the staff at the MVHP, Cathy worked for many years as a Medical Billing Specialist for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Chelmsford. A multilingual communicator (Spanish & English), Cathy serves on several non-profit boards in the city of Lowell, including The Acre Family Childcare and The Center for Hope & Healing.
Cathy is a lifelong resident of Lowell. She lives with her husband and has four children and two dogs.
She is an alumna of Public Matters, and she has studied non-profit management at Middlesex Community College.
ANTHONY NGANGA
Founder of Studio 26 Associates LLC
Anthony Nganga is the founder of Studio 26 Associates LLC, an architectural firm working with commercial building owners and tenants in the North Shore region, giving them capacity to renovate and re-use existing buildings. Before starting Studio 26, Anthony spent over 15 years working as an architect and project manager for architectural companies in the U.S. and Kenya. He spent 10 years at GSD Associates architects in North Andover, MA and before that Studio Infinity and OCTA Architects in Nairobi, Kenya. After a successful career helping these companies grow, Anthony is now building his architectural business in Lowell. He is also active in the community, serving on the boards of The Lowell Plan, Common Ground, OffBeet Composting and EforAll Lowell-Lawrence advisory board.
Originally from Kenya, he lives in Dracut with his wife Kathy and two daughters, Imani and Tessa. When he is not wearing his architect’s hat or serving in the community, Anthony likes to cycle and run, recently completing his second half-marathon. He enjoys downhill skiing with his family.
Anthony graduated from University of Nairobi in Kenya with a B.A. in Architecture. He is a licensed architect and LEED accredited professional. In the summer of 2015 Anthony completed the EforAll Accelerator Program in Lowell and is now active as a Business Mentor. In June 2018, he completed the Public Matters program provided by The Lowell Plan.
MARISOL NOBREGA
Lieutenant, Lowell Police Department
Lieutenant Marisol Nobrega is a proud 22 year veteran of the Lowell Police Department. She is currently assigned as the OIC of the Professional Standards Division. Marisol has extensive experience in training and education in law enforcement. She was a Staff Instructor at the Lowell Police Academy for over 9 years. She earned the 2013 Mentoring Award from the Massachusetts Association of Women in Law enforcement (MAWLE) for her work with student officers. Marisol was also recognized by the Middlesex Community College Foundation, Living the Dream in January 2019. In addition to her work in Lowell, she has provided recruit and in-service training to other departments in Massachusetts.
Marisol is a resident of Lowell where she has lived for most of her life. She is committed to the community in which she lives and serves. She is married and has three sons, Justin (28), Christopher (25) and Kaiden (16) of which she is extremely proud of. Marisol really loves to spend time with her family and also enjoys getting involved in community events.
Marisol received her Associates Degree from Middlesex Community College. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a certificate in Leadership and Policy Development from the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
JOHN NOTO
Vice President, Computational Physics Incorporated
Dr. John Noto is an expert in space physics, atmospheric science and remote sensing with 20 years of experience in remote sensing, optical science and engineering. He has been awarded six patents in optical telecommunications and optical sensing. Specializing in the design and construction of optical sensors, his team built and tested the UV optical system in the CTIP photometer delivered to Boeing for SENSE SMC CubeSat mission. John was the Principal Investigator for the ExoCube CubeSat mission funded by the National Science Foundation and Co-Investigator on the ExoCube 2 mission currently manifested for launch on Virgin Orbit in August 2020. John founded Scientific Solutions Inc in 1995, while still a graduate student at Boston University, he built a team and grew the business from startup to over $1.5M annual revenue and later acquired by Computational Physics Inc in 2016. As a division of CPI, his team continues to develop innovative optical sensor and space technologies.
Originally from New York, John has lived in Lowell since 2008. As an advocate for small business he mentors for the NSF I-CORP program and the E_for_all business accelerator, and, in 2013, co-founded Lowell Makes, a 501(c)(3) community maker space and business incubator in Lowell Massachusetts.
John has a BS in Physics and Astronomy from the University of Rochester, a MS (physics) from Tufts university and a PhD (Astronomy/Space Physics) from Boston University.
LZ NUNN
Executive Director, Project LEARN
LZ Nunn is the Executive Director of Project LEARN, a nonprofit organization that leverages resources and strategic partnerships for the Lowell Public Schools. Since 2015, LZ has helped secure nearly $10 million for innovative programs ranging from early childhood and after school STEM enrichment to career pathways, Early College, and community engagement. Before joining Project LEARN, LZ served as the Development Director for the Greater Lowell Community Foundation. From 2005-2012, LZ held the position of Executive Director of the Cultural Organization of Lowell/Cultural Affairs & Special Events office for the City of Lowell where she coordinated city-wide cultural events and festivals, and spearheaded fundraising and marketing initiatives.
Originally from Seattle, Washington, LZ has lived in the Lowell area for over 15 years with her husband, Paul, and their daughter, Zana Lee (9), and two cats (James and Li’l Smokey). When not at work, or keeping pace with her daughter’s social calendar, you’ll find her cycling, gardening, or reading a good book in the sun.
LZ graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in English Literature, and also holds an M.F.A from Emerson College in Creative Nonfiction Writing. She completed a Loeb Fellowship at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design in 2013.
SHEILA OCH
Chief of Community Health and Policy, Lowell Community Health Center
Sheila Och currently serves as the Chief of Community Health and Policy at Lowell Community Health Center. In this role, she leads community health promotion efforts in Lowell’s refugee and immigrant communities and is in charge of the development, design, implementation and evaluation of public health programs. Recognized for her expertise in providing cultural competence and medical interpretation training, Sheila has worked with more than 3,000 people from throughout the region to effectively deliver services that meet the social, cultural, and linguistic needs of all patients. Sheila received the 2010 Greater Lowell Health Alliance Community Catalyst Award for her accomplishments in the development of cultural competency and medical interpreter programs. In 2015, she was a YWCA of Greater Lawrence Tribute to Women Honoree in recognition for work championing equity and social justice. In 2018, Sheila received the Non-Profit Alliance Kathy Reticker Executive Leadership Award and the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers Advocacy Award.
Born in Puerto Rico, Sheila has lived in the Merrimack Valley for over 30 years. She lives in Methuen with her husband, Henry, two kids, Alex and Sofia, and two dachshunds. She enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, running, being by the ocean and traveling.
Sheila holds multiple degrees and certifications including a B.A. in Community Health from the UMass Lowell, master's degree in Public Health from Boston University and an Advanced Certificate in Financial Operations from Suffolk University. Sheila also holds Massachusetts State Certification as a Community Health Worker.
LATIFAH ALFONSO PHILLIPS
Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, Lowell Public Schools
Latifah Alfonso Phillips currently serves as the Chief Equity and Engagement Officer of the Lowell Public Schools. She oversees a newly created department which has the task of operationalizing the district's commitment toward eliminating racial, ethnic and linguistic achievement and opportunity gaps among all students. Prior to moving to Lowell, Latifah held district and state-level education leadership positions in Pennsylvania, New Mexico and Washington. She began her teaching career in Takasaki, Gunma, Japan before returning to the US to become an elementary and middle school teacher in Edcouch-Elsa, Texas and Brooklyn, New York. Most recently, Latifah served as the State Director of Native Education in Washington State. She has also served as Assistant Secretary of Indian Education for the New Mexico Public Education Department, Chief of Staff for Santa Fe Public Schools and Executive Director of Non-Instructional Professional Development and Performance Management in the School District of Philadelphia.
Latifah was born and raised in San Francisco, CA and is a citizen of the Tohono O'odham Nation, situated in southern Arizona. She took a cross-continental drive with her nephews and two small pups before arriving in Lowell. In her downtime, she enjoys exploring the local cultural cuisine of Lowell with her partner, Masachs J. Boungou.
Latifah holds an MA in International Education Development from Teachers College, Columbia University. She also completed an M.Ed. in Secondary Education from the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley and a B.A. in Global Institutions and Communication at the University of California, Davis.
SOVANNA D. POUV
Executive Director, Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association
Sovanna D. Pouv currently serves as the Executive Director for Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA) in Lowell.. He is responsible for the overall administration of the organization with support of the Board of Directors ensuring that all programs and services are aligned with CMAA’s mission. Sovanna joined CMAA June 2014 from MKTix / Meerkat Technologies as the Marketing Director managing and implementing the design and oversight of the businesses marketing department. Prior to joining MKTix, he spent over twelve years at UTEC, a non-profit organization based in Lowell whose mission is to ignite and nurture the ambition of the most disconnected young people to trade violence and poverty for social and economic success.
Originally a refugee from Cambodia, Sovanna then lived in Chicago for 7 years, and eventually moved to Lowell now having lived there for more than 30 years. He is currently living in the Highlands neighborhood of Lowell with his wife Lianna and daughters Bryanna (19/child), Ella (2/child), Nova (6 months/child) and Mochi (4/dog). When Sovanna is not at work, he can be found playing video games, guitar, and spending lots of time with his family.
Sovanna graduated from Middlesex Community College with an Associate of Arts in graphic design and a certificate of non-profit management from the Institute of Nonprofit Practice in affiliation with Boston University.
MOULI RAMANI
President and Chief Executive Officer, Horsepower Technologies
Mouli Ramani serves as the President and CEO of Horsepower Technologies™, a Lowel-based healthcare and data company dedicated to developing and commercializing innovative products and services into the $100B+ equine market. He also serves as New Venture Fellow at UMass Lowell. Throughout his career, Mouli has held several senior leadership positions – ranging from early stage startups to large multi-national Fortune 500 companies. Mouli has also served as the Vice President of Sales and Strategic Marketing in Nortel Networks’ US$10B Optical Networks division as well as Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Partnerships and Business Development at Nextworth.
Mouli works closely with Dream Big!, a charity focused on improving the lives of girls and young women from low-income situations who want to participate in sports, recreation and physical activity programs. He also spends time with local entrepreneurs, coaching and supporting their initiatives with advice, consulting and networking. He is an active kayaker, skier and runner who is currently training for his 12th Reach the Beach and 3rd Boston Marathon. Mouli lives in Andover, MA with his wife and two children.
Mouli holds a degree in Computer Engineering from the Royal Military College of Canada, and an MBA from Duke University.
BRIAN SOUSA
Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer, Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union
Brian Sousa is the Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, a $1.5 billion organization, located in Lowell. Brian's 29 years of experience in the lending and real estate industries encompass retail and wholesale mortgage sales, residential and commercial mortgage underwriting and appraising, as well as residential and commercial real-estate sales and leasing. Brian was the founder of First Team Mortgage Corporation a Chelmsford, MA organization that he built from the ground up and ran for 12 years.
Brian is proud to be from Lowell, MA where his family has long-standing roots. He currently lives in Tyngsboro, with his wife Anne-Marie. Together they have six children and two grandchildren. Brian enjoys travelling, golfing, cooking and spending time with family & friends. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell, the Senior Advisory Board for the Lowell Community Health Center, and the Advisory Board of Catie’s Closet, Inc.
Brian majored in Business Finance at the University of Lowell.
JAMES A. SULLIVAN, Jr. (JIM)
Vice President of Community Development and CRA Officer, Align Credit Union
James (Jim) Sullivan has more than 35 years of experience in financial services and banking. He has served as the Vice President of Community Development and CRA Officer at Align Credit Union for the past 16 years. In this role, Jim is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with community based, charitable, and non-profit organizations. Jim previously served as a Regional Field Manager, Assistant Chief Director, and Bank Examiner at the Division of Banks here in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for 10 years. In these roles Jim was responsible for all aspects of compliance in banking services including mortgage lending, commercial lending, and loan administration.
Jim lives in Westford with his wife Wendy and their two dogs Burke and Annie. He serves on the boards of HOME (Home Ownership for Massachusetts Elders), The Lowell Plan, The Lowell Development and Finance Committee, Project Learn (Treasurer), The Lowell YMCA, D’Youville Life & Wellness Foundation (Clerk), and Elder Services of Merrimac Valley (Advisory Council). Jim is also a member of the Lowell Rotary Club and a Corporator at the Boy’s & Girl’s Club of Lowell.
Jim graduated from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine with a degree in Business and Communications.