Jennifer Matthews is the Executive Director of L’Arche Boston North, Inc, a non-profit organization located in Haverhill whose mission is to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, foster inclusive environments that meet members changing needs, and engage in diverse cultures, working towards a more human society. L’Arche Boston North (LBN) is a member of the International Federation of L’Arche communities located in over 37 different countries. Jen has served the organization in various roles, becoming Executive Director in 2017. Jen is passionate about bringing people together across differences and inspiring equitable communities of belonging for all. Under Jen’s leadership, LBN launched a small hummus program that leveraged the members culinary gifts along with their desire to connect with neighbors in the greater community through the local Farmer's Market. Today, Homemade Hummus serves as a culinary training program for people with and without disabilities. In 2019, Jen spearheaded The Longest Table event. The event is a partnership between LBN and The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. The event welcomed friends, neighbors, and residents from throughout the city to share a meal at a 300ft dinner table in the heart of downtown. The event raised awareness for LBN and illuminated the transformative quality of bringing people together across differences. Jen is active in various community organizations. She is a member of the Haverhill Exchange Club Board of Directors and co-chair of the Haverhill Hometown Heroes Committee. She is a member of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.

Jen lives in Methuen with her husband David and two sons, Jackson and Benjamin. They have two dogs, Riley and Ranger. In her spare time, she likes to run, travel, and spend time with her family.

Jen graduated from The University of Massachusetts Boston with a BA in Sociology. She completed coursework towards a master’s degree in Social Work at Salem State University. She recently participated in the 2020 cohort of Babson College’s Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership in The Social Sector Graduate Certificate Program.