Press Release
Marlborough Community Development Corporation marks Five Years with Changes in Leadership
Marlborough, MA, (April 3, 2008) – Marlborough Community Development Corporation is preparing for changes in staff and board leadership. This April, MCDC will see the addition of former city councilor Maura Navin Webster to its board of directors. Ms. Webster will join the current board that includes Chris O’Keeffe as President, Brian Palmer as Clerk, Phil Hodge as Treasurer and the remaining members, Michelle Herlihy, Duncan Power, and Larry Reeves. In accepting the nomination, Mrs. Webster, who stepped down from the City council in late 2007 to assume a new job with the American Heart Association, stated “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue the important work of our community on a different level. I have watched MCDC grow and hope to help with its efforts to bring about positive change and strengthen our neighborhoods and community as a whole.”
While the board is excited by its new addition, it is also preparing for a new
executive director. Trish Settles, who has served as executive director since
May 2004, is leaving in April to assume a planning position with the Central
Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission located in Worcester. CMRPC is a
planning partnership serving the interests of local government in central
southern Worcester County since 1963. Board President Chris O'Keeffe commented,
"Trish's leadership will be sorely missed. The CDC has come a long way under
her leadership over the last four years. We congratulate her on a job well done
and wish her luck in her new role at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning
Commission. We hope she will continue to be involved as her schedule allows."
On her departure, Ms. Settles reflected, "I have really enjoyed working with
everyone and have learned so much during my time with MCDC. I am not going
far. You may still see me on the Rail Trail, in the supermarket, or at the
gym. Marlborough is such a great community." In addition to her role with the
CDC, Ms. Settles, who lives in Stow, is an active member in Stow Municipal
Affordable Housing Trust and the Stow Housing Partnership.
Now celebrating it 5 year anniversary, MCDC has saved Main Street trees, coordinated several community cleanups, facilitated an extensive planning process regarding the Assabet River Rail Trail, assisted first time homebuyers, and hosted numerous community conversations on the closing of St. Mary’s Church, public transportation, cultural diversity, code enforcement, and more. In the coming year, they anticipate more community wide conversations on intercultural interactions in Marlborough, placement of new benches and other amenities on the Rail Trail, a first time home buying class in May, community cleanups, and much, much more.
The board will begin recruiting for Ms Settles' replacement immediately and hopes to fill the position before the end of May. To learn more about MCDC or to view the job announcement, visit www.marlboroughcdc.org.
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