Interim Executive Director’s Corner: March

March 1, 2026

Stepping into my first month as Interim Executive Director of the Lawrence Partnership has been nothing short of invigorating. Every conversation, every site visit, every spark of collaboration has reaffirmed why this work matters—and why Lawrence is poised for extraordinary growth. In alignment with my role as Vice President of the Lawrence Campus and Community Relations at Northern Essex Community College, I am energized by the opportunity to help drive a shared vision: creating inclusive economic opportunities through Innovation, Action, and Investment.


Our path forward is anchored in three powerful pillars that shape the future we’re building together:

  • Community Engagement — because economic mobility accelerates when the entire community is activated, connected, and leading the way. This is the heartbeat of the Lawrence Partnership Network: an ever growing ecosystem of partners committed to lifting the city together.
  • Workforce Development — because strong employer partnerships and career pathways open doors to stability, advancement, and generational change.
  • Educational Attainment — because a skilled, educated populace is the engine of a thriving economy, ready to meet the demands of today’s jobs and shape the opportunities of tomorrow.

These pillars are not just strategies, they are a movement. And that movement grows stronger every time someone steps in, speaks up, or joins hands with us.

A Moment You Won’t Want to Miss: Annual Meeting on June 16

This year’s Annual Meeting will be a celebration of progress, partnership, and possibility. We are honored to welcome Dave Wheeler, COO of New Balance as our keynote speaker—a leader whose story reflects the power of innovation, investment, and community‑rooted growth. It will be an inspiring moment for Lawrence, and we want you there.

Your engagement is not just appreciated—it is essential. Together, we are building a Lawrence where opportunity is accessible, mobility is achievable, and innovation is the norm.

Lawrence is rising. And with your partnership, we will continue to push boundaries, ignite ideas, and invest boldly in the future our community deserves.

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