October 27, 2013
LAWRENCE – William J. Buckley of Methuen has been elected president of the Board of Directors for the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. Buckley, who was elected by a unanimous vote on Thursday, replaces long-time board member and outgoing president Dr. Thomas S. Perrault, Sr. Joining Buckley in leading the board of directors is newly elected Vice President Gilda Duran, along with Natalie Coon, treasurer, and Helen A. Knepper, secretary, who were both re-elected.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as president of the Board of Directors of the GLCAC which plays an important role in improving the lives of so many residents in Greater Lawrence. This is an exciting time to serve as president as we review the mission of our agency and how we can improve the services we deliver and the quality of life for those we serve. I look forward to working with my fellow board members who share a deep commitment to the agency and with Executive Director Evelyn Friedman and her dedicated staff,” said Buckley.
Buckley is the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Methuen, where he leads the city’s broad-based efforts in land use, public health, housing, historic preservation, conservation and business growth. Buckley is also the city’s primary grant manager and has secured millions of dollars of support for Methuen’s facilities and programs.
In addition to new officers, the board recently welcomed four new members, Ana Luna of Lawrence, Executive Director of Arlington Community Trabajando; Neily Soto of Methuen, Broker Owner-Realtor of Soto Real Estate Services; Tricia Sabulis, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, A.P. Michaud Insurance Agency; and Kenneth MacKenzie, Partner at Dalton & Finegold LLP. The 19-member board is configured according to federal regulations that require one-third representation from each three categories: local elected officials or their representatives, private sector and business representatives, and low-income residents.
GLCAC encourages and promotes the improvement of community life in Greater Lawrence with special emphasis on programs in education, social services, child care, health, housing, youth employment and related fields. GLCAC last year served 29,000 individuals in Greater Lawrence. Since its inception in 1965, the GLCAC has been a consistent partner in working with local, state and federal governments and private agencies in creating opportunities and providing hope for people living in poverty.