WCAC welcomes new Board Members

Brooks, Salisbury appointed to Board of Directors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 14, 2023

CONTACT: Ellen M. Ganley, Director of Policy, Public Affairs & Advancement

EGanley@wcac.net

O: 508-762-9807

Worcester, Massachusetts - At its June meeting, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors. As directed by the agency’s bylaws, WCAC’s Board of Directors is a tripartite board comprised equally of representatives of the public sector, private sector and community.

James Brooks was appointed to public seat on the Board as a proxy for Worcester City Manager Eric Batista. Brooks currently serves as the City's Director of Housing Development and Healthy Homes. In his role, he manages the city's development and rehabilitation of its housing stock and a staff of eleven team members, while serving as the liaison between government and developers for over 3,000 units of residential development underway, and is responsible for over $53 million dollars in state and federal grants. A well-respected employee of the City of Worcester since 2013, Brooks brings extensive expertise in the housing industry including housing development, construction, rehabilitation, and the contributing factors of a healthy home. He has a long-standing relationship with WCAC in his city role, as a frequent partner on matters related to fuel assistance including the most recent $1M ARPA contract for home heating assistance, as well as rent relief and lead abatement programs.

Jack Salisbury was appointed to represent the agency's Head Start program and parent voice on the WCAC Board. Salisbury currently serves as the Treasurer for the Head Start Policy Council and is the parent of two children enrolled in the agency's early education and care programs. He bring with him a strong knowledge and first-hand experience with Head Start as a single parent, with a great sense of commitment and exuberance in wanting to join the board to represent parents in the program.

“I am delighted that Jim and Jack have joined the board as new members. They both bring a wealth of experience and expertise that will provide tremendous value to WCAC and the community. I am excited to work with them,” said WCAC Executive Director Marybeth Campbell.

WCAC Board of Directors Chair Donald G. Xenos agreed noting," We are pleased to welcome Jack and Jim to the WCAC Board of Directors. They each bring personal and professional perspectives that will help us to better serve our clients and communities."

WCAC is currently seeking new board members to fill two vacant board seats. We are seeking individuals who are committed to our mission and vision, and to supporting the 46 communities where we serve as a key nonprofit organization. Specifically, we are seeking individuals who have expertise in areas such as youth development, education, human resources, legal and finance, and/or have a strong background, relevant or lived experience, and knowledge working with low-income individuals and communities. Experience on a nonprofit board is preferred but not required, and our WCAC board values strong mentorship among its members. Please share your interest with us via email at info@wcac.net

About WCAC

Since 1965, the Worcester Community Action Council has served as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for central and southern Worcester County, with a mission of helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.

Serving the City of Worcester and 45 neighboring communities of Auburn, Blackstone, Boylston, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holden, Holland, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Palmer, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Wales, West Warren, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield and Westborough.