Leadership of LEO Inc.

Gerri serves as Program Director of Early Childhood Development at LEO; she has been with the agency for the past 30 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Lesley University and professional development accreditations from Tufts University. She is also a fellow of the John E. Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. In her time at LEO Gerri climbed through the ranks as Center Manager, Social Service Manager, Assistant Director and Director. She has been a familiar face and an advocate for our families for three decades. 

Why work for LEO?
“I work for LEO because I find a sense of accomplishment helping families improve their quality of life. It is very satisfying to know that a family has the opportunity to live better because of something I am a part of.”

Carolyn has been with LEO for the past three years. She currently serves as the Assistant Director of Community Services. She began her tenure with LEO as an AmeriCorps VISTA. After her years of service she was hired to the Community Services area, working first as a Community Services Assistant, then as the Program and Operations Coordinator. Carolyn received a bachelor’s degree from Albright College, Reading PA. She also completed Harvard’s “Exercising Leadership” certificate course.

Why work for LEO?
“I work for LEO to continue empowering and advocating for the communities we serve. I believe in LEO’s mission and the work we do to provide a safety net of equitable services for individuals and families. In my Community Services role, I value getting to directly contribute to the change making of Community Action Agencies.”

Richie has been employed by LEO since 2002. He currently serves at the Director of Maintenance. Before coming to LEO, he worked as a contractor for National Grid, but he has always had his hand in the maintenance side of business. Richie is a certified technician in oil, gas and heat, refrigeration and HVAC. He is also a certified lead paint contractor (deleading and lead safe renovations).

Why work for LEO? “I love LEO! I believe in the service we provide to the community. I feel so comfortable at LEO, and I’m very proud of my contribution. LEO is my second home.”

Mary Ellen serves as the Assistant Program Director of Early Childhood Development, she has been with LEO for 17 years. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education from Salem State University. Mary Ellen currently also works as an Adjunct Professor at Salem State University and as a Family Development Credential Instructor and a Childhood Development Associate Observer. 

Why work for LEO?
“I work for LEO because I want to support our mission in the Lynn community. I see the difference we make not only in a child’s life but in a whole family’s life.”

Jennifer has served as the Director of Human Resources at LEO for the past 11 years. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University at Massachusetts Lowell. She is strongly accredited in HR best practices including: SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), SHRM-CP (Society of HR Management Certified Professionals), and SHRBP (Strategic Human Resources Business Partners). Before her work at LEO, Jennifer ran the HR department for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester. 

Why work for LEO?
“My work at LEO is both personally fulfilling and rewarding. I know we make an impact in the lives of those who need it the most in the communities we serve.”

Lisa McFadden has served as the Director of Development and Communications at LEO for the past 5 years.  She is responsible for providing the strategic direction and leadership of the agency’s fundraising efforts, including grant writing, the annual fund, and LEO’s campaign for an expanded preschool, Building Potential: Educate to Elevate. Lisa holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MEd from Salem State University. Before her work with LEO, Lisa held many nonprofit administration positions, including with The Trustees of Reservation, Historic Beverly, Montserrat College of Art, and Salem State University. 

Why work for LEO?
“Making a career shift from higher education to community action let me hone in on the social justice issues that are important to me. Working on behalf of individuals and families who are committed to rising out of poverty is both inspiring and energizing. I’ve found in LEO a community of like-minded people, dedicated to high standards of client service and to leveling the playing field for all people to succeed.”

Kara has served as our Chief Financial Officer since July of 2021. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Information Systems from Boston College, and a Master in Business Administration in Finance from Endicott College. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to her work at LEO, Kara worked as the Assistant Controller at Endicott College and as the Deputy Director at Wellspring House in Gloucester. 

Why work for LEO?
“I strongly believe in the power of community and in helping to give people resources and opportunities to grow. LEO provides essential services to the most vulnerable in our community. LEO helps to empower people, making them feel heard and understood. My work is to align best business practices to allow programs and operations to focus on those we serve to ensure we make the maximum impact.”

For the past 30 years, Marilyn Perry has served as LEO’s Director of Health and Nutrition. Marilyn is a Licensed Dietitian and Nutritionist who received her initial certifications, an Associate Degree in Food Service and another in Nutrition, from North Shore Community College; she also holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting from Salem State University. Marilyn oversees safe food service and nutritional meal planning for LEO’s entire early childhood program and is LEO’s lead health clinician.

Why work for LEO?
“A few vital tools for a child’s success are education, consistency, and nurturing. Head Start provided me with an avenue to help provide these needs through my work at LEO. Not only are children provided with nutritious foods but our families receive education on health and well-being. Whole health for the whole family is our priority.”

Lilian has served as the Chief Program Officer at LEO for the past 6 years. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Northeastern University and completed a management certificate program through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. In 2012, Lilian was awarded the Manuel Carballo Governor’s Award in recognition of serving as a key contributor to the Western Disaster management team for the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Prior to working at LEO, she worked as the Regional Director at the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). 

Why work for LEO?
“My position at LEO gives me the unique opportunity to work directly with a large immigrant population. Communities from all parts of the world are represented right here in Lynn. As a Guatemalan, I am especially interested in working with the Northern Guatemalan population. The LEO mission aligns with my personal values. I believe in providing opportunities for children, families and individuals to thrive.”

For the past three years, Cassie has served as LEO’s Accounting Director. Before joining our team, she worked for nearly ten years in the accounting department of Wash Depot Holdings, Inc. Cassie earned her bachelor’s degree from Salem State University and most recently a certificate from the MASSCAP Leadership Development Institute.