The Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Board of Directors elected new officers at the June 2024 annual meeting. ABCD’s tripartite board consists of individuals from the private sector, public sector and from low-income Boston neighborhoods. Leaders from each of these groups collaborate to respond to the needs of underserved neighbors in Boston and the Mystic Valley.
ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott-Chandler expressed her confidence in the new board members. “Our officers bring a high level of innovation, decisive leadership and strong community networks to the board, assuring ABCD’s continued impact and efficacy on behalf of low-to moderate income individuals and communities in Greater Boston,” she said. “They are advocates for the people– representing Boston and Mystic Valley communities, Boston’s business community and local neighborhoods whose capabilities compliment those of the existing board members.
ABCD Board of Chair Sean K. Daughtry serves in a Public Sector seat on the ABCD Board of Directors representing State Representative Christopher Worrell and will serve another term. A resident of Roxbury, Daughtry joined the board in 2013 representing the NAACP Boston Branch. He is the Senior Director of Analytical Sciences & Technology at Vertex Pharmaceuticals in Boston. Daughtry is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a Master of Science degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
He expressed his gratitude about being elected for a third term as board chair, and his commitment to forwarding social justice and equity. “I am thankful for and humbled by theboard’s ongoing belief in and support of my leadership as chair of the ABCD Board of Directors. I look forward to this next chapter,” Daughtry said. “The board’s number one job is to provide governance, financial oversight, direction and to represent the needs of the Greater Boston community. We will continue to partner with ABCD President and CEO Sharon Scott- Chandler and her dedicated staff to promote ABCD’s vital mission of building pathways out of poverty. With the current political uncertainty, changing climate and a volatile economy, it is incumbent that the board remain steadfast in providing steady leadership, assistance, compassion and strategic vision as we guide ABCD in its critical service for our clients.”
Daughtry will lead a dynamic group of activists. The full board slate is available here. Newly elected members include:
- First Vice Chair Candaice Caines-Frances, Representing State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz
- Vice Chair Marie Greig, Representing South Boston
- Vice Chair Edward Katz, Representing Charlestown
- Vice Chair James Owens, Jr., Representing Roxbury/North Dorchester
- Vice Chair Yvonne Jones, Representing Dorchester
- Treasurer Patricia Washington, Representing the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
- Clerk Julia Hardy Cofield, Esq., Representing Senator Michael Rush
ABCD is a member of the National Community Action Partnership, which includes federally designated anti-poverty organizations in Massachusetts and across the nation that provide underserved residents and communities with access to the tools and resources needed to transition out of poverty and low-income status through comprehensive services and programs. Each year ABCD impacts 100,000 individuals through early education and childcare, energy, workforce development, food stability, housing, health services, and youth and elder programs. Whatever the program, ABCD’S approach is holistic and our work is about creating equity: racial equity, social equity, health equity, climate equity, educational equity and more.
