West Suburban YMCA Announces New Board Members

Nov 25, 2020

Newton, MA – The West Suburban YMCA announces the appointment of three newly elected members to its Board of Directors: Annie Greene, Eric Boecher, and Gloria Gavris.

“As a volunteer led charitable non-profit, our Y relies on the time, treasure and talent of community members to set the strategic direction of our organization,” states Jack Fucci, President & CEO. “We are honored to welcome Annie, Eric and Gloria to the board and I along with our entire staff team look forward to working with them to continue to serve our community.”

	Annie Greene, a Newton native, joins the Board of Directors after 10 years of involvement at the Y's residential camp, Camp Frank A. Day. Annie attended Frank A. Day as a camper and then spent four years as a counselor. In 2018, she spoke about her camp experience at the Y's "A Night Under the Stars" fundraising gala. She is a graduate of St. Lawrence University and is currently working as a nanny while attending nursing school. Annie is the daughter of the late Frederick Greene, who served on the Y's Board of Directors and is remembered as a tireless community advocate. Annie credits much of her personal development to the Y, saying "I wholeheartedly believe the YMCA changed me as a person, teaching me not only independence but also how to work with a wide range of people. The Y played a key role in my developmental growth, and I feel that it’s a super important place that kids should continue to experience. I know my dad would be proud that I’m sitting in his seat."
	Wellesley resident Eric Boecher, CFO for The Village Bank, brings a wealth of experience to the Board, with expertise in financial management and technology. The Village Bank continues to lead by example by encouraging their team members to be active in the community. As a parent to three active children, Eric also offers valuable perspective in the areas of youth sports, summer camp, and other recreational activities. In his youth, Eric was a “Y kid” and recognizes the power of nurturing the potential of every child. He looks forward to being "more involved with organizations that promote the development and well-being of our community."
	Newton resident Gloria Gavris returns as a voting member of the Y's Board, after serving as ex-officio for 2019-2020. A lawyer and former lobbyist, Gloria stands out as a passionate community leader and active volunteer. She first joined the West Suburban YMCA Board of Directors in 2010 in various leadership roles and most recently served as the Y's Board Chair from 2017-2019. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Newton Community Pride and as a City of Newton Parks & Recreation Commissioner. Her long track record of community involvement includes serving on the leadership team for the Newton Covid-19 Care Fund, past Chair of the Community Design for Arts & Culture Committee, former City of Newton Licensing Commissioner, past President of the Chestnut Hill Association, past President of the Board of Directors of the Make A Wish Foundation and Chair of the first Newton Festival of the Arts. In her spare time, Gloria authored and published the children's civics book E is For Election Day.

“On behalf of the board, we are delighted to welcome such a strong group of new and returning members,” says Peter Simshauser, the board’s Governance Committee Chair. “Annie, Eric, and Gloria offer diverse perspectives, expertise, and energy that will help move our Y and our community forward, and we are privileged to have them join the board.”

All board members for 2020-2021 are listed below.

Ned Morse, Chair
Aaron Goldman, Vice Chair
Janice Rogers, Clerk
Rob Arrieta, Treasurer
Robert Bachman, Asst. Treasurer
Sandy Butzel, Ex-Officio

Albie Alvarez-Cote*
Mark Blumenthal
Eric Boecher
John Federico
Gloria Gavris*
Andrew Gluck
Max de Groen
Annie Greene
Ellen Grody
Martha Hanlon*
Fredrick Mann
Amy McKnight Fazen
Peter Simshauser* 

*Indicates member of Executive Committee

About the West Suburban YMCA 
The West Suburban YMCA is a charitable non-profit organization that has been a fixture in the Newton community for over 140 years. The Y is committed to strengthening the foundations of the community by supporting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all.