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New Trustees Elected to Springfield Museums’ Board

SPRINGFIELD, MA—The Springfield Museums held its annual meeting Wednesday, September 22, via Zoom. During her report, Springfield Museums’ President and CEO Kay Simpson emphasized how the pandemic’s impact on the Museums had accelerated the pace of key transformational initiatives. “As the world around us has changed, so have our Museums,” Simpson said. “In order to increase equity and access, we established an Ad Hoc Inclusion Task Force to help us reshape our exhibitions, interpretation and operations; engaged in a three-year strategic plan, and opened digital doors for new audiences through inventive online programming and content. Our goal is to send a resounding message of welcome to the Springfield Museums as a vibrant hub of dynamic arts experiences and exciting learning opportunities.” Chair Kate Kane conducted the last meeting of her three-year tenure as the leader of the Board of Trustees, emphasizing the camaraderie of the Board and the remarkable talent and strength of the Springfield Museums’ Staff. In addition to honoring Janee Armstrong Friedmann and Dr. Ruth Njiiri as Trustees Emeriti, the annual meeting including the election of new trustees and committee members.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Lydia E. Martinez-Alvarez

Springfield Public School’s Assistant Superintendent Lydia E. Martinez-Alvarez grew up in the North End neighborhood. She is the first Hispanic to serve as Assistant Superintendent in the city of Springfield and began her career with Springfield Public Schools 24 years ago as a substitute teacher. She has held the position of Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and other leadership positions. Martinez-Alvarez became a first-generation college student completing her undergraduate studies at Westfield State University in three years, earning a bachelor’s degree in business management. She earned a master’s degree in education from Elms College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate studies from Westfield State University. Martinez-Alvarez is currently a Trustee of Westfield State University and sits on numerous other Boards.

John M. O’Brien, III

John M. O’Brien, III is the Managing Partner of the certified public accounting firm, J. M. O’Brien & Company, P.C. The firm was established in September of 1991 and is located at One Financial Plaza, 1350 Main Street in Springfield, Massachusetts. The firm provides an array of business services is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants private practice section and has received an unqualified peer review report.

O’Brien graduated magna cum laude from Western New England University with a BSBA in Accounting, and received his Master’s Degree in Taxation, with honors, from the University of Hartford. He is accredited by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants in Business Valuation and is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysis.

Richard E. Ryall

Richard Edward Ryall works with the investment management team The Foundation Management Group at Merrill Lynch in Springfield, Mass. Ryall is a senior consultant and managing director at Merrill Lynch. He has worked in the investment management business for over 50 years and is also a professional management consultant (CIMA) as designated by the Wharton School of Management.

Ryall lives in Suffield, Conn. with his wife Leslie and has been active in the Springfield Community for many years.  He is a past and present member of the Board of Directors of the Springfield Museums and past president and member of the former Colony Club of Springfield. Ryall has four children, three of whom live in Western Mass. and five grandchildren.

Glenn S. Welch

Glenn S. Welch has over 30 years of experience in the Financial Services industry in Western MA. He has been the President and CEO of Freedom Credit Union since January 2016. Previously, he was with Hampden Bank rising through the ranks for 17 years until becoming the President and CEO from 2013-2015 until it was acquired by Berkshire Bank in 2015.  Welch is currently active on many boards throughout the Pioneer Valley including Wayfinders, Develop Springfield, Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pathlight, the Advisory Board of the Business School at WNEU, the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the Co-operative Credit Union Association and the Audit Committee of the Springfield Museums.

NEW COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Advancement Committee

  • Nathan Davis

Marketing and Communications Committee

  • Natalia Muñoz

Physical Plant Committee

  • Carol Campbell
  • Brenda Lopez

 

Springfieldmuseums.org, One Admission/Five Museums,

including the one and only Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum

Parking is always FREE

 

About The Springfield Museums

 

THE SPRINGFIELD MUSEUMS are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in the heart of downtown Springfield, Massachusetts. The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated consortium of museums includes the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden, and the Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum, the first and only museum dedicated to the beloved children’s book author and Springfield native.