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Square One Announces New Board Leadership

Springfield, MA (November 1, 2021) – Square One recently elected a new slate of officers to its board of directors. The election was held at the agency’s annual meeting on October 15, 2021.

Taking on the role of chairperson is Dr. Andrea Hickson-Martin of Bay Path University. The vice chair seat will be filled by attorney Corrine Ryan of Community Legal Aid.

Moving into the treasurer position is Kate Kane of Northwestern Mutual, assisted by Julie Quink of Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

Colleen Stocks, assistant superintendent of the Western MA Regional Women’s Correctional Center will serve as the board’s clerk.

“It is a privilege to lead the first all-female executive board of officers and its first all-female Square One Leadership team,” says Hickson-Martin. “Square One is a vital organization for our community and our team is committed to taking the organization to even greater heights to improve the lives of children and families. We have some exciting times ahead for Square One and I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this amazing board of directors.”

New to the full board of directors, which includes Dr. Elizabeth Boyle of Baystate Health, Kelly Collins of Colby Sawyer College, Jessica Dupont of HealthOne Alliance/Alliant health Plans, Dr. Stuart Jones of Springfield College, Ryan McCollum of RMC Strategies, Amy Selvia-Smith of NEPM, and Peter Testori of Bay Path University, are Lavar Click-Bruce of the City of Springfield Mayor’s Office and Leonard Underwood of Upscale Socks and Upscale Photography.

“This is an exciting time for Square One,” says Dawn DiStefano, Square One’s President & CEO. “This leadership team is the perfect group to propel us into the future. We looking forward to working together to continue to serve the children and families in our community.”

Since 1883, Square One has been committed to ensuring that all children and families have the opportunity to succeed at school, at work, and in life by providing educational programs, family support services, health and fitness resources, and a voice in the community. Square One knows that children grow up to become better educated and more successful academically, emotionally and socially when they have high-quality early education, nurturing adults to care for them, and a safe and healthy community in which to live.

For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Kristine Allard at kallard@startatsquareone.org.