New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts, Inc. (JASM) has announced the appointment of New Bedford native Jeffrey Pelletier to the position of President, as of September 1st.
Mr. Pelletier will succeed Caroline Paradis, who has been at the organization’s helm for 5 years. Ms. Paradis will continue her involvement with JASM as a Senior Advisor for the foreseeable future. Pelletier said in a statement, “I am honored for the opportunity to work alongside the Board, the staff and the hundreds of volunteers that make JA’s impact across our region possible. I believe that JA has an important role to play in inspiring and preparing our young people to become the next generation of leaders and I am excited to get started.”
Mr. Pelletier is a prior member of the JASM Board of Directors and is an active supporter of nonprofit organizations across Massachusetts. Mr. Pelletier brings a local business and economic development background to the position through his previous work with the Sylvia Group and the New Bedford Economic Development Council. Pelletier also has experience in nonprofit international development through his work leading economic and community development programs in Haiti and Honduras. Pelletier is a graduate of Bishop Stang High School and Methodist University and lives with his wife and two young boys in New Bedford.
“JASM’s Board of Directors is extremely pleased with Jeff’s appointment as our organization’s new President,” said Will Mendonca, Board Chair. “Jeff’s familiarity with our organization, its mission as well as his keen understanding & appreciation of the SouthCoast & southeastern Massachusetts regions and expertise in the area of economic development are all great attributes which collectively will serve to further expand the great work of our staff & volunteers.”
He continued, “At the same time, on behalf of entire Board, volunteers and supporters I want to express our heartfelt thanks to Caroline Paradis for her leadership over these past 5 years. We will be forever grateful for the dedication & inspiration she provided to JASM.”
Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to helping young people forge paths to self-sufficiency. Through an extensive volunteer network, Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts provides in-school and after-school programs to students from Kindergarten through 12th grade; all programs are 100% free and focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. During the 2015-16 school year, more than 170 volunteers donated over 23,000 hours to provide JA programs to nearly 4,000 students throughout Southern Massachusetts.
To learn more about JASM, visit www.jasouthernma.org, contact Caroline Paradis at caroline.paradis@ja.org or 508-997-6536.
