Meet Our Board
Leadership SouthCoast’s Board of Directors are an outstanding group of engaged and dedicated people who live and work within the south coast region. Some are alumni of the LEAD SouthCoast Program, while others either represent valued institutions or want to participate in some way. All of the Board Members believe deeply in our mission. LSC is looking to grow its board to be more representative of the south coast.
LSC is looking to grow its board to be more representative of the south coast. Our pathway to becoming a member of the board is through committees. LSC currently has 4 board committees with 3 actively looking for new members. Our current standing committees are:
- Advancement - recruiting
- Program - recruiting
- Alumni - recruiting
- Governance
If you are interested in learning more about working with Leadership SouthCoast, click here
Officers
Catherine DeTerra (’18)
Board Chair
Director, Marketing & Development
Cooperative Production Inc.
When she went through the LSC program in 2018, Cat had the opportunity to learn leadership techniques, and about our community and her place within it. Through the program she interacted with so many talented people and groups who were invested in improving our region to be a better place to live, work and play for everyone. Cat joined the LSC Board because she wanted to ensure that LSC could continue to provide this opportunity to others in the future. “We get to positively change lives by gathering, educating, and inspiring upcoming leaders. Who could pass that up?”
Cat sees leaders as those who recognize and nurture the strengths and talents of the people around them. She believes leadership requires integrity, humility, and the recognition that learning is a lifelong process.
When asked what she sees for the south coast, Cat responded, “I moved to this area from the Midwest many years ago, and it still amazes me how beautiful it is! There are an abundance of reasons to love living and working here. It is exciting to see the many opportunities coming our way related to the potential of marine science and the offshore wind industry. Our entire region will benefit when our residents work with educational institutions and other organizations to prepare for lucrative roles in these growing industries. My hope is that these opportunities build equitable wealth and power for everyone in our region.”
Brittany Cohen ‘19
Vice Chair
Vice President of the Enterprise Project Management Office
Bristol County Savings Bank
She joined the LSC board because she believes in its vision, that by being the nexus within the community, through fostering diverse leadership opportunities, LSC provides her and the south coast the opportunity to maximize their impact to build a stronger community.
“I had the pleasure of being a part of the 2019 cohort class and witnessed firsthand the immeasurable benefit LSC provides to not only its participants, but also local organizations. As such, I wanted to ensure that this opportunity was available for fellow colleagues and community members. I am excited to be a part of the LSC board as it continues to grow and make a difference within our community!”
For Brittany leadership is inclusion through influence and inspiration in order to maximize impact. In lieu of trying to fix everything oneself or only leading from above, true leadership, she believes, is when one mobilizes and guides others through innovation and problem solving.
When asked what she sees for the south coast, Brittany answered, “I would hope to see the south coast have educational equality and access on par with the rest of the state. I foresee this as an opportunity also for LSC to engage class members and alumni to further assist with leveling the playing field. Overall, I envision and am hopeful that the South Coast will be a community further strengthened by its diverse and engaged members that spearhead solutions to community wide issues, ensuring positive growth for all residents!”
Open Seat
Secretary
Stephen Mitchell (’12)
Treasurer
First Vice President, Regional Cash Management Specialist
Morgan Stanley
Mitch joined the LSC Board 9 years ago after graduating from the 2012 cohort and has served on the Executive Board as Treasurer of LSC for the past three years. He joined the board because the LSC mission has always resonated within him. “I want to engage, educate, and empower a vigorous network of individuals who are determined to give back to the diverse needs of our community that we live and work to improve and strengthen the south coast region.”
He believes leadership means inspiring and empowering others to lead from where they are towards a common goal or objective.
When asked what he sees for the south coast, Mitch answered, “I envision the south coast as a diverse and inclusive community that has been strengthened by its leaders who are determined to work together to inspire the community to work towards common objectives that will create a realistic and sustainable future while it continues to honor its past rich history.”
Board Members
Scott Lopes (’15)
Vice President/Human Resources & Training and Development
BayCoast Bank
Scott is a proud graduate of the LSC program and wanted to be able to give back by working on the board to continue the success of the organization. “Being able to provide leadership programs such as the ones LSC provides are extremely important to the success of our local businesses and their employees. I want to make sure LSC has the continued support of the board and I feel that my background with both LSC and my professional life has provided me with the opportunity to help this important cause to continue the success of LSC.“
He views leadership as doing the right thing and leading by example. Scott feels that people are organizations’ most important assets and leadership is about bringing different perspectives together and making something special out of it.
When asked what he sees for the south coast, Scott answered, “My hope for the South Coast is to be able to provide meaningful work for my children. I would like to see our youth be able to stay in the South Coast and have a positive experience.”
Dawn Camille ('19)
Senior Director of Retail Banking
First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union
She joined the LSC board in 2019 because she is passionate about the purpose of LSC and its focus around educating and empowering community leaders to get involved, do more and support their region. Being on the LSC board has given Dawn the opportunity to connect with other leaders in the south coast who support the importance of developing leaders within our communities. The LSC board is made up of people from multiple industries so sharing expertise from different perspectives is something that can help in one’s own professional development.
Dawn believes leadership means supporting others and helping them to be successful by setting an example for people to achieve positive change. “A true leader promotes collaboration, emphasizing that one person cannot do everything; They do, not just say and are not afraid to get out of their comfort zone when it supports the greater good. A leader should be inspiring, authentic, trustworthy and accountable.”
When asked what she sees for the south coast, Dawn answered, “I see emerging leaders who are able to create better opportunities, more support for those who need it, and a place that people are excited to be part of. We need more awareness for the needs around education, basic individual and family needs and mental health. I think that the Covid-19 pandemic has caused a setback for different organizations who were actively helping in these areas, and we need strong community leaders to help the south coast get better at addressing its needs.”
Bruno Freire
Lead Paint Program Manager
City of New Bedford
Bruno joined the LSC board because of its empowering mission, which deeply resonates with him as an immigrant from Cabo Verde. He feels his work with LSC will allow him to play a role in empowering others who may share similar backgrounds. “I am eager to be a part of Leadership Southcoast, as it exemplifies the idea that everyone, regardless of their origins, should have the opportunity to thrive. We can create a positive difference in our community by fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all.”
For Bruno, leadership represents a collaborative community where individuals come together to share ideas and solve the challenges our region faces. It is a nurturing space where guidance is readily available to explore innovative approaches to solution seeking.
When asked about his vision for the south coast Bruno said, “the South Coast is on the cusp of a transformation, and with the right vision, dedication, and cooperation, there is no doubt that the future holds many opportunities for growth and prosperity.”
Dr. John Korn
Leadership Consultant
When asked why he wanted to join the LSC Board, John answered, “I believe that the world needs more leaders at every level in every organization. LSC provides a path for high potential individuals to begin their leadership journeys. The region needs organizations like LSC to close the existing leadership gap so that individuals develop key leadership skills.”
For John, leadership is about respect, responsibility, and results. “Respect for those we lead and the ideals of integrity, service, and a sense of the greater good. Responsibility for my actions and the actions (or inactions) of those I lead as well as upholding the mission and values of the organization in which I serve. Results because at the end of the day, leaders are expected to produce, through others, the very best outcomes possible. “
He sees the SouthCoast as a land of possibility. Regionally, there are opportunities that seem to have been missed such as the triad of New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton as a powerful partnership. “In my view, that potential has historically been missed. With the addition of wind power, I hope that the region can collectively leverage that opportunity and become a world leader in the renewable energy sector. I think that there is an emerging view that excellence can overcome history. My hope is the SouthCoast will embrace a new way of working and living together.”
Dr. Vinnie Rege
Business and Experiential Education Dean
Bristol Community College
Vinnie sees an opportunity to help people understand our community and build their capacity to lead in their organizations and communities. He brings with him experience working with Leadership Howard County in MD on several collaborative projects.
Vinnie’s idea of leadership is being able to inspire others, motivate, set a vision, communicate, respect others, and of course, lead by example. A leader must have an honest understanding of who they are, what they know, and what they are capable of. “Good leaders are developed through a never-ending process of self-study, education, training, experience and above all- excellent mentorship”.
When asked about his vision for the south coast, Vinnie said, “When I moved to the south coast region in 2020, besides the sheer natural beauty of the area, I was extremely impressed with a sense of community and a culture of inclusiveness in the region. While there are areas of opportunities for improvement, what is impressive is the desire to make things happen in the region through partnership and collaboration by several sectors such as education, banking, off-shore wind, healthcare etc.”
Ed Lambert
Executive Director
Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education
As a lifelong resident of the SouthCoast, and someone who has long engaged and interacted with LSC, Ed chooses to serve the LSC mission on the board as a way to expand potential for the organization. “I want to help develop the next generation of regional leaders. I hope to be able to add my perspective and history of regional leadership to the effort.”
For Ed, leadership means serving others and listening to disparate voices while translating the hopes and desires of the community into actionable progress.
When asked what he sees for the south coast, Ed responded, “Equity for the region within the Commonwealth; advancement in educational and career achievement for residents; a better quality of life for all, in particular working families.”
Colleen Kennedy-Mello ('23)
Program Manager
Seven Hills Behavioral Health
Colleen participated in the LSC LEAD 2023 cohort and found her experience to be invaluable in promoting positive changes on the South Coast: “I believe in the vision and purpose of LSC. Not only was I able to refine my skills as a leader in the community, LSC afforded me the opportunity to broaden my network, collaborate with community organizations and help change in our region. Only through collaboration and connection can a community flourish, and LSC is instrumental in this regard.”
Colleen believes to be an effective leader one must be an active listener. One must be open to new perspectives, have compassion and empathy, and strive to connect with others with different experiences and views. A strong leader encourages others, advocates, and delivers support and resources when needed.”
When asked about her vision for the South Coast, Colleen answered, “I am tremendously heartened by the dynamic change and progress of our region in recent years and the opportunities for us to prosper in the future still. Most important to me is that we expand that circle of opportunity to encompass all residents and ensure that no one is left behind as our area continues to evolve.”
Yinka Oluwole ‘23
Executive Director
Southcoast Health
She views leadership as an opportunity to serve others. “It involves actively engaging in the work, sleeves rolled up, and collaborating. Effective leaders actively listen to understand needs and identify opportunities to have a positive impact by working alongside others.”
When asked what she sees for the region, Yinka replied, “My hope is to see the continued spotlight on the potential within the South Coast. This region offers numerous growth opportunities for people to explore. By highlighting these possibilities, we can inspire individuals to engage right here.”
Yinka will also serve on the Program Committee.
Heather Quire ‘24
Associate Vice Chancellor
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Heather’s leadership philosophy encompassed authenticity and ethics as inseparable pillars. “Authentic leadership, to me, means embracing my true self, strengths, and vulnerabilities alike. It's about being transparent, consistent, and genuine in every action and decision I make. Simultaneously, ethical leadership is paramount—it's the unwavering commitment to upholding principles and making decisions that align with the highest standards of integrity. By embodying both authentic and ethical leadership, I strive to lead by example and always stand firm in my dedication to doing what is right. I aspire to create an inclusive, innovative, and compassionate environment where individuals are empowered to reach their full potential, and where our collective efforts lead to meaningful, sustainable success.”
When asked about her hopes for the region, Heather replied, ”I am new to the South Coast Region, my career brought me to the South Coast. I have spent the last 15 years in the Berkshires (still have a home there). Based on my limited knowledge, I think there is an opportunity to make an impact on providing leadership in the community in both learning and engagement.”
Heather will also serve on the Program Committee.