Colleen Kennedy-Mello appointed Executive Director
Colleen Kennedy-Mello, M.Ed. has been appointed Executive Director of Leadership SouthCoast
Colleen Kennedy-Mello, M.Ed. has been appointed Executive Director of Leadership SouthCoastColleen brings deep regional roots, a strong commitment to equity, and a proven record of collaborative leadership. A South Coast resident, she is widely connected across the community and deeply invested in the people and places we serve. Most recently, Colleen served as Program Manager for the Southeast Tobacco-Free Community Partnership at Seven Hills Behavioral Health, where she worked closely with partners throughout the region to advance equitable public health outcomes and strengthen community well-being.
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Prior to her work in public health, Colleen spent more than 16 years in higher education, supporting low-income and first-generation students - an experience that aligns closely with Leadership SouthCoast’s mission to develop inclusive, values-driven leaders. Her community involvement also reflects this commitment, including co-founding the Fairhaven Turkey Trot for Health and Hunger and serving in leadership roles for New Bedford’s citywide 20mi² initiative.
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Colleen is also a proud Leadership SouthCoast alumna and former member of our Board of Directors. This combination of lived experience, program knowledge, and organizational leadership gives her a unique and powerful perspective as she steps into this role. She understands Leadership SouthCoast not only as a leader but as someone who has experienced firsthand the impact of our programs.
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PLEASE JOIN US IN WELCOMING COLLEEN!