Community Giving Tree Announces New Executive Director

After a rigorous, six month search, the Board of Directors of Community Giving Tree is pleased to report that Jean Pagliuca has been selected to succeed Leslie Levenson as Executive Director. Jean will assume the post effective September 15.

Jean has served on the staff of Community Giving Tree (CGT) as Communications and Outreach Manager for the past year. Jean came to CGT with a long and accomplished history of managing and growing non-profit organizations in the greater Boston area.

“We had an embarrassment of riches when it came to the number of qualified applicants,” stated Melissa Hendricks, who served on the Selection Committee along with fellow Board Member Chris Duble and Josh Miner, the Executive Director of the Stevens Foundation. “We evaluated 20 applicants before presenting the Board with our finalists. Throughout the process Jean stood out.”

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to play a new and larger role in continuing the great work Leslie, the staff and the hundreds of volunteers do every day at Community Giving Tree,” stated Jean. “Community Giving Tree is an amazing organization and its culture of giving and of volunteerism resonates deeply with me. I am inspired by Leslie and the entire staff every day and I am committed to do my utmost to maintain and enhance the organization’s core values as we grow.”

Prior to joining CGT, Jean has served in leadership positions at various non-profit organizations in the Boston metro area. Her most recent experience extended over 14 years with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston. Jean is an active member of the North Shore community and is actively engaged in local school activities and in assisting other non-profit organizations.

“Words cannot describe how grateful I am to all the people who worked with me to make Community Giving Tree a source of vital support to so many children and families on the North Shore,” stated co-founder and retiring Executive Director Leslie Levenson. “And I am quite confident that Jean, with whom I have worked so closely, along with our capable Board, our dedicated staff and our enthusiastic volunteers and contributors will continue CGT’s important work and carry the organization forward to serve even more children and families in the future.”

Community Giving Tree is a registered non-profit organization founded in 2002 by Leslie Levenson and Betty Obernesser. Operating out of facilities in Boxford and Middleton, Community Giving Tree collects gently used baby equipment and clothing and distributes them to needy children and families on the North Shore. Supported by a small staff and hundreds of volunteers, Community Giving Tree has grown to serve more than 10,000 children annually providing them with the basic necessities they need to grow and thrive. Community Giving Tree supports itself through donations, grants and its popular “Twice-loved Toy Sale.”