Leadership MetroWest Executive Director Announces Retirement

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Leadership MetroWest will be under new leadership itself moving forward, the nonprofit announced today.

Longtime Executive Director Helen Lemoine is retiring after serving in the position since 2000. Lemoine, a graduate of the organization’s flagship Leadership Academy training program in 1993, is retiring officially on June 30.

The search process for a new executive director is already underway.

“Helen Lemoine is a fantastic leader who has served Leadership MetroWest with integrity and years of tangible and impactful results on the MetroWest community,“ said Chris Brown, Chair of the Leadership MetroWest Board of Directors.

Brown continued:

“Many of our 800+ alumni in the region across the corporate, nonprofit and public sectors are better leaders and managers in their organizations and communities today because of Helen. She has skillfully and thoughtfully guided every class since 2001 through our 10-month Leadership Academy program to develop and encourage local leaders, including the implementation of class projects that have made a real difference for so many in MetroWest. Helen will be greatly missed, and the entire Board and I wish her and her family the best as she begins her retirement on June 30th. Helen and the Board are all deeply committed to the future of the organization, and have worked to begin the process to fill the upcoming Executive Director opening. The job posting is now live. We encourage applications by anyone looking for an outstanding opportunity to join a leading and respected nonprofit who has the skills and drive to team up with the Board to implement their vision, manage our flagship Leadership Academy, interact with alumni, and strengthen community partnerships in order to grow and sustain the next generations of MetroWest leaders.”

Throughout her 23 years in this role, Lemoine has served as the only full-time employee overseeing all management operations inclusive of annual academy visits across the MetroWest and at the State House.

Recently, Lemoine led the organization through unprecedented times during the COVID-19 pandemic, refocusing the mission to include commitment, action, and leadership in diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism work and supporting each other throughout the quarantine.

Under her leadership, the organization now features a network of more than 800 alumni.

“Leading Leadership MetroWest and the Academy for 23 years has been the joy of a lifetime,” said Lemoine.

“Moving the organization in new directions in my early years; developing programs and partnerships; creating an engaging learning environment for Academy days; encouraging hundreds of Academy colleagues to be informed, engaged, connected, inclusive leaders; building relationships with local, regional, and state leaders who became special guest speakers at the Academy and alumni events; working with caring and committed board members; and being part of the organization embracing and acting on equity, inclusion and antiracism as core values and in the Academy curriculum -- all are part of my tapestry created from the fabric woven by Leadership MetroWest.”

Her impact on the area is also appreciated by political figures in the region.

“Helen’s impact can be seen throughout MetroWest,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka, State Senator representing Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Medway, and Natick.

“Literally hundreds of our region’s foremost thinkers and doers attended the Leadership Academy during the 23 years that she served as its executive director. Those Academy graduates are today strengthening the region by leading municipal services, nonprofit programs, and businesses of all sizes. Helen is truly a leader of leaders.”

Lemoine is a recipient of the “Athena Award,” a national award given regionally to honor women leaders who achieve excellence in their profession, inspire women to achieve their full potential, and give back to the community in a meaningful way.

She was the recipient of Framingham State University’s first annual “Women Making History Now” award in 2016.

Details on a retirement celebration for Helen Lemoine will be provided in the near future.