The Essex National Heritage Commission (Essex Heritage) welcomed elected officials and community leaders from around Essex County to its Annual Spring Meeting on Thursday, April 28 at Long Hill in Beverly. The meeting included words of welcome and support from Mayor Michael Cahill and Senator Joan Lovely and focused on the accomplishments of Essex Heritage’s youth jobs program, Future Leaders, as well as announcing the 2022 Partnership Grant recipients. The Commission also voted in its newly elected commissioners and presented a Special Recognition Award.

New Commissioners Elected

Essex Heritage is governed by a 22-member Board of Trustees and supported by over 100 Commissioners who live and/or work within Essex County and who serve as representatives of the communities, businesses, community organizations, educational institutions and historic, cultural and natural resources of the region. “Our organizational commissioners serve an important partners and ambassadors for this region,” said CEO Annie C. Harris. “Essex Heritage is pleased to welcome four new Commissioners this spring and we’re grateful for their commitment in promoting regional cooperation in Essex County.”

The following individuals were elected to serve the Essex National Heritage Commission:

New Commissioners, 2022-2025

  • Rachel Borgatti, Executive Director of Beverly Main Streets
  • Nancy Gardella, Executive Director of North of Boston CVB
  • Donna Holaday, former Mayor of Newburyport
  • Kylie Sullivan, Executive Director of Salem Main Streets

Special Recognition Award

As leaders of heritage organizations and supporters of the Essex National Heritage Area change roles or retire, Essex Heritage honors those who have made a professional or personal commitment to the heritage work in this region and thanks them for their service. The Spring 2022 Special Recognition Award Recipient was Stephen Winslow. Stephen Winslow was recognized for his tremendous contribution in establishing the rail trail network north of Boston. He is a founding member of Bike to the Sea, Inc. and was the driving force behind the creation of the Northern Strand Trail which connects Everett to Lynn.