The board of directors at Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) named Dorchester resident Candice Caines-Francis as board chair and approved the election of other officers at their June meeting.
Caines-Francis, representing North End state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz, is head of Global Inforce Management at Manulife, where she directs strategy, planning and governance.’
“Candice is a phenomenal strategic leader who is deeply rooted in both the community and corporate sector and has made exceptional contributions to the board over the past 12 years,” said Sharon Scott-Chandler. ABCD president and CEO Caines-Francis, who joined the board in 2013, has held a number of leadership roles, including first vice chair, assistant treasurer, and chair of the Energy & Fuel Assistance Committee. She will continue to serve on the Executive and Finance Committees in addition to her new role.
“It is very affirming to have both Sharon’s and the board’s confidence in my ability to lead,” said Caines-Francis. “After 12 years on this board in various roles, I continue to be inspired and committed to helping lift up people in Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley who are struggling and aspire to and achieve better lives for themselves and their families.”
Caines-Francis has held leadership roles in the state auditor’s office and with Boston Financial Data Services. She holds a master’s of Business Administration from Suffolk University and a Bachelor of Arts from Simmons University and is a certified public account and certified information systems auditor.
The following officers were also elected at the June meeting:
•Vice Chair Joyce Dennis, representing state Sen. Nick Collins.
•Vice Chair Marie Greig, representing the South Boston Area Planning Council Advisory Board.
•Vice Chair James Owens, Jr., representing the Roxbury North Dorchester Neighborhood Opportunity Center.
•Vice Chair Yvonne Jones, representing the Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center Advisory Board.
•Treasurer Pat Washington, representing the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.
•Assistant Treasurer Jose Umana, representing the Parker Hill-Fenway Neighborhood Service Center Advisory Board.
•Clerk Julia Hardy Cofield, Esq., representing Senator Michael Rush.
•Assistant Clerk Jennifer Williams, Esq.
