Our board members either live, work or support the Greater Lowell area. They come from all different backgrounds but come together with one common goal – to build strength, stability and self reliance through affordable home ownership.
For information about joining our board – contact Dave Laurello at gro.tatibahllewol@tnediserP
Dave Laurello, President
Dave Laurello, is currently the Executive in Residence and Guest Lecturer at The Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He recently retired as President of the Intelligent Platform Solutions Division at Penguin Computing, and prior to that was President and CEO of Stratus Technologies for over 20 years.
Dave sits on the board of The Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Notre Dame High School in West Haven Connecticut.
Dave holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Massachusetts.
Andy Barlow, Vice President
Andy Barlow is a retired senior level hardware and software program manager with experience in managing programs, driving strategic initiatives and successful business partnerships. Andy has been involved with the affiliate since 1998 and served several terms on the board since 2004. His board roles have included president and vice president. He currently heads the Strategic Planning & Operations Committee and swings a hammer with the Tuesday Crew.
Barbara Daverin, Treasurer
Barbara Daverin has lived in Greater Lowell for 45 years, raising two children and volunteering in her church and community as well as volunteering in disaster struck areas in other states/countries in the Americas. She completed a technical degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell with a concentration in Mathematics. Currently retired as Corporate Financial Controller/ Interim CFO having worked in the Controller role for multiple PE backed companies over the last 20 years.
Rev. Dr. Katherine Adams, Secretary
Pastor First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ
Katherine Adams is the settled pastor and teacher of the First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, in Billerica, Massachusetts. She is passionate about building strong communities by developing relationships and utilizing resources so that needs are met. Her education at Boston University (MDiv) and Chicago Theological Seminary (DMin) encouraged her to engage beyond the walls of the local church, and to seek justice and peace in our homes, community, nation, and throughout the world. Central to her theology is to love neighbors and to make room for grace.
Rob Anctil
Managing Partner, Perking & Anctil, P.C.
Robert W. Anctil is the Managing Shareholder at Perkins & Anctil, where he leads the firm’s real estate and residential landlord-tenant practice groups. He has successfully closed thousands of commercial and residential transactions and represents individuals, developers, and property management companies in complex real estate matters, including acquisitions, zoning, permitting disputes, condominium developments, financing, and evictions. Rob also serves as local counsel for international law firms.
Known for his practical, cost-effective approach, Rob efficiently resolves disputes while helping clients achieve their goals on time and on budget.
Rob is a long-standing member of the Massachusetts Real Estate Bar Association (REBA), Community Associations Institute (CAI), and Northeast Association of Realtors (NEAR). He frequently lectures on real estate topics for REBA, CAI, NEAR, and the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education.
An active community member, Rob serves on the Board of Directors for Incompass Human Services and has held leadership roles with Emerson Hospital Corporation, the Northeast Builders Association, and the Nashua Watershed Association. A dedicated supporter of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Rob has raised over $250,000 through his participation in the Pan-Mass Challenge, earning recognition as a Nominee for Charitable Business Person of the Year by Enterprise Bank & Trust.
Rob earned his J.D. from Vermont Law School in 1994 and graduated cum laude from St. Lawrence University in 1990. He was admitted to the New Hampshire Bar in 1994 and the Massachusetts Bar in 1995.
Silvia Berrio
Claims Technical Expert
Silvia is a claims technical expert for a federal agency, dedicated to supporting positive change and enhancing the quality of life for community members. With a strong commitment to being an empowering source of support for others, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. Silvia has a passion for working with people and helping those in need. She became involved with Habitat for Humanity in 2018 through their homeownership program and joined the Habitat Board in September 2020, furthering her commitment to community service.
Jeffrey Brem, PE
President and Chief Civil Engineer for Meisner Brem Corporation
Jeffrey Brem, PE is the President and Chief Civil Engineer for Meisner Brem Corporation in Westford MA. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Maine, Orono. He is a Registered Professional Engineer (civil) in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine and has over 35 years of experience in various types of civil engineering related projects including sanitary sewer, storm drainage and stormwater management, septic system design (SSDS), highways and roadways, surveying, and construction management. He has extensive design experience in private land development projects of all types and sizes as a consulting design engineer. He also has experience as a construction superintendent for residential and commercial projects and is familiar with design and construction practices both in the east coast and west coast areas of the U.S. Mr. Brem has advised the Mass. Dept. of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) as an appointee of the Commissioner on several task forces and stakeholder committees including stormwater and Title 5, the State Sanitary Code. Jeff serves as a full Board Member of the Home Builders Association of Massachusetts Board of Directors and chairs the Wetland and Water Resources Sub Committee as well as being the past President of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell. Jeff was the developer and builder for the 18 home project known as Juniper Hill in Westford MA where Habitat Lowell built two affordable homes.
Gicelle Brito
VP, Market Area Commercial Loan Officer, MutualOne Bank
Gicelle Brito is a dedicated banking professional with 15 years of experience in the industry. As a passionate supporter of small businesses, Gicelle Brito serves as a Community Commercial Loan Officer, specializing in commercial mortgages and SBA lending programs. A graduate of Fitchburg State University with a bachelor’s degree in business and marketing, Gicelle Brito leverages extensive knowledge to support local businesses in their financial journeys.
In addition to her professional role, Gicelle Brito is an active participant in industry conferences, often sharing insights as a panelist. Committed to enhancing financial literacy, Ms. Brito volunteers with several non-profits to educate the community. She has also contributed as an Events Coordinator for business grand openings, demonstrating a strong commitment to fostering local entrepreneurship and community development.
Elizabeth Garber
Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer, IDPartner
Elizabeth Garber is co-founder and Chief Product Officer of IDPartner, a venture-backed startup that puts people in control of their digital identities. This builds on her work promoting human-centric identity, which she writes about, and leading several global initiatives to make safer, more trustworthy digital experiences. Prior to this, she delivered strategic product innovation and service design initiatives with some of the world’s biggest banks, telcos, and energy companies (among others). Outside work, she is passionate about diversity & inclusion, community engagement, growing vegetables, the Boston Improv scene, and parenting 2 amazing kids in Westford.
Paul Germano
Business Development, Enterprise Bank
Paul Germano is a banking executive with over 35 years of experience. He is currently Vice President of Deposit & Payment Operations at Enterprise Bank in Lowell MA and resides in Tewksbury. Prior to Paul’s work at Enterprise Bank, he worked at Cambridge Savings Bank and Beverly National Bank in various management positions.
Christopher Marzilli
VP Customer Success, Flosum
Christopher Marzilli is a strategic leader, technical architect and solutions-oriented thinker with a passion for leveraging cloud technologies. He has over 20 years of experience in the hi-tech industry working for both small startups in large enterprise organizations in a number of roles including IT Director, Senior Cloud Consultant, Customer Support Director and Product Management. Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in Management & Information Systems from St. Joseph’s University and completed his MBA at nearby Southern New Hampshire University concentrating in Business Intelligence and Big Data. A lifetime resident of Massachusetts, Christopher grew up in Shrewsbury and now lives close by with his wife, two kids and his loveable but very chatty beagle. An avid build day volunteer Chris has been organizing Habitat for Humanity build days for his friends and co-workers for over 10 years. He loves getting hands-on with this volunteering and will never turns down the opportunity to operate any power tool, under the proper supervision of course!
Jennifer McNutt
Director, Human Resources, NetScout
Jennifer has proudly dedicated the past 8 years to NETSCOUT, where she serves as the Director of Human Resources and lead the U.S. Human Resources Business Partner Team (Non-Sales). Prior to NETSCOUT, she held various Human Resource positions at Dell Technologies (Formally EMC Corporation) and Harris Corporation.
She possess an undergraduate degree from Westfield State University, majoring in Public and Corporate Communications as well as an MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management from Assumption College.
With a career rooted in the dynamic technology sector, she thrives on the agility, innovation and pace that defines the industry. Her leadership experience encompasses a comprehensive portfolio of Human Resources expertise and disciplines, including: Strategic Workforce Planning and Organizational Design, Employee Relations and Conflict Resolution, Performance Management and Leadership Development, Change management and Organization Transformation, Compliance and Risk Management, Total Rewards and more.
Her journey with Habitat for Humanity began through NETSCOUT’s Heart of Giving Program and Volunteer Time initiatives. Over the past few years, she has volunteered on various Habitat projects, each experience reinforcing and deepening her admiration for Habitat’s mission: to provide safe and affordable housing for those in need. Having a family of her own, she understand the significance of having a secure home and the stability it offers to children.
What resonates most deeply with her is Habitat’s unique approach to community building. The philosophy of “sweat equity,” where future homeowners contribute their time and labor, fosters a sense of pride, ownership, and partnership. It is a powerful reminder of how collaboration and shared commitment can absolutely transform lives.
With extensive experience in Human Resources, she is thrilled to apply her expertise to enhance Habitat’s mission impact.
Daniele Paravano
Adjunct Faculty, UMASS Lowell Manning School of Business
More info coming soon.
Molly Pidgeon
President | CEO; Pidgeon & Co.
Molly has had a multitude of roles over the last decade. While working as a construction manager, Molly, found the love of process. As a construction supervisor, she found the need for a higher level of communication and comprehension skills. As a designer, she found the importance of the ability
to understand all of the levels of the design and construction process from schematic design to certificate of occupancy. As a business owner, she learned the importance of the team dynamic and growth.
Armed with her knowledge, Molly realized the need for strategic partnerships in design and construction and how strong methods and a streamlined process can be advantageous in project efficiency from both a cost and schedule perspective. A focus of ownership responsibility in all aspects of the delivery is critical to the Pidgeon & Co. mission.
Molly oversees everything Pidgeon & Co. and is involved in projects throughout every level to ensure the fl ock follows the guides set forth by the
Project Delivery Standard method she developed.
In her spare time Molly enjoys sourcing and creating furniture and lighting for interior design projects. She is a champion for community involvement and leaving places a little better than she found them.
Ellie Richardson
Pastor, Christ Church United in Dracut, MA
More info coming soon.
Jeff Turcotte
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer, Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union
Jeff Turcotte joined Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union, headquartered in Lowell, in August of 2020, where he serves as Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer. He has a combined 26 years of experience in the banking industry, focused in multi-family residential and construction financing.
Residing in Leominster, MA, Jeff is married with four grown children. He holds a BS and an MBA in Business Management from Fitchburg State University, and is licensed as a Construction Supervisor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Additionally, Turcotte is the former Board President of the Middlesex West Chamber of Commerce (2018) and a Board Member from 2007-2020.
Jeff is no stranger to “getting his hands dirty.” Whether it’s at a Habitat build site, or in his home garage building Hot Rods with his Dad, Jeff is right at home with a hammer or wrench in his hand.
Melissa Robbins, Legal Counsel
Attorney, Farrell & Robbins, P.C.
Melissa Robbins is a partner at Farrell & Robbins, P.C.. Ms. Robbins has been actively involved with the legal aspects of the development, financing and construction of real estate and affordable housing for the last fifteen years. During that time, Ms. Robbins has been promoting smart growth and affordable housing for developers, as well as non-profit and governmental agencies through the use of local zoning, M.G.L. Chapter 40B and other creative methods.
Ms. Robbins and attorneys within her firm represent developers, as well as affordable housing advocates across Massachusetts.
Sheilagh Carlisle, Executive Director
The Board of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell is thrilled to welcome Sheilagh Carlisle as its new Executive Director (2024). We are at a pivotal moment in our history: HFHGL has the opportunity to substantially increase the number of families we impact every year. Spurred by deepening relationships with our town partners and supported by Governor Healy’s Affordable Housing agenda, there will be ample opportunities to build affordable homes. Sheilagh comes to us with substantial experience growing non-profit capacity, having initiated and led development initiatives ranging from $1M to $70M.
She also brings to us a deep passion for – and experience of – the Habitat mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities. For four years, Sheilagh served as Director of Development of Sea Island Habitat (South Carolina), a Habitat affiliate that produced more than 10 homes and 100 critical repairs in a year. The Habitat model is a tough one to jump into and the Executive Director needs to be able to manage a wide variety of roles, from mortgage origination to retail and land acquisition to partner family support. It is a rare and wonderful thing to be able to recruit someone from within the Habitat for Humanity International community. Click here to get a sense of our new ED!
