Tom brings a strategic human resources perspective to the BVEF board, driven by a belief that every student deserves direction and opportunity. With deep insight into local workforce needs, Tom is passionate about closing soft skills gaps, expanding career awareness, and helping students envision futures right here in the Blackstone Valley. His early experiences in the restaurant industry instilled in him a strong work ethic and an appreciation for service, principles he now champions through education and workforce partnerships.

Tara is the Career, Community & Innovations Coordinator at Nipmuc Regional High School and has been with the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation for nearly a decade. She is a strong advocate for giving students early access to real-world learning and leadership development, recognizing how these experiences build confidence, creativity, and the critical thinking skills needed for long-term success. With a background in student-centered programming and school-community partnerships, Tara is committed to helping young people discover their strengths and prepare for meaningful futures in an ever-changing world.

Anthony E. Steele II has been a cornerstone of Blackstone Valley Tech since 1997, when he began his career at the school as an English teacher. Over nearly three decades, he has helped shape BVT into a nationally recognized model for career and technical education. After serving as Assistant Principal and Director of Curriculum, he became Assistant Superintendent-Director/Principal in 2012 and was named BVT's next Superintendent-Director in 2025. A respected voice in vocational education statewide, Mr. Steele has contributed to numerous professional associations and state committees. He is known for championing a school culture grounded in high expectations, collaboration, and student success, and remains deeply committed to preparing students for meaningful futures in both college and career.

Peter brings decades of experience in advanced manufacturing and innovation to the BVEF board. A long-time advocate for school-to-career connections, Peter has mentored students through internships since the early 1990s, including one who rose from intern to director. He believes in inspiring students to pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Peter’s first job at a family-owned grocery store taught him the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership skills, and community focus that he now helps embed in BVEF’s mission.

Maureen is the Superintendent of the Mendon-Upton Regional School District and brings over 20 years of experience across urban and suburban education settings. A former teacher, administrator, and district leader, she is known for cultivating inclusive, student-centered learning environments that promote agency, relevance, and authentic engagement. Dr. Cohen was named Massachusetts Assistant Principal of the Year in 2012 and was a national finalist for the NASSP award. She holds degrees from Bowdoin College and Northeastern University, including a doctorate in educational leadership, and has led regional initiatives on mentoring, curriculum design, and strategic planning. A frequent presenter and thought leader, Dr. Cohen is committed to collaboration, innovation, and empowering the next generation of learners and leaders.

Sarah has served on the BVEF Board of Directors since 2018. A lifelong Sutton resident, Sarah brings a passion for experiential education rooted in both her background as a middle school teacher and her ongoing work in philanthropy. She also chairs the Board of the Osterman Family Foundation, which supports nonprofits across New England, many focused on student success and community wellbeing. Sarah believes that early exposure to the workplace helps students build confidence, curiosity, and real-world readiness. As a parent and education leader, she remains committed to expanding opportunities that connect students with careers, mentors, and meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Christine brings more than 30 years of experience in education to her role on the BVEF Board, where she also serves as the Middle School Coordinator for the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy. A former teacher and seasoned administrator, Christine is deeply committed to amplifying student voice and fostering leadership across the region. She holds graduate degrees in Mathematics Education from WPI and Educational Leadership from American International College. Now Assistant Principal at Grafton Middle School, Christine continues to champion environments where students feel empowered to take risks, grow, and lead.

As Superintendent of Milford Public Schools, Kevin is focused on student outcomes and helping learners navigate an ever-changing world. He joined BVEF to continue building bridges between education and career, and to help ensure that all students see possibility and purpose in their paths. Kevin believes that real-world learning has the power to transform individual lives and strengthen entire communities. His first job as a paper boy underscored the importance of relationships and excellent service, skills he believes remain at the heart of great leadership and instruction.

A founding member of BVEF in 1999, Lee has been a steadfast advocate for connecting education with real-world application for over two decades. As a third-generation leader of his family business, Lee pairs business insight with deep community involvement, having served in elected and trustee roles across the region. He is driven by the belief that “every great place has great schools,” and remains committed to building a future where local students thrive academically and professionally. His first job as a bike mechanic taught him the importance of responsibility, ethics, and listening to people’s needs, values that continue to shape his leadership.

Chris is the President of UniBank and brings decades of leadership experience across banking operations, retail lending, marketing, and financial services. Known for his strategic mindset and collaborative leadership, Chris has guided teams through growth, change, and innovation while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and community impact. A long-standing advocate for financial literacy, Chris regularly engages with students through BVEF programming to demystify personal finance and inspire future career paths. His own journey from modest academic beginnings to becoming one of UniBank’s youngest vice presidents underscores his belief in continuous growth, resilience, and the power of real-world learning.

Paul is a retired superintendent and longtime education leader with a distinguished career spanning more than four decades. He served as Superintendent of the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, where he oversaw the construction of multiple school buildings and helped guide the district through major educational reforms. Prior to that, he was Principal of Nipmuc Regional High School and was named Massachusetts State Principal of the Year in 1999. A former president of the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, Paul also led both the Worcester County Superintendents Association and the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association. He has been deeply involved with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), chairing multiple evaluation teams and helping shape accreditation standards across the region. A champion of innovation, Paul has consulted nationally on topics such as block scheduling and continues to support school improvement through leadership and mentoring.

James is a partner in the Litigation Group at Mirick O’Connell, where he focuses on tort defense, commercial litigation, insurance coverage, and professional malpractice defense. With extensive experience managing all aspects of civil litigation, Jim has represented clients in state and federal courts across Massachusetts, including Superior, District, Probate and Family, and Land Court. He also has appellate experience in the Massachusetts Appeals Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. A trusted legal advisor and seasoned litigator, Jim brings a sharp analytical approach and strong community focus to his work, both in and out of the courtroom.