Boxford residents named to Northeast Arc board

The Northeast Arc, a not-for-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities become full participants in the community, elected Heidi Ellard and Pamela Newport, both of Boxford, to its board of directors.

Ellard has over 20 years of experience in marketing, strategic planning, public relations and tactical business management. While her main focus now is her children, she is still active in business and community affairs. An avid volunteer, Ellard serves as president of the Boxford Elementary Schools Trust, has held positions on the Boxford board of library trustees, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health and the New England Biolabs Foundation.

"I developed an interest in assisting people with intellectual disabilities as a child when listening to my father discuss work experiences at the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health," said Ellard. "His stories left quite an impression on me and serving on various boards for the past 15 years has been one way I have given back. I look forward to working with the board of the Northeast Arc as they continue their great work"

Like Ellard, Newport has had several volunteer roles while raising her children, including active involvement in the New England Academy Parent Advisory Council and the St. John's Prep Parent Council. Her background in tech marketing and public relations will serve her well in her new role on the Northeast Arc board.

"I look forward to learning from the Northeast Arc community and collaborating to change lives," said Newport. "As a member of the community, I've seen my son thrive in the Spotlight Program and now he is using his skills to help others as an intern. I am honored to join this agile and creative team."

"Pamela and Heidi will be terrific additions to our board of directors," said Darcy Immerman, Northeast Arc board chair. "We look forward to the unique perspectives they will each bring to the organization."