Former Framingham mayor's new job will address poverty. What her new role is
CAMBRIDGE — Former Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer has a new job.
Spicer was recently named executive director at Life Science Cares Boston, an innovative nonprofit that brings together players in the life science industry to address poverty through grants while helping its participating companies build connections within the community and among employees.
“I have seen what is possible when the business community steps up to support nonprofit organizations and the work they do to help people in need," said Spicer, who was Framingham's first elected mayor, in a statement. "The potential of the Life Science Cares’ model of collective impact is enormous and I am thrilled to bring my diverse leadership experience to build on this work and continue to make a positive impact on the communities in need.”
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In her new role, Spicer will provide leadership and oversight for all Life Science Cares activities. She is also responsible for the overall strategic and operational planning, including revenue generation and financial management.
She takes the reins from founding Executive Director Sarah MacDonald, who now oversees the organization’s five affiliates — Boston, Philadelphia, New York, San Diego and the San Francisco Bay Area — as president.
“This is an exciting time for LSC Boston, as Dr. Spicer’s track record of civic leadership, STEM policy and advocacy and mission-driven outcomes will further elevate the organization’s role as a convener, connector and impact-maker in the Greater Boston community,” said MacDonald, in a statement.
Nonprofit has invested $7.5M in community partners
Since the organization’s inception in 2016, LSC Boston has invested $7.5 million in community partners providing access to basic needs, access to education and access to opportunity. Also, LSC Boston volunteers have committed 31,000 hours of service and contributed $1.5 million in in-kind contributions to community partners.
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The LSC Boston network includes nearly 150 companies, 200 industry leaders and thousands of volunteers.
Spicer, 61, was elected mayor in Framingham in November 2017 and served a single four-year term. She was the first African-American woman to be popularly elected mayor in Massachusetts.
In her November 2021 bid for reelection, she was defeated by current Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.
Spicer previously she served as vice president for advocacy and educational partnerships at the Museum of Science in Boston. She was also a teacher and administrator in Framingham and Newton Public Schools, and served on the governor's STEM Advisory Council for both Deval Patrick and Charlie Baker.
Spicer is a Brooklyn, New York, native but has lived in Framingham since 1985. She holds a doctorate degree in educational leadership from UMass Boston; and a master's degree in technology education and bachelor's degree in industrial arts and technology from the State University of New York-Oswego.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Former Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer to lead life science nonprofit
