Operation ABLE Celebrates a Successful Return to In-Person Annual Breakfast Event

Honoree Mary Chin, of AACA joins others for a photo.

Boston, MA – June 27, 2024 – Operation ABLE is thrilled to announce the success of its Annual Breakfast, held on June 5th, 2024, at the prestigious University of Massachusetts Club. This event marked a significant return to in-person gatherings after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing together our Operation ABLE community including those we serve, staff, Directors, our valued partners and funders, community members, and elected officials with special thanks to our Honoree, Representative Aaron Michlewitz and our keynote speaker Undersecretary Josh Cutler, to celebrate and support Operation ABLE’s mission.

About Operation ABLE:

Operation ABLE is dedicated to providing employment and training opportunities to job seekers from economically, racially, and occupationally diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to empower individuals through education, training, and employment services, fostering a more inclusive and equitable workforce. (For more information, https://operationable.net/)

Event Highlights:

The Breakfast is a premier workforce development event with enthusiastic participation, with an overflow crowd in attendance. Undersecretary Josh Cutler provided an interactive, thoughtful and exciting presentation about the impact and benefits of “Apprenticeship”.  The event provided the workforce development community with opportunities to celebrate, collaborate, and share ideas and resources.  The workforce development community and Operation ABLE recognized and saluted the effective and innovative leadership of Representative Aaron Michlewitz for job seekers and employers alike.  

Engagement and Feedback:

Guests expressed positive feedback, appreciating the opportunity to connect in person and support Operation ABLE. The Breakfast generated extensive positive social media engagement with posts and reposts including from key figures and organizations, such as the Department of Transitional Assistance and Undersecretary Josh Cutler, which garnered significant attention and positive reactions raising awareness for the programs and services offered by Operation ABLE.

Looking Ahead:

While the event was a resounding success, Operation ABLE is committed to continuous improvement. Feedback and suggestions for refining event logistics and enhancing volunteer training will be incorporated into future planning to ensure even greater success.

Conclusion:

The 2024 Annual Breakfast was a milestone event for Operation ABLE, reflecting our resilience and dedication to our mission. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all attendees, sponsors, and volunteers who made this event possible. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected workforce development community.

LEXINGTON RESIDENT, THOMAS P. FLANERY, PH.D. APPOINTED TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Thomas P. Flannery, Ph.D

Senior executive brings expertise in governance, executive leadership, organizational structure, and compensation to Operation ABLE’s Board.

Boston, Massachusetts, July 30, 2023: Thomas P. Flannery, Ph.D. of Lexington joins Operation ABLE Board of Directors. Tom has had an extensive career, spanning several renowned firms, including Korn Ferry and Mercer. He has advised numerous for-profit and not-for-profit organizations on governance, executive leadership, organizational structure, and compensation.

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Helping Senior New Hampshire Residents Return to the Workforce

Helping Senior New Hampshire Residents Return to the Workforce Through Community Service Assignments

The Senior Community Service Employment Program at Operation ABLE

Imagine the difficulty of finding a job in the post-pandemic era if you don’t have the skills that today’s employers require. That’s the reality facing many of New Hampshire’s senior residents considering a return to the workforce as the pandemic and current economic conditions have forced them to rethink what lies ahead.

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Operation ABLE Helps Mature Workers Return to the Workforce Through Community Service Assignments

Helping Mature Workers Return to the Workforce Through Community Service Assignments

The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)

Nancy Reddiker was a Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) participant at Operation ABLE last year.  She says, “I am proud to say that I now receive an annual salary and am economically self-sufficient. I am so grateful Operation ABLE exists!”

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Greater Boston Resident Luis Rivera Appointed to Board of Directors of Operation ABLE

Senior financial executive brings expertise in financial reporting, analysis, and strategic planning to Operation ABLE’s Board.

Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 2021: Operation ABLE announced the appointment of Luis Rivera to its Board of directors.

“Luis’ many years of executive experience leading financial operations will be an invaluable asset to Operation ABLE’s Board and its Leadership team, “said Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE’s Board Chairperson. “I’m very pleased that Luis has agreed to join Operation ABLE’s Board and am looking forward to adding his experienced perspective to our discussions.” Luis Rivera currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Fenway Health, joining the organization in 2019. In his role, Rivera oversees the financial operations of all Fenway Health programs and services, including The Fenway Institute, AIDS Action and the Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center. Rivera earned his MBA from Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College in NYC.

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Avon, CT Resident Jodi Wallach Appointed to Board of Directors

Jodi Wallach joins Operation ABLE's Board
Expertise in Talent Acquisition, Employee Experience and Human Resource Management provides valuable insight into industry hiring needs and priorities

Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 2021: Operation ABLE announced the appointment of Jodi M. Wallach to its Board of Directors.

“Jodi is such a welcome addition to our Board,” said Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE’s Board Chairperson. “Her depth of experience as a senior HR executive and her understanding of how employers are meeting their staffing needs provides valuable insight to our long-term planning.”

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Brookline Resident Jeffrey A. Smagula Appointed to Board of Directors of Operation ABLE

Jeffrey A. Smagula joins Operation ABLE Board
Experienced health care and life sciences attorney provides legal and compliance acumen to Operation ABLE’s Board.

Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 2021: Operation ABLE announced the appointment of Attorney Jeffrey A. Smagula to its Board of Directors.

“I worked with Jeff for many years at Tufts Health Plan, both in his role in the General Counsel’s office and then as Chief Compliance and Ethics Officer.” said Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE’s Board Chairperson. “I know he can be counted on to provide valuable guidance to our Board regarding best practices in audits, compliance and other areas of legal review.” Read More

Waltham Resident Jeanine Hamilton Appointed to Board of Directors of Operation ABLE

Business owner and workforce staffing executive provides industry insight into employment hiring needs and trends

Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 2021: Operation ABLE announced the appointment of Jeanine Hamilton to its Board of Directors.

“I’m excited to welcome Jeanine to our Board,” said Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE’s Board Chairperson. “She’s a hands-on, business owner and staffing professional interfacing on a daily basis with local employers and their staffing needs, which is such a helpful perspective to have in our Board discussions.”

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Boston Resident Antoine J. Melay Appointed to Operation ABLE’s Board of Directors

Antoine J. Melay joins Operation ABLE's Board
Senior executive with extensive experience promoting leadership, community engagement, and economic development adds depth to Operation ABLE’s Board

Boston, Massachusetts, December 14, 2021: Operation ABLE announced the appointment of Antoine J. Melay to its Board of Directors.

“I am delighted that Antoine has agreed to join Operation ABLE’s Board of Directors and offer his guidance during this period of change.” said Lydia Greene, Operation ABLE’s Board Chairperson. “His experience in workforce development and training will be an invaluable asset to Operation ABLE’s Leadership team as we strategize on how best to support our community of jobseekers.”

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“Together We Move Forward” Virtual “Breakfast” with Secretary Rosalin Acosta

Annual Breakfast 2021 with Secretary Acosta

Operation ABLE’s held its annual fundraiser on June 9th to support our community of job seekers, the underemployed, those in career transition, and military veterans who are committed and eager to work.

The theme of this year’s event was “Together We Move Forward,” to acknowledge and celebrate our students, our impactful employer and service provider partners, and Operation ABLE’s compassionate and expert staff. We also want to acknowledge and thank our nonprofit and government partners for helping to make our success possible. In addition, the event enabled us to spotlight our full complement of computer skills training programs and the ‘life-changing” impact on students that have successfully graduated from our programs. Just as importantly, this event enables us to thank and recognize our very generous sponsors and donors who make our job training and student success possible.

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