Board of Directors

Irene Hernandez is known as a dynamic leader with extensive experience in both nonprofit and government sectors. Currently the Program Director at Active Life Adult Day Health Center, Irene’s background includes serving as an assistant to former Fitchburg Mayor Lisa Wong. In that role, she spearheaded several innovative and impactful initiatives, such as the Torch Youth Leadership Training and the Charles E. Shannon CSI Grant/Tri-City Anti-Gang Violence Program for Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. Additionally, Irene’s creation of the Fitchburg Alcalde de su Calle program gained national recognition and was featured on CNN. Her impressive accomplishments, combined with her academic credentials—a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sociology and a Doctorate in Divinity—make her a vital asset to our board’s mission and strategy.

Vicki Briggs brings 17 years of successful leadership experience as the Executive Director of Beacon of Hope Community Services, a nonprofit in Central Massachusetts. Vicki’s expertise spans financial management, program development, volunteer coordination, and fundraising, making her a versatile leader adept at steering nonprofit organizations toward growth and success. Her skills in grant writing, public relations, and strategic planning have been instrumental in sustaining and growing community-focused initiatives. Vicki’s deep commitment to enhancing nonprofit operations and her proven track record in the sector adds tremendous value to our board’s governance and strategic direction. 

Craig Mortley is a visionary social justice leader, educator, and Ph.D. candidate with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit governance, policy development, and community engagement. A Leadership Worcester 2018 Cohort graduate, Craig has built a strong track record in strategic planning, coalition building, and equity-centered program design for refugee resettlement, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ advocacy initiatives. He has presented at national conferences for social work research and education. He has three manuscripts under review on refugee sponsorship and LGBTQ+ interventions. Craig leverages academic research, and his demonstrated success in financial oversight, stakeholder engagement, and nonprofit mission-driven impact will inform, guide, and fuel our sustainability strategy.

Judith Ockene, PhD, Med, MA, and Professor Emeritus at the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, recently retired after a distinguished 41-year career as a professor and Chief of the Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine. Her work has centered on behavioral intervention and disease prevention, with a particular focus on women’s health. Judith’s extensive clinical research in primary care settings has significantly contributed to the field, and her expertise was recognized when she served as the behavioral psychologist on the United States Preventive Services Task Force from 2003 to 2008. Additionally, she was a principal investigator on the Women’s Health Initiative at the National Institutes of Health. Judith’s profound knowledge and experience in preventive medicine and behavioral health are invaluable to our board’s mission to promote health and well-being.

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