WHALE recently announced that it has new leadership, both of its Board of Directors and the staff. At WHALE’s annual meeting in May, members elected attorney Michael J. Murray as President, replacing Lyn Keith, who will continue to serve on the Board. In June, the Board appointed Wendy Nicholas as Interim Executive Director, following Lisa Bergson’s retirement after seven years as Executive Director. Both Lisa and Lyn are departing to spend more time with their families.
In thanking Lyn Keith and Lisa Bergson, Murray noted, “Lisa and Lyn have each contributed enormously to WHALE’s work. Lisa has been the driver behind WHALE’s efforts in the Washington Square neighborhood. Lyn has been such an energetic leader of the Board and has contributed so much to the success of WHALE’s many events. Our organization has benefited greatly from the talents of both these women.”
Lisa Bergson announced her departure from WHALE at the Annual Meeting in May. In reflecting on her tenure, she said, “Over the last seven years WHALE has accomplished a number of things that I am really proud of. WHALE has gone back to its earliest roots and is focused on saving New Bedford history, one building at a time.” Under Bergson’s leadership, WHALE worked particularly in revitalizing the Washington Square neighborhood, a 9-block area adjacent to the downtown, bounded by Bedford, South, County and Acushnet and including 166 historic properties. She departs WHALE to pursue her passion for teaching; she is joining the Bridgewater State faculty while continuing as an adjunct instructor at Bristol Community College.
The following individuals were elected officers of the Board: Michael J. Murray, President; Joyce Lopes as First Vice President; Peter DeWalt as Second Vice President; Danielle Poyant as Treasurer; and Haven Roosevelt as Secretary & Clerk.
