Board of Trustees

Nantucket New School and Strong Wings Adventure School operate under the umbrella of The Nantucket Partnership for Children, a 501(c)(3) non-profit institution governed by a committed volunteer board of trustees. 


2025-2026 Board of Trustees

 Carlisle Jensen - President
Craig Beni - Vice President
Courtney McKechnie - Vice President
Douglas Massey - Treasurer
 John Brescher - Clerk
Gail Berson
Shantaw Bloise-Murphy
Gretchen Cooney
 Mike Ericksen
Caroline Erisman 
Brian Herlihy
Grace Bardsley Hull
Will Lucas 
Jason Olbres 
Joe Paul 
Jack Pearson 
Ray Pohl
Eugene Shubin 
Jamie Strang 
Emily Wood 
Sarah Alger 
Prentice Claflin 

2025-2026 Committees 

Executive Committee

 Carlisle Jensen - President
Craig Beni - Vice President
Courtney McKechnie - Vice President
Douglas Massey - Treasurer
 John Brescher - Clerk
Amy Vorenberg - Staff Representative
Danielle Beale - Staff Representative

Building and Grounds 

Responsible for planning and decisions related to building improvements and maintenance, safety, and future facilities needs.

Craig Beni - Chair
Ben Champoux
Courtney McKechnie
Jason Olbres
Ray Pohl
Eugene Shubin
Chris Young
Joe Paul
Lory Corry - Staff Representative

Phebe Ann Boston

This committee’s goal is to implement strong, actionable plans, as well as clear messaging to the community about the value and importance of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice.

Will Lucas - Chair
Gail Berson
Shantaw Bloise-Muphy
Gretchen Cooney
Brian Herlihy
Drew Moore
Valeria Alonzo - Staff Representative
Kimberly Leibovitz - Staff Representative

Development/Marketing & PR

Responsible for supporting the administration on setting the annual development calendar and fund-raising efforts including special events, annual giving, business sponsorship, and other giving efforts. Supporting the administration with a marketing plan, which includes social media.

Gretchen Cooney - Chair
Shantaw Bloise-Murphy
Marissa Carlson
Caroline Erisman
Grace Bardsley Hull
Courtney McKechnie
Jamie Strang
Tracy Bakalar - Staff Representative
Danielle Beale - Staff Representative
Kate Olson - Staff Representative

Finance

Responsible for reviewing the annual budget, including recommendations to the full board regarding tuition, reviewing the annual audit, and for otherwise ensuring the fiscal health of the school.

Douglas Massey - Chair
Michael Ericksen
Caroline Erisman
Will Lucas
Courtney McKechnie
Emily Wood
Dorinda Yates
Lori Corry - Staff Representative

Nominating/Governance

Responsible for the identification, cultivation, recruitment, and orientation of new board members. Also responsible for Board Evaluation.

John Brescher - Chair
Craig Beni
Caroline Erisman
Grace Hull
Jason Olbres
Amy Vorenberg - Staff Representative

Risk Management

Review the policies of NNS/SW.

Emily Wood - Chair
Sarah Koch
Will Lucas
Jack Pearson
Lori Corry - Staff Representative
Chris Getoor - Staff Representative

Strategic Planning

Leading the development of a strategic plan with the cooperation of the Executive Director of NPC.

John Brescher - Chair
Gail Berson
Brian Herlihy
Douglas Massey
Ray Pohl
Jamie Strang
Danielle Beale - Staff Representative

Audit Committee

The audit committee is given authority by the board of directors to provide accountability for the nonprofit's independent audit and annual financial review.

Gail Berson - Chair
Eugene Shubin
Lori Corry - Staff Representative

President and ED of NPC serve as ex-officio of all committees.