The New England Center for Children® (NECC®), a global leader in education for children with autism, announced today that RoseAnn Lovely was honored for Inspirational Leadership at the annual Children of Promise Gala held on November 17 at the InterContinental in Boston.
The Gala, hosted by KISS 108’s Billy Costa, had more than 480 guests, including former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis and his wife, Kitty, State Senator Karen Spilka, State Senator Barbara L’Italien, State Representatives Danielle Gregoire and Kevin Honan, former Registrar of Motor Vehicles Rachel Kaprielian, and Dan Rea of WBZ NewsRadio 1030.
Governor Dukakis and his wife Kitty, with RoseAnn Lovely (right)
Ms. Lovely, a resident of Exeter, New Hampshire, served at NECC for 32 years, including as Director of Operations, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Development Officer, Executive Advisor, and member of the Board of Directors.
“In no small amount, NECC has gotten this far thanks to RoseAnn and her impact,” said Vincent Strully, Jr., President and CEO of The New England Center for Children. “RoseAnn is a great friend and valued colleague. She has been pivotal in the success of NECC and our ability to help as many children with autism as possible reach new milestones.”
Under RoseAnn’s leadership and two capital campaigns, NECC has raised more than $20 million dollars. Her work was instrumental in the construction of the Michael S. Dukakis Aquatic Center, the John and Diane Kim Autism Institute, and the Dillon Arledge Student Center, located on the Southborough campus.
“My time at NECC has been immensely gratifying, helping to grow the organization, establish wonderful relationships with our families and donors, and witness the children whose lives have been touched by our fine teachers and staff,” said Ms. Lovely. “I know the organization will continue to flourish.”
“RoseAnn brings enthusiasm, passion, and a commitment to the cause of helping children with autism,” said Michael Dukakis, former Massachusetts Governor and NECC Board member. “She’s been such an important part of what NECC means and represents. She will be missed.”
Ms. Lovely began her career at NECC in 1985, and during her long tenure her organizational, financial, and political skills have been instrumental to NECC’s continued success. As CFO/Director of Operations, Ms. Lovely successfully cited and licensed NECC’s group homes, handling neighbors, building inspectors, and local politicians with care and respect, while insisting that students’ rights be honored. As Chief Development Officer, Ms. Lovely created a comprehensive fundraising program that includes NECC’s Annual Fund, Capital Campaigns, major gifts, annual fundraising events, and planned giving programs. Ms. Lovely also serves on the Board of Directors of NECC. She received an MBA in Finance from Boston University, and a BSBA from Salem State College.