Massachusetts Appleseed Announces Interim Executive Director

For Immediate Release

Meschino takes leave of absence to run for office

Boston, MA, December 17, 2015 – Massachusetts Appleseed Center for Law and Justice (MA Appleseed) has today named Sue Heilman as interim executive director. With more than 25 years of experience leading mission-based non-profit organizations, Ms. Heilman will help MA Appleseed continue its broad systemic reform initiatives focused on equity in public education and access to Massachusetts’ courts and legal system. MA Appleseed’s Board granted its current executive director Joan Meschino a temporary leave of absence while she campaigns for the Massachusetts state senate.

“Sue has a proven track record in working with boards of directors, staff teams and additional stakeholders to fulfill missions, inspire vision and meet strategic goals and objectives. We look forward to working with her in this interim period,” said Board chair Martha Mazzone. “We want to thank Joan for her deep commitment to MA Appleseed and her outstanding service in support of this Commonwealth’s most vulnerable populations, and we wish her well in her campaign.”

“I look forward to building on a strong foundation through collaboration and my personal passion for MA Appleseed’s important mission,” said Heilman. “It’s a privilege to step into this role to assist MA Appleseed’s Board and staff in its research, policy development, community outreach, and advocacy initiatives.”

Among other things, Ms. Heilman will lead the center in its new access to justice initiative, exploring the impact that recent technological innovations could have in strengthening access to Massachusetts courts by empowering those who cannot afford to pay a lawyer.

About MA Appleseed

MA Appleseed has been instrumental in leading vital systemic reform initiatives for over 20 years. By building on its experience and expertise as a leader, a convener and a trusted research and policy resource, MA Appleseed has been a key voice in influencing policy on education, youth homelessness issues, and the courts in Massachusetts. The legal community has strongly supported MA Appleseed’s endeavors for many years, through law firm and corporate sponsorship for the MA Appleseed “Good Apple Award.” MA Appleseed awards the Good Apple each year to a corporate general counsel or leader who embodies the commitment to the ideals of justice shared by the Massachusetts legal community. The 2016 Good Apple Award will be given to Jeffrey N. Carp, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of State Street Corporation, on March 24, 2016. For more information, visit the MA Appleseed website, www.massappleseed.org.

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2015 Good Apple Reception

2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
2015 Good Apple Reception Photographs © 2015 Rick Friedman
Photo of Award Ceremony © 2015 Rick Friedman

Photo of Award Ceremony © 2015 Rick Friedman

2015 Good Apple Reception

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 8th annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 19, 2015. Massachusetts Appleseed presented the 2015 “Good Apple Award” to Stephanie S. Lovell, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for her “unwavering commitment to social justice, dedication to public service, and generosity of spirit.”

Keynote speaker, Dean Richlin introduced Ms. Lovell. Martha Mazzone, presented Ms. Lovell with the Good Apple Award. Mr. Richlin is a partner at Foley Hoag LLP. Ms. Mazzone is Chair of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed, and a Vice President and Associate General Counsel at Fidelity Investments.

Sara Jane Shanahan, partner at Sherin and Lodgen, LLP, and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by some 200 guests. Ms. Mazzone gave a brief report on Massachusetts Appleseed’s recent initiatives. John E. Alessi, partner at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP and Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member thanked guests for attending and made concluding remarks.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all our guests whose presence and goodwill made this year’s reception a tremendous success. We thank the Boston City Singers for their wonderful performance.

We are grateful for all our sponsors. Their generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

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2014 School Climates Conference

Keep Kids in Class: Building Positive School Climates

MA Appleseed hosted its 3rd annual conference on May 2, 2014. A diverse audience of educators, advocates, state agencies, and community service providers attended! The conference sparked much discussion about strategies we can employ now to cultivate positive school climates as a reality for all of our children!

The keynote speaker, Dr. Robert Brooks, gave an engaging and galvanizing presentation about the power of mindsets. Using the notion of the “charismatic adult,” Dr. Brooks explained what it means to have a positive mindset and how mindsets impact teachers, students, and the overall school climate.

The following two presentations provided a national context for a discussion of school climate and school discipline. Kate Upatham, an attorney with the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights (OCR), spoke on the federal school discipline guidance, and Dan Losen, from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA, presented the most recent OCR school discipline data.

The educators’ panel was the conference highlight! Sara Burd of the Reading Public Schools and Ricci Hall of Worcester Public Schools inspired educators, advocates, and community partners alike when they shared their concrete and practical experiences working with teachers, students, parents, and community members on a daily basis to improve school climates. Anne Gilligan of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provided an overview and moderated the panel discussion.

The breakout sessions covered topics ranging from principles of culturally responsive practice to implementing the new school discipline law (Chapter 222).

Conference Materials:

Conference Agenda

Keynote Address:
The Power of Mindsets: Creating a Positive School Climate, Dr. Robert Brooks

Supplemental Materials from Understanding and Managing Children’s Classroom Behavior: Creating Sustainable, Resilient Schools (2007) by Sam Goldstein, Ph.D. and Robert Brooks, Ph.D. published by John Wiley & Sons

Developing the Mindset of Effective Students

Developing the Mindset of Effective Teachers

Zero Tolerance” in Schools: How Effective Is it? Dr. Robert Brooks

School Discipline and Data Presentations:

OCR and DoJ’s joint January 2014 Dear Colleague Letter on Race and Discipline

OCR’s Civil Rights Data Collection webpage

The U.S. Department of Education Discipline Guidance Package
Federal School Discipline Data, Daniel J. Losen, UCLA, The Civil Rights Project

Breakout Session Presentations and Handouts:

How to Use Data Well and Recognize the Disparate Impact Based on Race, Gender and Disability, Daniel J. Losen, UCLA, The Civil Rights Project

Implementing the New School Discipline Law: Chapter 222 of the Acts of 2012, Deborah Dorfman, Center for Public Representation

Not Present, Not Accounted For: Trauma, Learning, and School Discipline; How to Create Buy-in for Change,Jennifer Davis Carey, Worcester Education Collaborative

Crisis in School Suspensions, By Jennifer Carey Davis and Mary Jo Marion Farrell

Focusing on Suspensions, By Jennifer Davis Carey

Additional Resources:

Keep Kids in Class: Alternatives to School Discipline by MA Appleseed

Keep Kids in Class: Perspectives on School Based Referrals by MA Appleseed

Parent Guide to School Discipline by MA Appleseed

MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education: 2012-13 Student Discipline Data Report (DISTRICT)

Chapter 222 of the Acts of 2012, An Act Relative To Student Access To Educational Services and Exclusion from School

Arrested Futures

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2014 Good Apple Reception

2014 Good Apple recipient Lon F. Povich.

2014 Good Apple recipient Lon F. Povich.

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 7th annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 20, 2014. Massachusetts Appleseed presented the 2014 “Good Apple Award” to Lon F. Povich, Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc. for his “unwavering commitment to social justice, dedication to public service, and generosity of spirit.”

Keynote speakers, David S. Mackey and Michael Tuteur introduced Mr. Povich. Christine Neski joined them on stage to present Mr. Povich with the Good Apple Award. Mr. Mackey is a partner at Anderson & Kreiger LLP. Mr. Tuteur is a partner at Foley & Lardner LLP. Ms. Netski is Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed, and a partner at Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, PC.

Nancy J. Sterling, Senior Vice President at ML Strategies / Mintz Levin and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by over 200 guests. Justin Wolosz, counsel at Ropes & Gray and a Vice-Chair of Massachusetts Appleseed’s Board, introduced a short video presentation, “Celebrating 20 Years of Social Justice Advocacy.” Joan Meschino, Executive Director, thanked guests for attending and made concluding remarks.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all our guests whose presence and goodwill made this year’s reception a tremendous success. We thank the Project STEP musicians for their beautiful violin performance and Biogen Idec for the video presentation. We are grateful for all our sponsors, in particular BJ’s Wholesale Club, Inc., the event’s underwriter. Their generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

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2013 Good Apple Reception

2013 Good Apple recipient Susan Alexander.

2013 Good Apple recipient Susan Alexander.

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 6th annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 21, 2013. During the reception, Massachusetts Appleseed presented the “Good Apple Award” to Susan Alexander, Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer at Biogen Idec, for her unwavering commitment to social justice, dedication to public service, and generosity of spirit.

Dr. George Scangos introduced Ms. Alexander and a video presentation of her many accomplishments. Dr. Scangos and Carolyn Crowley presented Ms. Alexander with the Good Apple Award. Dr. Scangos is the Chief Executive Officer of Biogen Idec. Ms. Crowley is the event chair and member of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed, and Senior Vice President, Private Banking Group at Eastern Bank.

Nancy J. Sterling, Senior Vice President at ML Strategies / Mintz Levin and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by over 250 guests. Justin Wolosz, a partner at Ropes & Gray and Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, reported on the Center’s recent project successes. Christine M. Netski, a partner at Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, PC and a Vice-Chair of Massachusetts Appleseed’s Board of Directors, thanked guests for attending and made concluding remarks.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all of those who attended and made this year’s reception an enormous success. We thank the Project STEP musicians for a tremendous violin performance. We also thank all of our sponsors, in particular Biogen Idec, the event’s underwriter. Their generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

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2012 School Climates Conference

Targeted Interventions: Meeting the Needs of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

MA Appleseed hosted its second annual conference on November 15, 2012. A diverse audience of policy advocates, legislators, state agencies, service providers, and educators attended. The keynote speaker, Christina Murphy, Director of Policy for the National Center on Family Homelessness, spoke on youth homelessness, provided national statistics, and spoke to the urgent needs of homeless youth. Edwin Darden, Director of Education Law and Policy at national Appleseed, presented a synopsis of the findings of recent our policy brief on unaccompanied homeless youth. The conference included a panel discussion addressing the unique vulnerabilities related to education, health, housing, and social justice. The breakout sessions covered topics ranging from appropriate methodologies to count this highly mobile yet invisible population to the importance of wraparound services. The conference created an excellent platform to discuss areas ripe for positive change and potential advocacy strategies to create meaningful improvement in the lives of these children.

Conference Materials

Conference Agenda

Download agenda

Invisible Faces on Facebook

Visit page

Report from the National Center on Family Homelessness: America’s Youngest Outcasts

Download report

MA Appleseed Policy Brief: Unaccompanied, Unidentified, and Uncounted: Developing Strategies to Meet the Needs of America’s Homeless Youth

Download policy brief

Presentation from breakout session #1: Creating a Comprehensive Definition of Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

Download presentation

Presentation and supplemental materials from breakout session #2: Identifying Unaccompanied Homeless Youth: Deriving Data from an Accurate Count

Download presentation

Download supplemental materials

Presentation from breakout session #4: Comprehensive Programs and the Importance of a Wrap-Around Approach

Download presentation

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2012 Good Apple Reception

2012 Good Apple Award recipient Edward J. Weiss.

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 5th annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 22, 2012. During the Reception, Massachusetts Appleseed presented the “Good Apple Award” to Edward J. Weiss, General Counsel of Fenway Sports Group, for his unwavering commitment to public service, fairness and social justice.

Larry Lucchino introduced Mr. Weiss. Mr. Lucchino and Michael S. D’Orsi presented Mr. Weiss with the Good Apple Award. Mr. Lucchino is President and CEO of the Boston Red Sox. Mr. D’Orsi is Massachusetts Appleseed’s Board Chair and a partner at Donnelly, Conroy & Gelhaar, LLP.

Nancy J. Sterling, Senior Vice President at ML Strategies / Mintz Levin and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by over 200 guests. Christine M. Netski, a partner at Sugarman, Rogers, Barshak & Cohen, PC and a Vice-Chair of Massachusetts Appleseed’s Board of Directors, thanked guests for attending and made concluding remarks.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all of those who attended and made this year’s reception an enormous success. We thank the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy for a charming choral performance. We thank all our sponsors, in particular Fenway Sports Group and the Red Sox Foundation, the event’s underwriters, whose generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

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2011 Good Apple Reception

2011 Good Apple Award recipient Edward J. Weiss.

Christopher C. Mansfield, Good Apple Award Recipient (right), and Lawrence Friedman, Board President, Massachusetts Appleseed (left).

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 4th annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 24, 2011. During the Reception, Massachusetts Appleseed presented the “Good Apple Award” to Christopher C. Mansfield, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Liberty Mutual Group, for his unwavering commitment to public service, fairness and social justice.

A video presentation, with an appearance by Ted Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Liberty Mutual, introduced Mr. Mansfield. The video included congratulations from Joan Meschino, Executive Director of Massachusetts Appleseed, Lyndia Downie, the President and Executive Director of Pine Street Inn, and Marianne Lord, Co-Chair of the Office of Institutional Advancement at Boston College Law School. Ms. Downie and Lawrence Friedman presented Mr. Mansfield with the Good Apple Award. Professor Friedman is President of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed and teaches federal and state Constitutional Law and Privacy Law at New England Law | Boston.

Pamela Berman, a partner at Adler, Pollock & Sheehan PC and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by 200 guests. Michael D’Orsi, a partner at Donnelly, Conroy & Gelhaar, LLP and a Massachusetts Appleseed Board Member, thanked guests for attending and made concluding remarks.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all of those who attended and made this year’s reception an enormous success. We thank the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy for a charming choral performance. We thank all our sponsors, in particular Liberty Mutual Group, the event’s underwriter, whose generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to promote equal rights and opportunities for Massachusetts residents by developing and advocating for systemic solutions to social justice issues.

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2010 Good Apple Reception

2010 Good Apple Award recipient Paul T. Dacier.

Prof. Friedman (r) presents Mr. Dacier (l) with the Good Apple Award. Photograph by Rick Friedman

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 3rd annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 18, 2010.

During the Reception, Massachusetts Appleseed presented the “Good Apple Award” to Paul T. Dacier, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of EMC Corporation, for his unwavering commitment to public service, fairness and social justice.

David Strohm introduced Mr. Dacier. Mr. Strohm and Lawrence Friedman presented Mr. Dacier with the Good Apple Award. Mr. Strohm is a Partner at Greylock Partners and Lead Director of EMC Corporation. Professor Friedman is President of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed and teaches federal and state Constitutional Law and Privacy Law at New England Law | Boston.

Joan Meschino, Executive Director for Massachusetts Appleseed, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by over 200 guests and exceeded its original fundraising goal. The brief speaking program began with songs sung by the talented children’s choir from the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy. Board President, Lawrence Friedman, welcomed guests and congratulated Mr. Dacier on behalf of the Massachusetts Appleseed Board of Directors.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all of those who attended and made this year’s reception an enormous success. We thank the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy for a charming performance. We thank all our sponsors whose generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to effectuate systemic change on behalf of underserved populations.

2009 Good Apple Reception

2009 Good Apple Award recipient Brackett B. Denniston.

2009 Good Apple Award recipient Brackett B. Denniston.

Massachusetts Appleseed hosted its 2nd annual Good Apple Reception at the Boston Harbor Hotel’s Wharf Room on March 19, 2009.

During the Reception, Massachusetts Appleseed presented the “Good Apple Award” to Brackett B. Denniston, Senior Vice President and General Counsel of General Electric Company, for his constant commitment to public service, fairness and social justice.

William F. Weld introduced Mr. Denniston. Mr. Weld and Hugh Scott presented Mr. Denniston with the Good Apple Award. Mr. Weld is former Governor of Massachusetts and currently a partner of the law firm of McDermott, Will & Emery LLP. Mr. Scott is a long time member of the Board of Directors for Massachusetts Appleseed and partner of the law firm, Choate, Hall & Stewart LLP.

Joan Meschino, Executive Director for Massachusetts Appleseed, was master of ceremonies for the event, which was enjoyed by nearly 150 guests and exceeded its original fundraising goal. The brief speaking program began with songs sung by the talented children’s choir from the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy. Board officer, Lawrence Friedman, welcomed guests and congratulated Mr. Denniston on behalf of the Massachusetts Appleseed Board of Directors.

Massachusetts Appleseed would like to thank all of those who attended and made this year’s reception a wonderful success. We thank the Hamilton-Garrett Music and Arts Academy for a lovely performance. We thank all our sponsors whose generosity and strong support enables Massachusetts Appleseed to further its mission to effectuate systemic change on behalf of underserved populations.