The Trustees of the Yawkey Foundations are delighted to announce the appointment of Maureen H. Bleday as Chief Executive Officer. Bleday has served in various executive leadership capacities with the organization since joining the Yawkey Foundations in 2006, most recently as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Trustee.
This appointment reflects Bleday’s longstanding leadership and commitment to fulfilling the philanthropic legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey, and represents a key milestone in the Trustees’ succession plan aligned with the retirement of Jim Healey, who stepped down from role of President of the organization on December 31, 2019 after 17 years of dedicated service. Healey will continue to serve as a Trustee of Yawkey Foundation II.
“Maureen is transitioning into the CEO role with the talent, passion and experience consistent with the most exemplary qualities and characteristics our Trustees would expect for the Yawkey Foundations, as we embark on the next chapter of making a meaningful difference to the people and communities that were so special to the Yawkeys,” said John L. Harrington, Chairman of the Yawkey Foundations Board of Trustees.
Prior to joining the Yawkey Foundations in 2006, Bleday served in several roles furthering public/private business partnerships and community development initiatives in Greater Boston, including RF Walsh Company, the Boston Red Sox, the Town of Westwood, and as a senior attorney with Goodwin Procter & Hoar’s Real Estate practice. Over the years, she has also lent her strategic, legal, and philanthropic expertise to nonprofits through board engagement and leadership with organizations such as Caritas Communities, Hale Reservation and the SummerFund.
“It is an honor to be selected to serve as CEO, perpetuating the meaningful philanthropic tradition of Tom and Jean Yawkey’s commitment to investing in healthy, vibrant communities with opportunity for all,” said Maureen H. Bleday. “I am grateful to John Harrington, my immediate predecessor Jim Healey, and our dedicated Trustees for their commitment to the Foundations’ work. Together with our superb staff, we will strive to deliver on the Yawkey Foundations’ important mission.”