Board of Directors
William Gardner, Board Chair
Will Gardner is an educational consultant and entrepreneur. He is the founder and former Executive Director of Alma del Mar Charter Schools in New Bedford. Alma’s mission is to put every one of its scholars on the path to college and to challenge them to be service-minded leaders. During Will’s time at Alma, the organization grew from having one school serving 120 scholars to having two schools serving over 1,000 scholars. Alma has been recognized for strong academic achievement, proactive family engagement and exemplary work with English language learners. Prior to founding Alma del Mar, Will ran after school programming for middle schoolers in New Bedford. He began his career as a teacher with 'Teach for America' in the Mississippi Delta. He has a BA from Wesleyan University and M.Ed. from Harvard. He lives in Fairhaven with a badass librarian, two quirky kids and a pit mix.
Jeffrey Pelletier, Clerk
Jeffrey Pelletier is the President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Southern Massachusetts, a nonprofit focused on career readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy for students. Under his leadership, the organization has served over 15,000 students, expanded its reach, and received Junior Achievement USA’s Peak Performance award. Previously, Pelletier was Program Director for Executives Without Borders, where he led jobs and recycling programs in Haiti and private sector projects in Honduras. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Methodist University and is a graduate of Leadership SouthCoast. Pelletier actively volunteers and serves on several boards, including the Immigrants' Assistance Center, MassHire, and Bishop Stang High School.
Nancy Cabral, Treasurer
Nancy Cabral, VP Small Business Relationship Manager has been working for Bristol County Savings Bank for the past seven years. Nancy has served the South Coast community holding various positions in the banking industry. She is a dedicated professional with over 30 years of experience, leading teams that offer exceptional client relations while maintaining a positive work environment. Nancy’s current role as a business relationship manager is to provide consultative services while focusing on building relationships with business professionals. Nancy is a graduate of Leadership SouthCoast class of 2018 and has worked with numerous non-profit organizations over years. She currently serves on the Academy of Finance advisory board at the New Bedford High School and served on the New Bedford Art Museum and Downtown New Bedford, Inc.
Rose Lopes, Director
A Senior Partner at Sylvia Group and manager of the agency’s Employee Benefits and Financial Planning Divisions, Rose Lopes has more than 21 year of industry experience working with businesses and individuals to design programs that fit their strategic plans and goals. Her designs for health, dental, disability, life, long-term care, and executive benefits help clients protect their investments and provide security for the people they care about most. A New Bedford native, Rose entered her Registered Health Underwriter (RHU), Registered Employee Benefits Consultant (REBC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations through the American College of Financial Services. Before entering the insurance industry, Rose served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. During her tenure in the Marina Corps, she was promoted to the rank of Sergeant honored with multiple commendations and medals, including the National Defense Service Medal, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Commandant of the Marine Corps Letter of Recognition and various other awards. Rose also serves on the boards of One SouthCoast Chamber where she is Chair of the Board and participates on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, The Veterans Transition House as Secretary and Past President and the United Way of Greater New BEdford. In 2022, Rose was awarded the Myra Kraft FOundation Community MVP Award for dedication to her community and local veterans.
Doreen Lopes, Director
Doreen Lopes is a long‑time education leader, nonprofit professional, and community advocate who has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and schools across the South Coast and beyond. With more than 25 years of experience in education, early childhood systems, and nonprofit leadership, Doreen brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work. As Owner of Go2 Solutions, a consulting and software company, she partners with vocational and comprehensive school districts. Through Go2 Solutions, she also works closely with nonprofits through grant writing, program analysis, and financial reviews to promote growth and sustainability. Doreen serves as Early Childhood Coordinator for the Old Rochester Regional School District, and her previous leadership roles include Executive Director of Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford and the Mattapoisett YMCA. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Plymouth State College and an MBA in Nonprofit Management from Eastern University. Actively involved in regional education and youth-focused organizations, Doreen has served on numerous boards and advisory committees. A proud mother of two adult stepchildren and two teenagers, and grandmother of two, she shares a passion for community and collaboration with her partner in life and business, Luis Lopes.
Dr. Gillian Simmons, Director
Dr. Gillian Simmons is a retired, board-certified pediatrician with more than 20 years of experience supporting children and families across the South Coast. She previously served as Supervising Pediatrician at Hawthorn Pediatrics and Southcoast Pediatrics, providing comprehensive care, promoting preventive health, and leading family literacy initiatives. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, completed her pediatric residency at Brown University's Hasbro Children's Hospital, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Boston University. Her continued education includes a Graduate Certificate in Nutrition Science from Tufts University and culinary coaching training through Harvard Medical School. Beyond her medical career, Dr. Simmons served as an Outdoor Educator with The Trustees of Reservations, developing programs that connect urban youth with local green spaces and inspire curiosity about the natural world. She remains actively involved in her community through the United Way of Greater New Bedford and the Full Plate Project, and previously served on Tabor Academy's Medical Advisory Board, supporting its COVID-19 response planning. Her work reflects a longstanding commitment to education, community wellness, and creating meaningful opportunities for young people and families.