Greater Ashmont Main Street has announced the appointment of its fourth executive director, Jeanne Dasaro.

Dasaro has 15 years experience as a social entrepreneur, artist, and community builder. Since 2010, Dasaro has served as the founder of the Wonder Women of Boston network which helps women leaders, artists, and professionals of diverse backgrounds connect with and support each other. In 2013, Dasaro served as the Innovator-In-Residence at Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Most recently, she served as executive director of the Art Connection, working to create access to original works of visual art in every Boston community. Additionally, Dasaro was the launch and operations manager at Quincy Yoga & Massage.

Having lived in Dorchester for 15 years, Dasaro said she has an appreciation for the size and diversity of the neighborhood.

“I’ve lived in the Polish Triangle, I’ve lived on Jones Hill, and I’ve also lived in St. Mark’s and Ashmont, so I’ve had an opportunity to live in quite a few neighborhoods across Dorchester,” said Dasaro. “For me, it has everything I need. It’s a very neighborhood-centric neighborhood, so even though it’s a big neighborhood there are all these mini neighborhoods within – it’s like hyperlocal pride.”

Dasaro is filling the vacancy left by former Executive Director Jenn Cartee, who will be available as a consultant during Dasaro’s first weeks. Dasaro has yet to meet with the board about their collective vision for the upcoming year, but said she’s “excited” about getting to work and will first look to maintain the community programming that has proved successful in past years, namely the Ashmont Farmers Market, the Dot Jazz Series, and the annual Bike & Brew celebration.

“Some of those changed a little bit this year because of Covid, and we’re still uncertain about what’s going to happen in 2021 because of Covid, but we will absolutely look at how we can keep those important community connection points...a lot of the work in light of Covid will continue to be helping small businesses get support in the form of PPP loans, economic disaster loans, and making sure the district stays operating and vibrant.”