Woods-McNish joins Trustees of Reservations

Janelle Woods-McNish

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), a Boston-based preservation and conservation organization, has hired Janelle Woods-McNish as Managing Director for Community Impact, a new position created by the 129-year-old nonprofit.

A Dorchester resident and former Mrs. Massachusetts winner, Woods-McNish has over a decade of experience implementing employee volunteer strategies, most recently working as the Director of Service and Giving for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. She will oversee diversity and inclusion initiatives, volunteerism, and statewide community engagement efforts for The Trustees.

“We are thrilled to welcome Janelle to the team to help us move these critical initiatives and programs forward,” said Jocelyn Forbush, Trustees Executive Vice President. “Her extensive experience and numerous accomplishments are an incredible asset as we look to grow our community outreach and volunteer work in a meaningful and inclusive way.”

Woods-McNish said she is committed to creating spaces for people of all backgrounds to access and enjoy and looks forward to engaging newer and wider audiences at The Trustees’ 118 properties.

“Community outreach, diversity and inclusion, and volunteerism are integral to The Trustees’ mission and to the quality of life for people in communities across our state, and the nation,” she said.

Reporting to Forbush and working across numerous departments, Woods-McNish will provide high level professional strategy for areas that benefit 75 urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, she will represent the organization in community collaboratives, committees, advisory groups and at public meetings relating to Trustees community initiatives, further developing a strong team environment that creates a culture of diversity, inclusion, and equity within and outside the organization.

One of Boston Business Journal’s 40 under 40 (2016), Woods McNish joins the Trustees with extensive experience creating and leading innovative programming and initiatives aimed at increasing employee engagement through community service and has served as a community service ambassador for diverse workforce development and programming efforts. Additionally, Woods-McNish serves on the Boards of City Year Boston and Common Impact as well as the Advisory Council Corporators for Needham Bank.


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