As part of a plan to deepen the organization’s impact in the Commonwealth and in preparation for expansion into new markets, Cradles to Crayons is pleased to name Sharon Reilly as the new Executive Director for Cradles to Crayons Boston. Ms. Reilly will assume responsibility for Cradles to Crayons’ activities across Massachusetts. Founder and CEO Lynn Margherio will now focus on setting the overall direction of Cradles to Crayons as a national organization, working closely with Ms. Reilly and with the Executive Director for greater Philadelphia, Michal Smith.
Recognized with a 2013 Pinnacle Award for her record of excellence as a nonprofit leader, Ms. Reilly brings a wealth of nonprofit experience to Cradles to Crayons. As Executive Director of The Women’s Lunch Place (WLP), an organization that provides shelter, food, and services for women who are homeless or poor, Ms. Reilly oversaw a team of 22 and an operating budget of $3 million. In addition to running the ongoing activities of WLP, Ms. Reilly successfully led a $3 million capital campaign and shelter renovation project, a strategic planning effort, and an organization-wide review and evaluation of its programs.
Prior to her role at Women’s Lunch Place, Ms. Reilly directed Community Relations and Public Policy at The Food Project, and was responsible for building brand awareness and for creating effective models for engagement at the neighborhood and state-wide levels.
“Sharon is a great fit for Cradles to Crayons’ mission, model and community,” said Lynn Margherio. “She is a strong, collaborative leader and a champion for children and families.” As executive director of Cradles to Crayons Boston, Ms. Reilly will oversee an organization that provides essential items to over 50,000 children per year and serves as a model for community engagement. Ms. Reilly will begin her new position at Cradles to Crayons December 2, 2013.
“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Cradles to Crayons family because it represents a network of individuals who believe that those who have, support those in need,” Ms. Reilly said. “It is a deep understanding of human need that makes Cradles to Crayons a leader, and I am looking forward to adding value to a strong organization.”
At the Cradles to Crayons Giving Factories in Boston and Philadelphia, growing numbers of adults, youth, families, corporations, and community groups share their time, dollars, and children’s goods with children and families who struggle to make ends meet. In its first 10 years, Cradles to Crayons has provided local children with half a million packages filled with basic items: clothing, books, toys, shoes, and cold weather essentials like a warm coat, boots, pants, a hat, and gloves.