YWCA Welcomes Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe, Mollie Sullivan to Board of Directors

SPRINGFIELD — The board of directors of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts recently elected three new members: Dawn Fleury, Kiana Lowe, and Mollie Sullivan.

Fleury, who joins the board as treasurer and will serve on the executive committee, brings more than 35 years of experience in finance. Currently serving as first senior vice president of Corporate Risk at Country Bank, she oversees the bank’s comprehensive risk management programs. Prior to her 14-year tenure at Country Bank, she had a 21-year career with the FDIC as a commissioned senior bank examiner in the Division of Supervision.

“The work that the YWCA is doing to support women and children who are at risk or who are victims is so important in assisting to break the horrible cycle of abuse and violence,” Fleury said. “I view joining the board as an amazing opportunity to give back to the community.”

Lowe brings nearly 10 years of experience in communications and development to the YWCA board. Currently serving as the Marketing & PR manager of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, she creates and manages the communications and content for the Hall of Fame’s overall marketing and public relations, social media, and website. She previously worked as the Communications coordinator as well as senior fan engagement coordinator for ESPN.

“Growing up in Springfield, I understand firsthand how important advocacy, support, and opportunity are for women and families,” Lowe said. “The YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace and justice deeply reflects the kind of progress I want to be a part of.”

Sullivan brings 25 years of experience in the human services field, working with a vulnerable population like the residential guests and community-based clients served by the YWCA. She is currently the social services counselor II for Health Care for the Homeless at Mercy Medical Center. In that role, she provides individualized and group behavioral and mental health outreach and direct programmatic services to adolescents and adults. Additionally, she provides counseling, crisis intervention, and support to patients and ensures referrals to care and services.

“Social justice, empowerment, and the leadership of women have been cornerstones of the work I have been so passionate about for my whole professional career,” Sullivan said. “Working with women, families, and community leaders to end homelessness, social inequities, and disparities starts in our own communities, and the YWCA has been on the front lines of this work for decades and continues to be a leader in this work.”

YWCA of Western Massachusetts CEO Elizabeth Dineen noted that “these outstanding and accomplished women have joined the board during a pivotal time for the YWCA, as we launch our comprehensive, $7.5 million ‘Shifting the Paradigm’ campaign. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will be crucial to the success of this campaign and the overall success of the YWCA.”