Courtney Butler - Executive Assistant, Massachusetts Municipal Association
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Co-Chair
Courtney Butler is a proud public servant and employee of the MA Municipal Association. She moved to Cape Cod in 2015, to intern at the Cape Cod National Seashore for the summer; 9 years later and the Cape is her permanent home. While at the CCNS, Courtney served as the park’s Superintendent Assistant. Working with the many towns within the Seashore, Courtney discovered her passion for municipal government. In 2021, Courtney received her MPA from Roger Williams University. Courtney has previously worked for the Towns of Wellfleet and Dennis as the Executive Assistant to the Town Administrators and Select Boards. She served as Legislative Aide for the 1st Barnstable District in 2023.
Courtney is a proud and active member of her community serving on several boards and committees. She is also an avid photographer and outdoorswoman. Courtney lives with her partner, a Yarmouth Firefighter, and their French Bulldog Porky, in South Yarmouth. She spends her free time at home, on a nature trail, or at one of her favorite brunch spots reading a good book.
Casey Chatelain - Environmental Scientist, Horsley Witten Group
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Co-Chair
Casey is an Environmental Scientist with the Horsley Witten Group, Inc., an environmental consulting firm that works to provide their clients with sustainable environmental solutions. Prior to working for HW she worked for a variety of environmental non-profits on Cape Cod. Casey has a BA in Environmental Studies from College of the Holy Cross and a Masters of Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography.
Casey grew up in New York and spent her summers in Cotuit. She currently resides in Brewster with her husband, loving the outdoors while taking care of their dog, barn cat, chickens, bees, and garden. Casey joined the CCYP Board of Directors excited to advance CCYP's incredibly important mission.
Rachael Devaney - Reporter, Cape Cod Times
Rachael Devaney is an award-winning Cape Cod Times reporter.
Over her career, she’s written and taken photos for multiple publications on Cape Cod, the South Shore, and in New York City.
Her work has been featured in the Cape Cod Times, the Barnstable Patriot, Cape Cod Life, Falmouth Magazine, Wicked Local, The Ave Magazine, and XXL.
Devaney grew up in Centerville, MA and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst double majoring in journalism and social thought, and political economy. Devaney can be reached at rdevaney@capecodonline.com.
Dylan Fernandes - State Representative
First elected at age 26, Fernandes was the second-youngest legislator elected to the Massachusetts House. In his 6 years as State Representative, he has been a champion for working people, the environment, and making Massachusetts a more affordable place to live for middle and low income people. A fourth generation Plymouth & Barnstable District resident and the son of two local small business owners, his great grandparents immigrated to the United States from the Azores before settling in Falmouth to work as strawberry farmers. Dylan earned his bachelor's degree with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the College of Charleston and a Master’s of Public Administration at Harvard University where he was a Rappaport Scholar. At a time when politics is too often focused on sound bites and tweets, Fernandes focuses on results: 30 of his bills have been signed into law, he has passed dozens more amendments, and has secured tens of millions of dollars in funding for the district. He serves as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and has seats on the Committee on Ways and Means, the Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities & Energy, and the Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change.
Dara P. Gannon, Vice President of Programs and Donor Services, The Cape Cod Foundation
Dara Gannon joined The Cape Cod Foundation as Program Officer in 2013, became the Director of Programs and Donor Services in January 2018, and was promoted to Vice President of Programs and Donor Services in 2024. Her responsibilities include leading and managing the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, ensuring consistently excellent donor services, and assisting the President & CEO in translating the Foundation’s goals into the overall program of work and operational plan.
Dara served as a past Board Member of Cape Cod Young Professionals and the Cape Cod Technology Council, as well as a member of the Planning Committee for Philanthropy Day on Cape Cod. She is a graduate of the Community Leadership Institute of Cape Cod, and in 2014, she was honored as one of the “40 Under 40” leaders by Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine.
Dara earned a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from Suffolk University. She holds a BA from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership through the Institute for Nonprofit Practice at Tufts University’s Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life.
Originally from the Chicago area, Dara moved to the Cape in 2011 with plans to spend the summer on the beach and quickly realized she didn’t want to leave. Dara lives in Dennis and spends as much time as possible enjoying the outdoors and beauty of Cape Cod.
Matthew Gifford - MA Attorney General’s Office of Civic Engagement
Matthew Gifford was born and raised in Brookline, MA, and has remained a native of Greater Boston after graduating from McGill University with a B.A. in Political Science. He brings to the Attorney General’s Office over a decade of community and political engagement experience stemming from various local and state campaigns and initiatives in Massachusetts. Before joining the Attorney General’s Office at the start of AG Campbell’s term, Matthew served as her Deputy Field Director during her 2022 campaign. As the Director of Partnerships for the Community Engagement Division, he is dedicated to forging meaningful partnerships across the Commonwealth. His aim is to enhance the connectivity between the Attorney General’s Office and the constituents it serves, especially in communities outside of the Greater Boston area.
Adam Gracia - Deputy Director, CARE for the Cape & Islands
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Committee Member
Since 2005, Adam Gracia has worked nationally and locally in the nonprofit industry with a focus on raising support for community resources, affordable housing, and disease research.
Raised on Cape Cod, Adam is a graduate of Sandwich High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in both Mass Communication and English from Westfield State University he completed a Master of Arts in Management and Leadership from Webster University.
“Preserving and protecting the natural environment, cultural and historical treasures of our region isn’t just essential to our future; it’s good business,” said Adam. “Whether the Cape and Islands is your home or home away from home it is its uniqueness that brought you here. CARE for the Cape & Islands provides the inspiration and means to ensure our community will thrive for generations to come.”
Moving back to Cape Cod in 2016 Adam resides in Chatham with his family and advocates for a more inclusive community through engagement with Cape Cod Young Professionals, Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands, and Leadership Cape Cod. He is also a veteran with service in the Army National Guard and in the Ukrainian Foreign Legion.
Erica Tso Haidas - Founder, Belonging Books
Erica Tso Haidas is the founder of Belonging Books, a community program provider and pop-up bookstore that centers the voices and stories of people of color and other underrepresented people. Belonging Books is also a founding member of The Arts & Justice Collective, a collaboration of mission-driven organizations that creates a culture of belonging for members of historically-excluded communities through art and social justice. Originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Erica spent a decade as an attorney in New York City before moving to Cape Cod in 2015. In addition to her work with Belonging Books, she supports her community as an immigration advocate and volunteers with various organizations, including Amplify POC, Cape Cod Voices, MLK Education Task Force and the Women and Girls Fund of the Cape Cod Foundation. She lives in Brewster, MA, with her two young children, her partner and sweet dog, Hazel.
Elizabeth G. Hartsgrove - Assistant Town Administrator, Town of Bourne
Liz Hartsgrove was born and raised in the suburbs of Washington D.C and was a professionally trained dancer with the internationally renowned Maryland Youth Ballet. She studied, interned and performed with both American Ballet Theater and Joffrey Ballet Company in NYC and in Washington DC at the Kennedy Center.
After completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, Liz underwent a transformative shift, transitioning to a career with the National Park Service. As a Park Ranger, she embraced roles at Yosemite National Park and Boston National Historic Park, marking the beginning of her dedication to community service.
Driven by a desire to directly impact communities, Liz pursued a Master's in Public Administration and acquired multiple certificates from Suffolk University. Over the past two decades, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement expertise within local municipalities on Cape Cod, including Provincetown, Wellfleet, Yarmouth, Barnstable, and her current role as Assistant Town Administrator for Bourne.
Liz's distinctive blend of fine arts and public administration backgrounds brings a fresh, creative perspective to community leadership and intricate problem-solving. Committed to enhancing the lives of those she serves, Liz employs innovative leadership and design-thinking techniques, earning national recognition and the esteemed International Parking & Mobility Institute's 2021 Professional Excellence Award for Customer Service. Liz's passion, expertise, and commitment continue to resonate through her contributions to national and regional conferences, podcasts, published articles, and consulting engagements with various organizations and municipalities.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Liz is an active volunteer for local performing arts institutions, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to the arts. Alongside her husband, she joyfully lives vicariously through their two daughters.
Christin Marshall - Executive Director, Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Cape Cod
Christin Marshall is the Executive Director of Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll) Cape Cod, a nonprofit organization focused on economic development through entrepreneurship. EforAll launched on Cape Cod with Christin as employee #1 in 2018, and the EforAll program has since graduated 129 local businesses through its free business accelerator. Christin lives in the woods of Bourne with her husband, Dave Quinn, and cat, Nani.
Lori Meads - President/CEO, Seamen's Bank
Lori Meads, a true Truro native, is the President/CEO of Seamen’s Bank and is also the Executive Director of the Seamen’s Bank Longpoint Charitable Foundation. She is a graduate of Bryant University with a BS/BA with a concentration in Marketing and has an MBA from the New England College of Business and Finance. Her professional experience, in addition to banking, is in the fund development arena due to her positions held on several boards and being involved in various charitable events. She feels it is important to give back to the community and follow through on what you believe in.
Sarah Nitsch - Senior Marketing Manager, Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Committee Member
Sarah is a seasoned marketing professional currently serving as Senior Marketing Manager at Gibson Sotheby’s International Realty. She also collaborates with NitschWorks, LLC in digital marketing and social media. Previously, she excelled in roles with Cape Cod Children’s Place and the Provincetown Film Society. After working in the film industry and various marketing roles on the west coast, Sarah transitioned home, to Cape Cod with her husband and son, now with two boys she embraces community-focused living. She's known for her expertise in online branding and marketing strategy, leveraging her filmmaking background. Sarah is also the Dennis Women’s Flag Football League commissioner and is active on the CCYP board, advocating for community engagement and professional opportunities. She recently joined the board of Cape Cod Children's Place and loves civic engagement.
Kara O’Donnell-Galvin - Executive Director, MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board (CIWB)
Kara O’Donnell-Galvin, is the Executive Director of MassHire Cape & Islands Workforce Board (CIWB), a non-profit organization dedicated to economic and workforce advancements within the Cape Cod region. Ms. O’Donnell-Galvin specializes in the design and implementation of state and federally funded programs. A seasoned sector strategist, Kara has assisted regional businesses in building a skilled workforce. She has vast knowledge in developing initiatives for young adults that align with the state focus on college and career readiness. With an extensive background within the Massachusetts One Stop Career Center system, she has developed a passion for programmatic design and grant writing specific for economic growth. Kara is passionate and committed to providing Cape Cod job seekers and young adults with opportunities and internships that explore career pathways within priority sectors across the Commonwealth. Kara currently serves on various boards throughout the Commonwealth & Cape Cod including: Housing Assistance Corporation Board, Leadership Cape Cod Board, Barnstable County Economic Development Council, Adult Education Advisory Council and MassHire DEI Committee Kara is a graduate of Northeastern University and is currently pursuing an MBA at Clemson University.
Alexandria Rose - Owner, Natural Vibes
Throughout her self-care journey, Alex became passionate about sharing what she loves with others including massage therapy and movement classes such as yoga, barre, + Pilates. Established in 2019, Natural Vibes offers a holistic approach to wellness by reconnecting others to their body, breath, and each other. Alex and her incredible team at Natural Vibes strive to encourage their community to feel strong for life!
Leslie Sandberg - Select Board, Provincetown
Leslie’s thirty-five-year career has established her as an expert in strategic communications and public policy. She has advised labor unions, non-profits, advocacy groups, political candidates, and elected and government officials how to successfully handle public affairs issues, campaigns and manage crises.
On Cape Cod, she co-owns a strategic communications firm and has worked with multiple non-profits, government agencies, associations and political candidates across Cape Cod and the Islands. Prior to consulting, Leslie spent three years as Senior Advisor to State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro), during which she handled media strategy, complex public affairs issues, and stakeholder relationships.
Leslie’s private sector experience includes running her family’s commercial real estate company in Saint Paul, Minnesota for 15 years. In the public sector she spent a decade with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office as Press Secretary, worked at NBC News in Washington, D.C., and at the White House. Her political work started in 1987 on U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy’s re-election campaign.
Leslie currently serves on the Select Board in Provincetown. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Tufts University and a master’s degree in Public Policy & Journalism from American University.
Matt Scinto - Founder and Music Director, Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Committee Member
Matt is an emerging conductor based on Cape Cod, where he currently serves as Founder and Music Director of the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, the Music Director for the Civic Orchestra of New Haven (CT), and Director of Music at Pilgrim Church in Harwichport. He studied conducting at the Tanglewood Music Center and currently serves as a cover conductor for the Portland Maine Symphony. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University, where he received the Conducting Department Award for Excellence in Conducting. As the Founder and Music Director of the Cape Cod Chamber Orchestra, he has established the only professional chamber orchestra serving the region, with a mission to commission music collaboratively with individuals and organizations. The orchestra was awarded first prize in the American Prize Competition for Orchestra performance in 2020 and was named "Best New Cultural Attraction" by Yankee Magazine in 2019. Matt has been involved in Alzheimer’s care for the past several years, working with memory care facilities at Maplewood Senior Living and the Alzheimer's Family Support Center. By using aspects of music appreciation and conducting, he has developed a curriculum for working with individuals dealing with memory loss in order to allow them to reconnect to their loved ones.
Tara Vargas Wallace - Founder, CEO, & President of Amplify POC Cape Cod
Tara is a social and racial justice advocate and activist. She is also a Puerto Rican woman married to a Black man, and mother to three promising Black and Latino children. She graduated from Cape Cod Community College in 2007, The Community Leadership Institute: Leadership Cape Cod certification program in 2020, and The Institute of Nonprofit Practice in 2023. Tara’s professional background has been in working with marginalized populations with severe socioeconomic challenges; family trauma, addiction and recovery, domestic and sexual violence, barriers to employment, and extreme housing and food insecurity. She’s a former board member of Cape Cod Young Professionals, co-founder of the Arts and Justice Collective, board member Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC), member of NAACP-Cape Cod, Nauset Interfaith MLK Action Team, Cape Cod People Against Trafficking Humans, and the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, Eastern Region Political and Civic Leadership Platform Coordinator.
Tara currently lives in Yarmouth Port MA with her family and 2 cats. She loves to laugh and spend quality time with friends and family taking trips and going on adventures. She is also an artist and loves to be creative in a multitude of ways in her free time.
Christina Wiseman - Director of Events, Housing Assistance Corporation
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Committee Member
Christina is an experienced nonprofit professional currently in the role of Director of Events at Housing Assistance Corporation, where the mission is to strengthen our region by empowering individuals, fostering community connections, and increasing affordable housing opportunities. Previously, she was the Associate Director of Communications & Advancement at Duffy Health Center. Christina grew up in Milton, Massachusetts, and visited the Cape her entire life. She provided summer help to several of the Cape’s small businesses from a young age, and has consistently maintained her connection to Cape Cod despite many travels.
Christina graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, where she studied International Affairs and had the opportunity to spend time studying in Buenos Aires, Argentina and Senegal, West Africa. After graduation she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA with a D.C.-based nonprofit advocating for language access for non-English speaking communities in the city.
From 2010-2012, Christina served in Togo, West Africa as a Girls’ Education and Empowerment Agent with the United States Peace Corps. Upon her return to the U.S., she was the Executive Director of a small nonprofit working to prevent family homelessness in the Boston area. She returned to Cape Cod full time in 2016.
Christina lives in Harwich with her husband, young son, and dog. She also serves on the Board of the Harwich Ecumenical Council for the Homeless. In her free time Christina enjoys running, yoga, and spending time outdoors with her family.
Elizabeth York - Executive Director, Cape Cod Maritime Museum
2024 Shape the Cape Summit Committee Member
Elizabeth is a museum specialist, serving as the Executive Director of the Cape Cod Maritime Museum since 2020. The Cape Cod Maritime Museum preserves and celebrates the Cape’s maritime heritage, from material culture to marine biology. Having grown up in Acton, MA, Elizabeth has been surrounded by history since a young age, and it took a hold professionally. She attended Ithaca College, graduating with a Bachelor’s in Art History, and afterwards, moved to Sydney, Australia for four years. Art, Culture, and History called Elizabeth back to the US, where she received her Master’s in Museum Studies from John F. Kennedy University. During her career, Elizabeth has worked at several museums and non-profit organizations around the country, such as the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA to the Trustees of Reservations in Sharon, MA.
Prior to serving as the Executive Director at the Cape Cod Maritime Museum, Elizabeth was the Director of Collections at Battleship Cove in Fall River, MA. Elizabeth, her husband, and her son moved to Sandwich in 2023, officially becoming wash-ashores. Elizabeth enjoys rowing, swimming, spending time with her husband and son, and tending to her flock of chickens. She also serves as a Director for Clagett Sailing in Newport, RI.