WEF honors Community Award to Chip Tarbell, Joe Bertrand, Tim O’Brien, and Amy McLeod
The Wakefield Educational Foundation hosted its 30th annual Celebration of Learning on Wednesday April 15thth. WEF celebrated students, staff and volunteers who exemplify the core values of their schools and go above and beyond in their efforts and contributions to the Wakefield Public Schools. WEF also recognizes individuals who make a difference in our community. This year WEF recognized four individuals whose leadership and collaboration has helped guide what Dr. Doug Lyons referred to as “one of the most important investments in our community—the construction of the new Wakefield Memorial High School.”
According to Dr. Lyons, “this project represents far more than a new facility, it reflects our shared commitment to students, educators, and the future of Wakefield. That vision has been brought to life through the dedication, expertise, and steady leadership of High School Principal, Amy McLeod, Director of Operations and Facilities, Tim O’Brien, and Wakefield Permanent Building Committee Leaders Joseph Bertrand and Chip Tarbell.” Additionally, Lyons expressed appreciation of all of the members of the Permanent Building Committee including Phil Renzi, Jason Cohen, Erin Demerjian, Christine Gabriel, Wayne Hardacker, John McDonald, and Marc Moccio.
Dr. Lyons spoke of the four individuals and their roles in this project. He began by speaking of Joe Bertrand and Chip Tarbell of the PBC who have played critical roles in “stewarding the project from concept to reality, starting back in 2016. Their leadership ensured thoughtful planning, fiscal responsibility, and careful oversight at every stage. They worked closely with SMMA architects, Bond contractors, town officials, and school leaders, always focused on balancing quality, cost, and long term value for the community. Their ability to navigate complexity while maintaining transparency and trust has been essential to the success of this project.”
The other two individuals closely involved in the project are High School Principal Amy McLeod and Director of Operations and Facilities, Tim O’Brien. According to Lyons, both have demonstrated “exceptional leadership in managing the day-to-day demands of the construction, while continuing to lead their respective roles with excellence. They have ensured that the work of the schools remained strong and student-centered, even as they contributed meaningfully to a project of this scale. Their ability to lead through both responsibility and opportunity speaks to their professionalism, commitment, and deep care for the Wakefield students and the community.”
In closing, Dr. Lyons praised the Team’s collaboration and expressed thanks and appreciation on behalf of the community. “Though their roles are very different, together, Amy, Tim, Chip, and Joe have modeled what true community leadership looks like. Their focus on collaboration, integrity, and what is best for students has created a lasting impact that will be felt for generations. On behalf of the Wakefield Community, we thank you for your service, your leadership, and your unwavering dedication. It is with great appreciation that we recognize and celebrate all that you have accomplished.”
WEF’s mission is to bring the community together to build and sustain educational excellence with innovative and creative programs that impact the Wakefield Public Schools. To support its grant process, WEF receives generous funding from key local business partners, private donors, and a series of annual fundraisers, including WEF’s Wakefield Public Schools Calendar showcasing student art; the S.T.A.R.S. program recognizing exemplary WPS staff; the Online Auction and the Adult Spelling Bee. WEF has awarded over $770,000 across the Wakefield Public Schools since 1989. Learn more by following WEF on Twitter or Facebook, or go to WEF01880.org.
Photo attached:
Superintendent Dr. Doug Lyons, High School Project Leaders and Award Honorees, Chip Tarbell, Joe Bertrand, Tim O’Brien, and Amy McLeod, and WEF President Jamee Paolillo