Who we are

CAMPAIGN LEAD

Jessica Kallin is an accomplished nonprofit and government leader, currently serving as Director of Grants, Gifts, and Special Accounts for Lawrence Public Schools, as well as an elected Selectboard Member for the Town of Ashby, Massachusetts, and an appointed member on the Massachusetts Commission for the Status of Women.

She is recognized for spearheading citywide literacy and equity campaigns, notably during her time as Executive Director of Haverhill Promise, where she expanded community partnerships, grew grant funding, and led early literacy initiatives that reached thousands of children and families.

With over a decade of expertise in cross-sector collective impact, Jessica has collaborated with organizations across government and nonprofit sectors to advance educational equity, manage multimillion-dollar grants, and champion evidence-based policy.

he has been honored with awards for her civic leadership and digital equity initiatives and is celebrated for her coalition-building approach, ensuring that diverse voices guide program design and delivery. Jessica holds a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership and Change from the University of Southern California, along with a Masters in Community Leadership from Westminster College.

CAMPAIGN ASSISTANT

Jessi Magee, M.Ed., is a strategic nonprofit leader with over a decade of experience in higher education, operational management, and youth development. She specializes in designing and implementing organizational strategies that drive mission impact, foster team effectiveness, and build sustainable programs for youth and community advancement.

Jessi’s leadership approach is rooted in data-driven decision-making and a collaborative ethos, allowing her to create meaningful partnerships that support educational access and equity.

Throughout her career, Jessi has developed expertise in strategic planning, program development, and building inclusive organizational cultures. Her passion for empowering young people is reflected by her record of advancing cross-sector partnerships and operational improvements for nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.

Jessi demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement, positioning her as a trusted leader in the intersection of education, operations, and youth service.

STEERING COMMITTEE

Krista McLeod is the longtime Director of Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, Massachusetts, and a highly respected librarian with nearly 40 years of expertise in community engagement, management, and leadership. Her deep commitment to advocating for literacy, civic participation, and accessible educational resources has made her a cornerstone of Methuen’s efforts to build a more resilient, connected community.

Krista is known throughout the region for her ability to forge partnerships, design innovative programs, and champion equitable access for all residents.

As a founding member behind launching the Methuen citywide grade-level reading campaign, Krista played an integral role in shaping the vision and direction of the initiative. She now serves on the campaign’s steering committee, where her passion, experience, and strategic insight drive continuous progress and ensure the campaign is rooted in community needs and collective leadership.

Krista’s collaborative spirit and unwavering advocacy make her an indispensable leader in Methuen’s literacy movement

STEERING COMMITTEE

Mary Beth Donovan-Grassi is a highly respected Methuen educator, leader, and public servant with over 24 years of experience as a teacher and principal at Tenney Grammar School. After her recent retirement from the Methuen Public Schools, she immediately returned to public service, being appointed to the Methuen School Committee and serving as an elected member of the Nevins Library Board of Trustees.

Mary Beth’s legacy centers on her unwavering dedication to Methuen’s students and families, where her expertise in school leadership and community collaboration has guided meaningful progress for local education.

Mary Beth is a founding member of the original “brain team” that envisioned and launched Methuen’s community partnership campaign for grade-level reading. She is instrumental in establishing the strategic vision, developing core partnerships, and building momentum for the campaign’s launch.

As a leader on the campaign’s steering committee, Mary Beth leverages her deep knowledge of the district’s strengths and needs to ensure the initiative is truly rooted in community impact and educational excellence

STEERING COMMITTEE

State Representative Ryan Hamilton serves the 15th Essex District in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, where he is known for championing Methuen and Haverhill through accessible leadership and dedication to public service.

With a background that includes work as a city councilor, executive assistant in city government, and staff roles in federal legislative offices, Ryan has developed a keen understanding of how to bridge city government and community organizations. His legislative priorities center on education, mental health, workforce development, and ensuring resources reach families and students who need them most.

As a core leader on the steering committee that brought Methuen’s literacy partnership to life, Ryan played an instrumental role in connecting community organizations with municipal leaders, helping secure essential collaborations and public investment.

His collaborative approach and advocacy in both legislative and civic arenas have allowed the campaign to grow into a cross-sector effort with lasting community benefits. Ryan remains a driving force for equitable opportunity and community engagement, broadening the reach and impact of Methuen’s literacy movement.