Leadership Team
Leadership at Cardinal Cushing Centers
Since 1947, the Cardinal Cushing Centers have been at the forefront of serving those with special needs. Today, our leadership team expands on that tradition, by continuing to pioneer new and better ideas in teaching, transition programs, employment, and community living through innovative facilities, curriculum, and programs.
President & CEO
781-829-1205
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Michelle Markowitz proudly offers over twenty years of service to Cardinal Cushing Centers. Michelle’s journey at Cardinal Cushing started in high school when she volunteered at St. Coletta Day School in Braintree. Since then, she has held various positions within the organization, including Vice President of Admissions and Administration to Chief Operating Officer which has provided a broad cross-functional skill base that is essential to the role of President & CEO.
Michelle has devoted her career to supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. In her role as President & CEO, she is committed to leading with transparency and elevating the culture, mission and values at Cardinal Cushing Centers. She is an advocate for equity and human rights.
Michelle has her Bachelors in Psychology from Bridgewater State College, Certificate in Executive Leadership from Cornell University, Certification in Contemporary Practices in Developmental Disabilities Leadership & Management from UMass Boston’s Institute for Community Inclusion and is a graduate of Leadership South Shore.
Michelle is an active member of the South Shore community and currently serves on the South Shore Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She has been named one of the Top 100 Women led Businesses in MA for two consecutive years, her Executive Profile has been featured in the Boston Business Journal and she was a featured guest of Magic 106.7’s Exceptional Women Series.
Michelle enjoys reading, walking the beach and spending time with friends and family. She lives in Hull with her husband Jeremy and their two sons Reefe and Sawyer.
Chief Development Officer
781-829-4611
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Jansi Chandler has been a development professional for 30 years, specializing in public and private development. Since April 2012 she has held the position of VP of Development at Cardinal Cushing Centers, where she is responsible for all fundraising for the organization as well as overseeing its development projects. Prior to that she was the Director of Development at Grant Communications Consulting Group where she provided technical assistance in nonprofit development, specializing in capital and annual campaigns. She has also held the position of Managing Director for Economic Development for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the six departments and 70 staff that make up the Economic Development Division. For 11 years, she was the executive director of the Lynn (MA) Department of Community Development and obtained and implemented state and federal grants of more than $80 million for housing, community-and economic development programs. Ms. Chandler has a B.A. from Connecticut College and an M.B.A. from Suffolk University.
Vice President of Adult Services
781-829-4610
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Angela Gokey has been working with individuals with intellectual disabilities for over 20 years. Prior to coming to Cardinal Cushing Centers, she was a Director for Vinfen Corporation and the May Institute, supervising both Day Habilitation and Employment programs. In her current position of Director of Day Services, she supervises the Life Opportunities Unlimited and South Shore Industries programs. Angela has extensive experience with program development, and she is currently working on the expansion of day supports in both the Hanover and Braintree communities.
Angela received her undergraduate degree in Sociology & Anthropology from Colgate University.
Chief Financial Officer
781-829-1215
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Rita has 30 years of experience as an accounting professional. She has held various positions throughout her career in the not for profit and for profit sectors, as well as public accounting in audit and tax. Rita’s most recent position, prior to joining Cardinal Cushing Centers, was the Chief Financial Officer at the International Institute of New England, a non-profit organization that delivers services to refugees and immigrants. Previous experience includes CFO positions at the Learning Prep School, a chapter 766 school and Forensic Health Services, a for profit organization that provides mental health care to incarcerated individuals. With Rita’s broad experience, she is well equipped to oversee all of Cushing’s financial operations and initiatives. Rita holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Accounting from the University of MA- Boston, and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Chief Operating Officer
781-829-1286
Chief Human Resources Officer
781-829-1216
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Gina has been a human resources professional for over 18 years, specializing in the nonprofit sector. She joined Cardinal Cushing Centers in 2017 as the Director of Human Resources providing leadership, strategic planning and direction in all human resource functions including employee relations and retention, recruitment & onboarding, and training. Gina holds a B.A. in Psychology & Sociology from University of Massachusetts and a Certificate in Human Resources Management from Eastern Nazarene College. She began her career as a residential counselor working with at risk youth at Bridge Over Troubled Waters. She then worked in the mental health field assisting adults with becoming gainfully employed at the Center for Health and Development. Her vast knowledge in human resources has been attained by roles at Partner’s Healthcare, May Institute, and New England Village.
