Cushing is excited to welcome our new board members

Cardinal Cushing Centers Announces Four New Board Members During Period of Growth

Cardinal Cushing Centers, a nonprofit on the South Shore of Boston that supports approximately 500 students and adults with intellectual disabilities, has added four new board members who will collectively bring vast financial, operational and advancement expertise. These strategic additions coincide with a planned Cushing expansion: the renovation of Cushing’s St. Coletta Day School in Braintree, new office spaces at the Hanover location, and the formation of an endowment fund for future financial viability.

Christine Urann joins us from Arbella Insurance Group, where she oversees accounting, financial reporting and compliance, accounts payable and treasury operations as Assistant Vice President, Controller & Assistant Treasurer. Throughout her tenure, she has driven operational efficiencies, enhanced reporting capabilities, supported tech advancements, and strengthened internal controls across the accounting and treasury functions – and these are the skills she will bring to Cushing.

“Christine is a very collaborative thinker who also has a passion for helping Cushing foster belonging, opportunity and dignity,” said Robin Jones, Executive Director of Arbella Foundation, who is also a Cushing supporter. “There is no doubt that she will bring immeasurable value to your organization.” 

Dina Gray, mother to Cardinal Cushing student Emilia, is the CEO and Founder of ABA Helps, LLC, a behavioral health organization that provides Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. She is also the Founder of HALE (Help for Adult Life Experience), a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding opportunities and resources for adults with developmental disabilities. Dina brings executive leadership, operational expertise, and a deep commitment to advocacy for individuals with complex needs. Through her professional work and personal experience, she has seen firsthand the transformative impact that a supportive, structured, and mission-driven environment can have on an individual’s growth, dignity, and sense of belonging.

“I’ve seen the way Emilia thrives as a residential student at Cardinal Cushing, and I want to help make that possible for other families as well,” says Gray.

Jeffrey Smith is Executive Vice President, Head of Wealth Management at Eastern Bank where he leads the investment management, trust and estate services, and financial and tax planning services, along with Private Banking services to Wealth Management clients. Smith has been involved with Cushing since 1999, has organized a golf fundraiser for 15 years, and founded the Planned Giving Advisory Committee in 2013  – a service Cushing provides to donors who are interested in leaving a long-term gift to Cushing via Estate Planning, 401K, IRAs, etc.   

“Jeff is already an incredible asset through his work founding the Planned Giving Advisory Committee and his fundraising work for Cushing,” said Michelle Markowitz, President and CEO of Cushing. “We are thrilled that he is now joining the Board of Directors.”

Kayla Florence is the Co-Founder and CFO of Rockland Recovery, a $30 million, multi-site addiction recovery organization, where she serves as primary architect of enterprise financial health in this rapidly growing and changing market. The Florence family’s involvement in Cushing dates back to 1947, when Cardinal Cushing placed Kayla’s great uncle Dr. Leonard Florence on the inaugural board. 

“Uncle Lenny instilled in the family a belief that those who have, should give – not just financially but also through meaningful service and stewardship.”

Florence brings with her an extensive understanding of financial strategy, executive leadership, the support and sustaining of multiple locations, and a passion for preserving Cushing’s mission through long-term financial health.

“The addition of these four leaders is going to give Cushing a tremendous advantage as we stretch and grow,” adds Markowitz. “There’s always room for fresh perspectives and new ideas!”

For more information about the Cushing Board or upcoming Cushing news, be sure to check out www.cushingcenters.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To give, please go to: www.cushingcenters.org/donate