BOSTON, MA – First Literacy recently announced that Corey Groves of Westford has been appointed its new Board Chair.
First Literacy’s mission is to fund innovation in adult literacy to change lives across the Bay State.
Groves, Senior Director of Relationship Management for Bank of New York, has been a key member of the leadership team at First Literacy, serving on the Executive Committee, Nominating and Governance Committees as well as the Communications and Development Committee, and most recently as First Literacy’s Vice President of the Board.
Groves succeeds Jim Nolan, who recently stepped down after serving as Chairman for the past four years. Nolan will remain on the board and be a key member of the Executive Committee.
“I am proud to pass the reins to Corey, whose eight years of service to First Literacy and deep commitment to our mission make her an excellent leader for the organization.”
In her new role, Groves will continue to drive a key focus on First Literacy’s commitment to supporting the continuum of Adult Basic Education through free professional development workshops for teachers, grants for innovative new adult literacy programs, and scholarships for adults continuing to higher education or vocational training.
“I am thrilled to serve as Board Chair and build on the growth established under Jim’s leadership,” stated Groves. “First Literacy’s commitment to advancing adult literacy and expanding access to education has a meaningful impact on individuals, families, and communities across Massachusetts. I am excited to carry the momentum forward.”
Adults with low-literacy or limited English proficiency and the teachers who support them are often overlooked by traditional education systems. At First Literacy, these individuals are seen. First Literacy understands that literacy encompasses more than reading and writing. It includes health literacy and financial literacy. Literacy has the power to change lives, strengthen families, and shape communities for generations to come. Through innovation grants, free professional development workshops, and student scholarships, First Literacy reaches approximately 7,000 adult learners and 200 educators in 100 programs across the Bay State each year. For more information, please contact jslack@firstliteracy.org, 617.482.3336, or visit info@firstliteracy.org.
A Bit of History
In 1988, a consortium of public and private sector leaders, including Mayor Raymond Flynn and Boston Globe publisher William O. Taylor, established the Boston Adult Literacy Fund (BALF) to expand and improve Adult Basic Education (ABE) in Boston. Two decades later, BALF became First Literacy. Today, professional development workshops, program grants, and scholarships continue to work in concert to change the lives of adult learners throughout Massachusetts.
