
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & MetroWest held its Annual Meeting on January 23, 2019 at The Hanover Insurance Group. The Annual Meeting was attended by supporters, alumni, staff, board members, corporators and guests. The event featured three award presentations to members of the organization for outstanding achievements and contributions to the agency and also announced 3 new Board members.
2019 Annual Meeting Awards

The Colleen O’Brien Memorial Award is given annually to a Board Member who exceeded expectations in their contributions to the agency. It is named in honor of Colleen O’Brien, who passed away eight years ago after serving on the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest Board of Directors.
Ryan Kittredge
Kittredge got involved with Big Brothers
Big Sisters as a Big Brother about 10 years ago. Since then, he has
embodied the spirit of volunteerism and commitment to BBBS just as
Colleen O’Brien did. Ryan has served on the BBBS Board of Directors
since 2016. Before his time on the Board, he was an active Corporator
and founding member of our BBBS Alumni & Friends Group. Ryan takes
an active role in fundraising for the agency, particularly through the
Rodman Ride for Kids where he personally raises well over $5,000 each
year to support our programs and recruits others to support as well.
Ryan is a true ambassador for the agency and has not only spread the
word about our mission everywhere he goes, but also helps recruit new
Board members and volunteers to help us thrive.

The Dr. H. Martin Deranian Fellowship Award is given annually to a Big Brother or Big Sister who exceeds expectations in their contributions to their mentee and to the agency. It is named in honor of Dr. H. Martin Deranian, the agency’s (and nation’s) longest serving Big Brother (50 years+).
Mary Van Mameren
Mary Van Mameren has served as a Big Sister to her Little Julia for 3
years. Through their time together, Mary stands out as a remarkable Big
Sister because of her focus on building confidence and bravery in her
Little Sister. Mary embodies what Dr. Deranian stood for in a mentor in
that she is consistent and reliable, yet fun and creative in the
activities they do together. Mary is dedicated not only to her Little,
but goes above and beyond for BBBS and serves on the event committee for
Bowl for Kids’ Sake, where she helps plan the event, recruits
attendees, and raises money to support our important mission.

The Linda Urbec Award is presented to a match who shows the same persistence and dedication that Linda showed during her time at BBBS. The match is nominated by BBBS Staff for working through an obstacle or challenge, and has shown perseverance and determination in the process of reaching success.
Kaden & Andrew
Kaden and Andrew have been matched since the fall of 2016 at Assumption
College. When Kaden was introduced to the Big Brothers Big Sisters
program he was a very energetic child and had some challenges with his
grades and homework. The changes in Kaden’s behavior have been
remarkable he has been getting along with his peers, and he has a group
of friends now who he likes to play with at recess. Kaden’s teachers
says that he has done a complete 180 degree turn from where he was last
year; he always completes his homework on time and is giving forward a
lot more effort. Kaden and Andrew’s experiences of impacted both of
their lives for the better.
Newly Elected Board Members
Eric Jenkins
Eric is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island where he was a
member of the football team. After graduating, Eric began his career
working at the Wreath School in Middleton, MA, a residential non-profit
that served adolescent boys ages 12-18 with behavior issues. After 8
years, Eric started his industrial equipment sales career. Currently,
Eric is a Regional Sales Manager for Harrington Hoists Inc. Eric
was introduced to BBBS through a friend, which led him to become a Big
himself. For the past 4 years, he’s been a Big to his Little Jeremy, a
13 year old from Framingham. Eric has watched Jeremy grow from a shy
little boy to a slightly less shy young m

Michael Burke
Michael joined The Hanover in June 1997. His current role is Director,
Conference & Travel Services. Current Board member and Past
President of FICP (Financial & Insurance Conference Planners
Association). Michael has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters as
a Big since 2010. Michael earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business
Administration from Roger Williams College and earned his CMP (Certified
Meeting Professional) designation from the Convention Industry Council
in 2003. Michael enjoys traveling, is a mediocre golfer and spending
time with friends and family. He lives in Worcester, MA with his wife
Nicole and their two children, Cameron & Colin.

Dr. Arin Whitman
Dr. Arin Whitman is a Clinical Assistant
Professor at Western New England University College of Pharmacy and
Health Sciences (WNEU COPHS) where she teaches Hematology-Oncology in
the Integrated Pharmacy Care and Patient Management Course Series. . She
has been a Big Sister since 2017. Dr. Whitman received her Doctor of
Pharmacy degree from Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy in
Pittsburgh, PA.