News

The Phoenix Charter Academy Network manages a growing portfolio of free, open-enrollment, college preparatory public high schools in Massachusetts. Here’s what’s happening.

Phoenix Charter Academy Network’s Beth Anderson named a Barr Foundation Class of 2017 Fellow

On Wednesday, June 28, 2017, in recognition of her leadership and impact as Founder and CEO of Phoenix Charter Academy Network and within the Greater Boston community, Beth Anderson was named a 2017 Barr Foundation Fellow.

As a member of the 2017 Class of Barr Fellows, Anderson will participate in a two-year program that includes a group learning journey, a three-month sabbatical, and facilitated retreats with her cohort. Phoenix Charter Academy Network will also receive a grant of up to $100,000 from the Foundation to support Anderson’s participation in the Fellowship, leadership and organizational development, and exploration of new ideas.

“I am beyond honored, humbled, and excited to embark on this journey and learn from these exceptional Boston leaders,” remarked Anderson. “This group is truly phenomenal, and I cannot wait to collaborate with, gain inspiration from, and grow alongside of these amazing individuals. I am thankful to The Barr Foundation for allowing me this opportunity, and their endless work to advance civic leadership in our great city.”

“The Barr Foundation is committed to investing in effective, visionary, and collaborative leaders. It is our privilege to recognize and support this exceptional group of leaders,” said Roger Nozaki, Barr Foundation Vice President. “Since the Foundation inaugurated the Barr Fellowship in 2005, these leaders have built a remarkable legacy of service and impact in Boston and beyond. We look forward to working with and investing in this newest class and their organizations, and seeing the impact of their individual and collective leadership.”

Joining 58 leaders recognized as Fellows since 2005, the 12 members of the 2017 Barr Fellows class are:

  • Beth Anderson, CEO and Founder, Phoenix Charter Academy Network
  • Clementina Chéry, Co-Founder, President and CEO, Louis D. Brown Peace Institute
  • Rev. John Finley, Co-Founder and Head of School, Epiphany School
  • Nigel Jacob, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics
  • Giles Li, Executive Director, Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
  • Darlene Lombos, Executive Director, Community Labor United
  • Marty Martinez, President and CEO, Mass Mentoring Partnership
  • Ayele Shakur, Regional Executive Director, BUILD Greater Boston
  • Colby Swettberg, Chief Executive Officer, Silver Lining Mentoring
  • Yusufi Vali, Executive Director, Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center
  • Dania Vázquez, Headmaster, Margarita Muñiz Academy
  • David Waters, Chief Executive Officer, Community Servings

For more information about the Barr Fellowship, including bios of the Class of 2017, previously-named Fellows, and eligibility and selection process, visit: www.barrfoundation.org/fellows.