Beverly Main Streets Appoints 3 New Board Members

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Main Streets welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors amid the nonprofit's mission to promote and enhance the city's downtown business, historic preservation and quality of life.

Paige Williams of Endicott College, Abby Battis of Historic Beverly, and Peter Bakhit of Score & Slip were unanimously voted to the Board of Directors earlier this week.

"With the addition of these three fantastic individuals, we also need to recognize the valuable contributions of Sue Goganian and Gary Moffie, who combined have given nearly 20 years of service to our organization," said Paul Gentile, Beverly Main Streets' President. "Sue, as executive director of Historic Beverly, provided valuable context and found creative ways to elevate the history that Beverly enjoys in its downtown. Gary used his knowledge and skill as a builder of ADA compliant housing to improve accessibility in our downtown for all."

Goganian and Moffie recently retired from the Board.

Williams is the Dean of Visual and Performing Arts at Endicott College and a recent arrival to the region after an extensive career in the arts in Cincinnati.

"We are thrilled to have Paige joining our board," said Brad Hunt of Salem Five and Beverly Main Streets' Board and nominating committee member. "She possesses an extensive background in higher education, during which her management and leadership skills have risen to the surface.

"Paige comes with extensive board experience and her artistry, professional life and personal life has touched both rural and urban communities through Alaska, the Midwest and Northeast. Paige's diverse living experience will be an exciting addition to BMS's board, given Beverly's unique and rich diversity in the business and residential community. Endicott College has been a staunch supporter and contributor to BMS' success over the history of Beverly Main Streets. We are excited that Paige will continue this legacy of partnership and collaboration."

Battis was recently named Executive Director of Historic Beverly and is a lifelong resident of Beverly. Her appointment enables Beverly Main Streets to further prioritize historic preservation and partner with a fellow nonprofit that is vital to the city.

"We're thrilled to be able to have Abby take over Sue's seat on our board," said Arthur Athanas of the Greater Beverly YMCA and Beverly Main Streets' Board and nominating committee member. "Having continuity with such an important community partner is critical to the success of the BMS mission as well as that of Historic Beverly.

"What Abby brings to the organization through the depth of her life and professional experience is so complimentary to the skill sets of our team, that makes us all excited to begin working together."

Bakhit is the owner of Score & Slip, a maker space and pottery studio on Rantoul Street. He has been a consistent vendor at Beverly Main Streets' events and offers a unique perspective as the owner of a small business that is newer to the region.

"Peter has been an active Beverly Main Streets supporter since before opening his own small business," said Kat Wrenn, owner of Sully's and Bridge Nine and Beverly Main Streets' Board and nominating committee member. "Not only will he add a unique perspective as a local artist and teacher in our downtown cultural district, but his skill and enthusiasm for building community, both within his business and downtown Beverly as a whole, will also be a valuable asset to our board."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)