MBACC Leader Jean Ford Webb Receives Prestigious Leadership Award

Jean Ford Webb, executive director of Mother Brook Arts and Community Center, received the Excellence in Leadership Award from the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network for her work in building the center from its inception to its status today as a thriving arts organization.

Jean was chosen from a distinguished field of nonprofit executives because “her vision and commitment to building a strong and lasting foundation, combined with her charismatic, compelling, selfless, and welcoming leadership personify the center,” the MNN wrote in the award announcement.

The award was presented on Monday, June 8 at the MNN Nonprofit Awareness Day at the State House in Boston. Massachusetts State Representative Paul McMurtry, who attended the event, recognized Ford Webb with a citation from the House of Representatives recognizing her accomplishments at MBACC.

“Jean’s leadership continues to be an inspiration to me, as well as, the envy of my colleagues at the State House,” McMurtry said , “I am honored to recognize her commitment to a public-private partnership that epitomizes the best of economic development and the cultural diversity of our community andCommonwealth.”

Ford Webb was honored along with 31 other finalists in 9 award categories, and as one of five finalists for the 2015 Excellence in Leadership Award.

This year MNN selected two recipients for the leadership category recognizing both Ford Webb and Catherine D’Amato, CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank.

“The truly meteoric growth of the Mother Brook Arts and Community Center is almost entirely attributable to Jean’s leadership. Her ability to conceive of, articulate and implement a vision has led to the transformation of a former school into a bustling hub of arts and community engagement much faster than any of us could’ve imagined,” said Sarah MacDonald, chairwoman of the MBACC Board of Directors. “On behalf of the board, our resident artists and our countless community stakeholders, we thank Jean for her commitment to MBACC.”

Under Ford Webb’s leadership the center has served over 3,500 guests through exhibits, community events, and classes, and has achieved 100 percent occupancy of its artist studios. MBACC has also received over $600,000 dollars in grants, state funding, in-kind donations, and individual contributions. To date, the organization has invested in the town-owned building with the installation of a new heating system, new front doors, new gallery lights, and a new sound system in the performance space. Resident artists work closely with Ford Webb to create a space that inspires creativity.

Mother Brook Arts and Community Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in Dedham, MA. MBACC’s mission is to build a vibrant and sustainable center that enriches the Dedham community and stimulates the revitalization and growth of the Mother Brook neighborhoods through the arts.MBACC is located at the former Avery School (123 High St.) in Dedham and the organization continues to renovate the space to accommodate additional arts programming. Future plans include a performance space, ceramics studio, restaurant, shop, and accessible paths leading from the building to the historic Mother Brook. For more information or to donate, visit www.motherbrookarts.org .

Courtesy Photos:

Citation: State Rep. Paul McMurtry presents Jean with a citation from the House of Representatives recognizing her achievement.

Group: Jean Ford Webb (center) poses with Catherine D’Amato, CEO of the Greater Boston Food Bank, New England Cable News’ Kristy Lee and Mass. Nonprofit Network leadership at the awards ceremony Monday, June 8 at the State House.