MetroWest Nonprofit Network Hires First-Ever Executive Director

FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Board of Directors of MetroWest Nonprofit Network have hired Anna Carollo Cross as the organization’s first executive director.

The Framingham resident, who was selected after a highly-competitive search process, comes to the MetroWest Nonprofit Network (MWNN) with more than 30 years of community and leadership experience.

From the very beginning of her career, Dr. Cross has helped others, focusing on education and young people.

Her first job was as a high school guidance counselor, which then led to a period directing early adolescent programs at Boston’s Children’s Museum.

For 22 years, Cross directed various community initiatives through the Framingham Public Schools.

Highlights from that time include:

• Pioneering the School Choice Program, focused on providing community-wide school access for all students
• Creating the Parent Information Center, which serves as a first point of entry for parents, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all families regarding student enrollment, participation and success in the public school system
• Helping to launch the Early Childhood Alliance of Framingham dedicated to promoting and supporting healthy growth of children from prenatal to age 8 by strengthening families and advocating for high-quality learning experiences.

In 2014, she received her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Boston College.

“We are delighted that Dr. Cross has joined our team; we are confident that she is the right choice to help us expand our services to the nonprofit sector in MetroWest," said MWNN Board Chair Trish Appert.

For 22 years, the MetroWest Nonprofit Network (MWNN) has strengthened the region’s nonprofit organizations by connecting them to resources that will help them to meet their missions efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively. MWNN strengthens local nonprofit organizations by improving interagency communication, sharing ideas and information, and providing expertise on topics of mutual interest.