North Andover Attorney David A. White Joins METCO Board of Directors

The Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO, Inc.) has announced that Attorney David A. White has been welcomed into the METCO Board of Directors, along with seven other new members. Attorney White is Managing Principal at Davis & White Attorneys at Law in North Andover. He is also a North Andover resident.

White is a former Lexington resident and a graduate of the Lexington Public Schools. His contributions to the board will focus on his community involvement and legal network which can provide valuable opportunities and partnerships for METCO; his legal expertise that offers guidance on legal matters, ensuring compliance with regulations and assisting in the development of policies that uphold the METCO mission; and his assistance advocating for educational equity.

The eight new directors will play a vital role in advancing METCO’s mission by championing educational equity, strengthening community and alumni engagement, securing critical financial resources, and enhancing student academic achievement through the nation’s largest voluntary school desegregation program.

“We are excited to welcome this talented group of leaders to the METCO Board of Directors,” said Darnell Billings, Chair of the METCO Board. “Each new member brings unique expertise and a shared commitment to fostering equitable educational opportunities for all students. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue to expand our impact and advocate for the future of METCO and its mission.”

METCO President & CEO Milly Arbaje-Thomas also extended a warm welcome to the new board members at the Board Orientation that was held in the backdrop of the METCO Historical Exhibit. "Each board member has a personal relationship to the METCO Program, either as an alumni, resident student, school leader or community partner, making their desire to serve METCO's mission even stronger and more meaningful," she said. "I feel confident about METCO's next phase with the addition of these exceptional individuals to our Board of Directors."

Each newly appointed board member brings a wealth of experience across key sectors, including public policy, educational equity, nonprofit leadership, corporate governance, and community advocacy.

Along with White, the newly appointed members of the METCO Board of Directors include:

• Lori Dipina – Chief Program Officer, The BASE Dipina oversees strategic initiatives and youth programs at The BASE, a nonprofit empowering urban youth through sports and education. She will focus on program innovation, community partnerships, and fundraising.
• Elijah Evans – CEO, Bikes Not Bombs A METCO graduate of Brookline Public Schools, Evans leads Bikes Not Bombs, a nonprofit fostering social change through youth engagement. He will support alumni outreach, educational equity, and nonprofit governance.
• Tracei Gamble – Accounts Payable Specialist, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard A METCO alumna of Wayland Public Schools and current METCO parent, Gamble brings deep community ties and will focus on parent engagement, alumni relations, and operational oversight.
• Nia Grace – Restauranteur and Owner, Grace by Nia As a business leader and community advocate, Grace will contribute her expertise in strategic fundraising, cultural enrichment, and external partnerships.
• Rosa Inniss – METCO Director, Belmont Public Schools With a background in educational leadership, Inniss will work to strengthen district collaborations, student support systems, and policy advocacy.
• Nicole Johnson – Director of Board & Community Relations, Massachusetts Department of Higher Education A METCO alumna of Reading Public Schools, Johnson will lead efforts focused on equity policy, student advocacy, and postsecondary pathways.
• Bianca Sullivan – DEI Business Partner, DraftKings, Inc. A METCO alumna of Wellesley Public Schools, Sullivan will focus on corporate partnerships, diversity initiatives, and alumni engagement.

"These new board members reflect the diverse communities we serve and bring an array of skills and experiences to help advance METCO’s mission," said Mabel Reid-Wallace, Chair of Nominating & Governance Committee. "Their leadership will be critical as we continue to advocate for educational equity and create opportunities for all students."

About METCO, Inc.

METCO, Inc. is dedicated to providing students with a strong academic foundation enriched by cultural, educational, ethnic, and racial diversity. Through a voluntary school desegregation program, METCO creates opportunities for Boston and suburban students to learn and grow together in integrated public school settings.

Since its founding in 1966, METCO has served as a national model for advancing educational equity and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The program continues to prepare students for success while building bridges between urban and suburban communities.

For more information, visit www.metcoinc.org.