Year: 2023

We are very pleased to announce that following an extensive search conducted by Eos Transitions, Wildflower’s Board of Directors has selected Erin Lynch an experienced non-profit leader, as our next Executive Director. As a widowed parent herself, Erin also brings a deep personal connection to Wildflower’s mission.

Erin is a seasoned Executive Director and alum of the MetroWest Health Foundation’s Health Leadership Program. She also holds a B.S. in Recreation Management and Tourism from Arizona State University, a National Certification in Nonprofit Management from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Innovation, and an International Certification in Group Facilitation from the Institute of Cultural Affairs.

With 25 years of leadership experience, including her most recent roles as Executive Director at MetroWest Boston’s Visitors Bureau, she is deeply committed to collaborative initiatives. Previously, her work with the Health Futures collaboration earned her an invitation to the White House during the Obama administration. Erin is passionate about cultivating resilient communities and is eager to utilize her personal and professional experience to further Wildflower’s mission.

“I am truly honored to be selected as Wildflower’s next Executive Director. Wildfower’s mission is profoundly close to my heart, and I am excited to join such a dedicated team and community. Together, we will continue to sow the seeds of healing, resilience, and hope for children who have experienced the loss of a parent.” – Erin Lynch

Erin will begin her new role at Wildflower on October 10th. Wildflower’s current Executive Director, Audrey Loria, who has been with Wildflower for nearly 14 years, will provide transition support before retiring mid-October.

“Wildflower is so fortunate to have a seasoned professional assume leadership of our organization, following the dedicated and inspired leadership of Audrey. We are grateful  that Audrey has extended her stay with us to ensure a seamless transition. This positions Wildflower well for continued growth well into the future to benefit grieving children and their families.” – Cyndi Jones, Wildflower Founder and Board Chair

With all of us at Wildflower, please welcome Erin to the team!

Wildflower Executive Director, Audrey Loria, is retiring after 3 years in the leadership role and nearly 14 years with the organization.

“It has been my honor to meet Wildflower families over the years and play a small role in easing some of their burdens. I have appreciated the small staff that over the years has taken on bigger tasks and increased workload. I have always respected the vision of our founder, Cyndi Jones, and the support of the Wildflower Board. I look forward to closely following Wildflower’s progress for years to come, and I will continue to support this organization that has meant so much to me for such a long time.”

Audrey will be missed by all who have had the tremendous opportunity to work with her over the years. We wish her nothing but the best as she transitions into her retirement life.

To read Audrey’s full retirement statement, as well as a note from Wildflower Founder and Board Chair, Cyndi Jones, please click here.

 

 

Wildflower is working with Eos Transition Partners in search of a new Executive Director. For more information on the job description, click here, or reach out to our consultant, John Tarvin, at jtarvin@eostransitions.com or 617-304-8436.

After a cancelled 2020 race and not being able to receive bibs in the years after, Wildflower was thrilled to receive 3 race bibs for the 2023 Boston Marathon. Our runners Kristen Weber, Norman Hansen, and Kristen O’Rourke helped raise over $20,000 for Wildflower, and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication to our mission in helping kids and families rediscover life after the loss of a parent.

Marathon Monday proved itself to be a challenging day for our runners, as it was chilly, windy, and rainy in typical Boston fashion. Wildflower staff and volunteers had a cheering section just after the 19 mile mark to help give our runners the boost they needed before heading up Heartbreak Hill.

For more information on our runners and what brought them to Team Wildflower, click here.