Leadership

Carl Howell

Chief Executive Officer

Carl W. Howell is a dedicated and influential leader in the non-profit sector with decades of experience addressing the complex challenges of poverty, homelessness, and disparities across social determinants of health. As Chief Executive Officer of Community Teamwork, Inc. (CTI), one of New England’s most respected non-profits, Carl plays a key role in overseeing a broad range of impactful programs with a focus on Housing, Education, and Economic Opportunities. Under his leadership, CTI continues to thrive as a Community Action Agency, Regional Housing Agency, and Community Development Corporation (CDC), making it one of only two organizations in Massachusetts to hold all three designations.

Carl’s work has garnered national recognition, including an invitation from the White House to speak on Public Health disparities impacting BIPOC communities across the nation. His commitment to equity and inclusion is deeply woven into his leadership approach, ensuring that Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) practices are prioritized both internally and externally within CTI’s operations.

In addition to his role at CTI, Carl has been a driving force behind several innovative initiatives. He has developed youth-focused housing programs, enhanced family homeless programming, and championed the integration of DEIB principles across all organizational practices. His efforts in advocating for equitable housing policies extend to the local, state, and federal levels, where he actively works to influence legislative changes that support vulnerable populations.

Carl’s leadership and advocacy extend beyond CTI through his service on multiple boards and advisory groups focused on housing and higher education, His visionary approach to addressing housing inequities and his dedication to community-centered solutions have made him a respected figure in both the non-profit and policy advocacy realms.

Karen N. Frederick

Chief Executive Officer

Karen Nastasia Frederick is the Chief Executive Officer of Community Teamwork, the community action agency serving the Greater Lowell area serving 71 cities and town in Middlesex and Essex Counties. Community Teamwork is also one of the nine regional non-profit housing agencies serving 41 cities and towns in Middlesex and Essex Counties. The agency currently has a budget of over $150 million and more than 600 employees. She has been Executive Director since 2003.

Ms. Frederick served as the agency’s Chief Program Officer for 5 years, overseeing all program operations, and as the Director of Community Teamwork’s Family Life Services Department, which administered one of the largest child care systems in Massachusetts for over 11 years. She has made her career in community action since 1978.

Karen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Merrimack College and a Master of Education in Child and Family Development from Tufts University. She has been an instructor on the adjunct faculty of Middlesex Community College, Wheelock College, and Lesley College.

Ms. Frederick is the former President of the Massachusetts Association of Early Education and Care, immediate past President of the Massachusetts Association of Community Action Agencies, and immediate Past President of the Department of Social Services Citizens’ Advisory Board. She serves on the Boards of Common Ground Development Corporation, Massachusetts Regional Housing Agency Association, and is a former member and Chair of the Dracut School Committee. She currently serves on the Boards of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation and The Bridge Club and as a corporator of Lowell General Hospital and the Greater Lowell Boys and Girls Club. She was appointed to Governor Patrick’s Education Task Force and has served on various appointed government committees and task forces.

Karen has most recently led in the efforts to combat homelessness as a founding member of the Greater Lowell Homeless Task Force, organizing leaders to work to develop low-threshold housing units in Lowell and Greater Lowell. She is also a staunch advocate for Early Education and Childcare in Massachusetts.

She was the recipient of the 2004 Thomas Kelakos Community Spirit Award from the Greater Lowell Kiwanis Club, and one of the recipients of the 2005 Distinguished Democrats Awards from the Greater Lowell Area Democrats. Karen also received the 2006 Celebration of Today’s Woman Award from Girls Inc. of Greater Lowell.

Leadership

Nancy Van Alst

Lisa Wholey

Ann Sirois

Daniel Dessin

Connie Martin

Meghan Siembor

Kathleen Plath

Melissa Joyce

Bob Seymour

Links

Our Organization

Programs

Leadership

Leadership

Nancy Van Alst

Lisa Wholey

Ann Sirois

Daniel Dessin

Connie Martin

Meghan Siembor

Kathleen Plath

Melissa Joyce

Bob Seymour

Links

Our Organization

Programs

Carl Howell

Nancy Van Alst

Kayombo Kamawu

Meghan Siembor

Connie Martin

Lisa Wholey

Kathleen Plath

Ann Sirois

Karen N. Frederick

Daniel Dessin

Margot Regan

Bob Seymour

Melissa Joyce