United Way of Massachusetts Bay Selects Martinez as Next President and CEO

Marty Martinez was recently chosen as the next president and CEO of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Martinez will begin serving March 31 and will lead United Way’s work to eradicate the conditions that lead to poverty and improve the financial wellbeing of individuals and families across the region. “As someone who grew up in a low-income household, led by a single mother, I’m someone who knows the systems and supports that created the opportunities for me to access the American dream that I know today,” Martinez said. “These personal experiences shape how I see the world and how I tackle the work that is needed to truly create more equitable communities.”

Nearly 300,000 people in United Way’s region have incomes below the federal poverty rate. To create the most impact, it says it focuses its efforts on the cities with the highest number of households excluded from financial well-being—Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Quincy, Revere, Salem and Taunton.

Gulubicki to Lead Greater Haverhill Foundation, Economic Development Agency

Alison J. Gulubicki was recently named executive director of the Greater Haverhill Foundation, the venerable economic development nonprofit responsible for the Ward Hill Business Park and downtown Haverhill’s Harbor Place. Gulubicki, of Haverhill, is a familiar face in the community, having previously served as the vice president of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, legislative aide for then-state Sen. Steven A. Baddour and as program manager in Methuen’s Economic and Community Development Department. “Alison’s background provides a nice mix of skills in both public and private sector experience which will be instrumental to the Foundation, its mission and understanding the future needs of the organization,” said David Splaine, retiring executive director. “The committee was very impressed with her background, local ties, enthusiasm and thorough understanding of the importance of collaboration.”

Gulubicki most recently worked with a construction management firm in downtown Boston serving various roles from project manager, operations manager and then director of finance and operations. She has a Master of Public Administration degree from Norwich University where she specialized in urban and economic development and is currently studying for her Massachusetts Realtors license.

Merrimack Valley Credit Union Accepting Scholarship Applications Through Feb. 28

Merrimack Valley Credit Union is now accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors graduating this year, and expects to award more than $26,000 to 18 students within its field of membership. Two of the awards honor late members of the credit union’s family. The Lisa Lewis Goodman Community Spirit Award of $2,500 will be presented to one student who embodies the credit union philosophy of people helping people, dedicating themself to their community through volunteer efforts both in and outside of school. James A. Burley Jr. Scholarships are awarded to three students who excel academically, actively participate in extracurricular activities and provide exceptional essay responses. First place is $5,000, second place is $3,000 and third place is $2,000.

Greater Haverhill Chamber’s Non-Profit Network Meets Feb. 11

Area nonprofits are invited to participate in Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s next Non-Profit Network meeting in February. The Non-Profit Network brings together members in the public and charitable sectors to share resources and collaborate with one another. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month and open to non-profit Chamber members. The next meeting is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 4-5 p.m., at Harbor Place, 2 Merrimack St., third floor, Haverhill.

Roche Becomes Vice President and Residential Loan Officer at Pentucket Bank

Ellen Roche recently joined Pentucket Bank as vice president and residential loan officer. She is responsible for helping customers understand the loan process and different loan types, reviewing applicants credit reports and financial statements and advising them on the best options available and ensuring that the loan applicants comply with federal and state regulations. Roche reports to Senior Vice President and Director of Residential Lending Joanna Buccieri. “She has a great deal of experience working with customers and takes the time to understand their unique needs and provide solutions,” said Buccieri. “She’s a true banking professional which makes her a great resource for her customers and an incredible asset to the bank.”

Roche is a graduate of Northern Essex Community College and has more than 38 years of banking experience.

Greater Haverhill Chamber Plans 7th Annual Restaurant Week Feb. 21-27

The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce’s seventh annual Restaurant Week is set to kick off in just under a month. Restaurant Week begins Friday, Feb. 21 and runs through Thursday, Feb. 27—the first time the event takes place during the winter season. Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce interim President Kate Martin told WHAV listeners Monday why the change is taking place.

Pentucket Bank Supports New Haverhill Duplex by Essex County Habitat for Humanity

Essex County Habitat for Humanity is getting help paying for construction of a new duplex in Haverhill’s Mount Washington neighborhood from the Pentucket Bank Charitable Foundation. Pentucket Bank donated $5,000 to the Curtis Street duplex which will provide permanently affordable homeownership. The new homes, each with a three-bedroom unit, will sup[port families secured through Habitat’s home lottery. “Habitat for Humanity plays a vital role in addressing our affordable housing shortage,” said Pentucket Bank President and CEO Steve Jaskelevicus. He added, “Through its innovative approach, Habitat works with low-income families, volunteers and others in our community to create a lasting impact on individuals and neighborhoods.”

Habitat for Humanity works to help build and improve homes for families of low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds.

Merrimack Valley Chamber Members to Network Feb. 6 at Aspen Hill Rehab

Haverhill’s Aspen Hill Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center hosts members of the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce for a Business Networking Mixer on the first Thursday in February. Besides networking, those attending may nibble appetizers and have an opportunity to win a door prize. The mixer takes place Thursday, Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m., at Aspen Hill Rehabilitation, 190 North Ave., Haverhill. Admission is $10 each for members or $20 each for non-members and may be reserved online at MerrimackValleyChamber.com or by calling 978-686-0900.