boystown.org

Board of Directors

Board of Directors

Our independent Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of local business and community leaders to help provide corporate governance and guidance for Boys Town New England.

We are grateful for the continued support and expertise they provide, ensuring that each department and program lives the mission we strive to fulfill every single day.

​​Christopher Lanen, Chair​
Manager Strategic Initiatives, Raytheon Integrated Defense Systems

New England Board Member since 2013

Christopher “Chris” Lanen is an attorney working in the areas of corporate law as well as legislative and regulatory advocacy. Chris began his career in the public sector, serving as a legislative aide in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Senator Jack Reed where his work focused primarily on the federal appropriations process. Following his tenure in Senator Reed’s office, Chris returned home to Rhode Island to serve as finance director for Congressman Jim Langevin’s successful campaign for re-election in 2010.

Upon entering private industry in 2012, Chris joined Raytheon Technologies where he currently holds the title of Senior Manager, Government Relation for Raytheon Missiles and Defense.

Chris is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts School of Law (Dartmouth, MA), Bentley University (Waltham, MA) and North Kingstown High School (North Kingstown, RI).

Charon Rose, Chair-Elect
Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations, Rhode Island Office of the Secondary Commissioner

New England Board Member Since 2020

Charon Rose is the Director of Workforce Strategy and Operations, Rhode Island Office of the Secondary Commissioner. Rose is a lifelong Rhode Islander with deep roots in the capital city, Providence. She is a first-generation college graduate receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Rhode Island College.

Growing up in the city’s Chad Brown neighborhood, Rose had an early understanding of racial inequality and social injustices. Because of that, she became active in local politics and was a Member Political Organizer for SEIU Healthcare 1199NE. Rose has been a volunteer and staff member for several elected officials including Mayor Jorge Elorza. She is a member of Congressman David Cicilline’s Women’s Advisory Board and serves on the board of Boys Town New England. Rose served as the president of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island from 2014 – 2016, the organization’s first Black president, and served as co-director of New Leaders Council Rhode Island. She is passionate about the Black community and promoting Black leadership in the State of Rhode Island. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, reading, and learning new skills.

Tobey Sanborn, Secretary​
Director of Training & Development, Newport Restaurant Group

New England Board Member Since 2022

For 15 years Tobey has worked with the Newport Restaurant Group in various capacities. Recently he was named as the Director of Training and Development. Prior to his current position, Tobey served as a regional general manager at several of the 13 Newport Restaurant Group sites ranging from Newport to Providence to Boston.

Tobey was influential in working with Boys Town New England in developing our first corporate partnership. He developed a restaurant academy in which Boys Town kids have the opportunity to go through a six-week training course learning all aspects of the restaurant business. Three of the individuals who went through the training this fall are now working for one of the Newport Restaurant Group establishments.

Tobey earned his Bachelor’s degree from Johnson & Wales in Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management in 1997.

Sarah Galvan, President
Executive Director, Boys Town New England

New England Board Member since 2019

Sarah Galvan has dedicated her career to being a voice for those that are in need and enhancing the lives of youth and families. She started her career at Boys Town in 2006 as a Youth Care Worker in the Assessment and Short-Term Residential Facility at the Washington DC Site. Before coming to Boys Town, Sarah worked with woman recovering from domestic violence in a crisis shelter. Over the course of several years, Sarah held positions of increasing responsibility as Shift Supervisor of the Intervention and Assessment Program, completing the Administrative Management Training Program at home campus in Omaha Nebraska, Program Director of the Family Home Program and Program Support Coordinator all at our Washington DC location. In December 2014, Sarah assumed the role of Executive Director of the Boys Town Washington, DC Site. In October of 2019 Sarah relocated to Rhode Island and assumed the role of Executive Director of the New England site. Sarah holds a Masters in Youth and Family Services and lives in North Kingstown, RI with her husband Fernando and three children, Addison, Camila and Avery.

Hadley Bazarsky, Member
Operations Coordinator, St. Michael's Day School

New England Board Member since 2017

Hadley Bazarsky is the Operations Coordinator at St. Michael's Country Day School in Newport, RI, overseeing non-academic day-to-day operations of the school. Previously Hadley worked in startup organizations in both New York, NY and Miami, FL where she helped food & beverage and CPG companies hire for senior management positions. She joined the Board of Directors of Boys Town New England in 2019. In addition to her work with Boys Town, Hadley is involved with a number of organizations that focus on education opportunities and child & family support throughout the community. Hadley currently resides in Newport RI.

Arthur Bert, Member
Former Managing Director, Accenture Strategy

New England Board Member since 2015

Art is the former Managing Director in Accenture’s Strategy practice based in Boston and his experience comprises over 27 years across the spectrum of M&A, Growth Strategy, strategic planning, enterprise transformation and strategy consulting with Global 1000 clients. Art has helped clients develop and execute organic and inorganic growth initiatives as well as align Operating Models and cost structure. Prior to his current role, he led Accenture’s Products Strategy practice, Corporate Strategy and M&A practice. On the M&A front he has led clients through more than 60 major mergers/acquisitions & divestitures across a range of industries. He is a frequent speaker and has published white papers and articles on M&A. Art holds patents for Accenture’s M&A Playbook as well as its Enterprise Transformation playbook. Art joined Accenture in 2005.

Accenture is one of the world’s leading organizations providing management consulting, technology and outsourcing services, with approximately 289,000 employees; offices and operations in more than 200 cities in 56 countries; and net revenues of $28.6 billion for fiscal 2013.

Prior to joining Accenture, Art was the Managing Director for Asia Pacific with A.T. Kearney. He also led their Global Mergers, Acquisitions and Alliances Practice.

Art received an MBA from Columbia University Business School and a BAE from Georgia Institute of Technology.

Liana Buonanno, Member
President/Co-founder, Gooseneck Vineyards, President, Wickford Wine Company

New England Board Member since 2022

Liana Buonanno is the president and co-founder of Gooseneck Vineyards, ​a producer of high quality, everyday wines across the globe​. She is responsible for the company's worldwide operations, including development of strategic supplier relationships, digital marketing, accounting, finance and production oversight.​​

Liana began her professional career in investment banking with J.P. Morgan and Evercore Partners in various businesses, including leverage finance, special situations investing, equity capital markets and restructuring advisory. As Vice President in Evercore's Restructuring Group, she advised boards of directors and management teams of both public and private companies in financial distress.

Liana is a licensed pilot, volunteering for Patient Airlift Services (PALS Sky Hope), an organization providing free flights for patients in need of medical treatment, who are otherwise too far away from a medical facility. PALS also assists military personnel and their families with free flights to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation processes for our wounded veterans.

Liana graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with majors in Finance and Accounting.

Liana splits her time between New York City and Rhode Island, with her husband Rob and their sons, Ben and Thomas.

Keith Chouinard, Member
Chief Operating Officer of IDC Inc./Newport Experience

New England Board Member Since 2023

Keith Chouinard is in his third year serving as Chief Operating Officer of IDC Inc./Newport Experience. In his current role he oversees a collection of waterfront properties and amenities that showcase the beauty and diversity of Newport, Rhode Island and Little Compton, Rhode Island. Two historic boutique hotels (Ocean Cliff Hotel and Stone House Inn) are the anchors of the company and are supported by an oceanside restaurant, waterfront event venue, a 101-foot schooner and a 175-slip marina.

Prior to his current position, Keith served as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Chanler at Cliff Walk, which is rated as a Five-Star hotel and restaurant by Forbes. During this same time, Keith was the Vice Chairman of the Discover Newport Board of Directors. This board consisted of 18 members, with representation from the nine municipalities within Newport and Bristol Counties and five specific industry appointments.

Throughout his career, Keith has worked at Five-Star resorts in managerial positions. Keith previously worked in Boston, Scottsdale, AZ and Lake Tahoe.

Keith’s relationship with Boys Town began last year when he partnered with the development office and provided incentive gifts as part of the 401 Gives Campaign. The gifts included overnight stays at the Ocean Cliff Hotel and Stone House Inn, dinner for two at the Safari Room Restaurant, and a cruise for two on the Schooner Aurora. He provided these same incentives this year.

Keith graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 2000. His wife, Keri, is a Spanish teacher at Portsmouth High School and has taught several Boys Town kids. Keith and Keri have four children.

Kevin Fullerton
Kevin Fullerton, Member
Retired

New England Board Member Since 2024

Kevin D. Fullerton is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in credit and operations management, product development and national sales and marketing. Retiring in August 2020, Kevin's extensive experience and leadership skills have left an indelible mark on the organizations he served. As the Director of Corporate Underwriting at Accredited Home Lenders, he played a pivotal role in growing sales from $300 million to $1.4 billion in just seven years, introducing innovative products and maintaining the industry's lowest delinquency rate. His career also includes impactful roles at Advanced Financial Services, Fleet Bank and Old Stone Bank, where he consistently demonstrated a strategic and results-oriented approach.

In his most recent position as Site Financial Officer at Boys Town New England, Kevin showcased his financial acumen by overseeing all financial and business systems. He negotiated complex contractual agreements; ensured compliance with local, state and federal regulations; and provided crucial budget analyses. His dedication and ability to navigate intricate financial landscapes have made him a respected figure in the industry.

Beyond his professional achievements, Kevin is an alumnus of Rhode Island College, holding a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Management. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys a variety of hobbies, from skiing and biking to coaching youth sports. These interests showcase his well-rounded personality, shaped by a lifetime of experiences both in and out of the professional realm. Presently residing in Rhode Island with his wife Karen, Kevin finds joy in the quality time spent with his children and grandchildren.

Megan Johnson, Member
Vice President, Associate Relationships Manager, Webster Bank

New England Board Member since 2017

Megan Johnson joined Webster Bank in 2018 as Vice President, Associate Relationship Manger. She is currently responsible for originating commercial loans by partnering with Webster Bank's fourteen banking centers in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and surrounding communities to develop relationships for existing clients and prospective clients who have small business banking needs.

Prior to joining Webster Bank, Megan was Vice President, Regional Sales Manager and Business Lender Associate at Coastway Community Bank, now HarborOne Bank. In that role she underwent two years of commercial credit training and was a partner on numerous executive projects. Her most memorable project there was building its companywide Customer Relationship Management technology platform, implementing the roll out and training all employ​ees.

Megan received her BA degree in International Business and Finance from the University of Rhode Island. She is a resident of East Greenwich, RI and in her spare time, she enjoys traveling, entertaining at her home, playing golf, and going to the beach.

Maria Stringfellow, Member
Senior Leadership Gift Officer, Brown University

New England Board Member Since 2023

Stringfellow earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Rhode Island College and a Master of Science in Human Services Administration from Bellevue University. Before focusing her career on fundraising, she contributed to the welfare of children and families at Boys Town New England. During this time, she discovered her calling in resource development, particularly in the field of fundraising.

Her journey in development began at the Rhode Island School of Design as an Annual Fund Officer. She later advanced to the role of Assistant Director of Major Gifts at Northwestern University, recognized as one of the nation's top 10 institutions. Her exceptional skills and abilities caught the attention of others, leading her to be offered the role of Associate Director for Donor Engagement at Stony Brook University on Long Island. She has recently advanced to her current position as Senior Leadership Gift Officer at Brown University.

Stringfellow's community involvement is equally impactful. She previously served as Engagement Chair on the Young Leader’s Board and currently volunteers at her local church. Her commitment extends to mentoring young women and providing ongoing support to organizations that resonate with her values. Her philanthropic drive, compelling storytelling and unwavering advocacy for children and families underscore her significant contributions.​

Sean Thompson, Member
Director of First Year Experience & Houses, Brown University

New England Board Member Since 2022

Sean has worked at Brown University since 2020. He initially served as Program Director of Orientation before joining the Office of Residential Education in May 2021 as the Director of First Year Experience & Houses. As the Director, Sean is responsible for the development of the living-learning experience for first-year students bringing a relational, strategic, and coordinated approach to a residential area of 1,700 students.

Prior to working at Brown, Sean served as Director of New Student & Family Programs at UMass Boston (2018-20), Assistant Director of New Student Programs at the University of Rhode Island (2014-18) and Assistant Director of Student Programs and Leadership at Roger Williams College (2011-14).

Sean earned his Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 2008 from the University of Hartford and his Master of Science in Counseling with a specialization in Higher Education & Student Development in 2011 from Central Connecticut State University.