Gail Casey Courtesy photo

NASHUA – The Board of Directors of the Nashua Adult Learning Center recently announced that Gail Casey of Nashua has been appointed as the organization’s chief operating officer.

This is the first time in the organization’s 52-year history that a chief operating officer has been appointed.

“We are thrilled to have Gail join our administrative team and help our board and staff meet and manage the many challenges that face nonprofits in today’s demanding financial landscape,” said Executive Director Carol Baldwin.

Casey’s duties will include budgeting, grant writing and sustainability planning, data analysis and needs assessment, development of systems to increase productivity and fiscal strength as well as collaboration with community stakeholders.

She presently serves as the chief operating officer of the Boys and Girls Club of Souhegan Valley in Milford. Her previous positions include the 21st Century Program director for the Nashua School District and the MY TURN Program for the state Department of Education. Casey also serves as Advisory Board chairwoman for Nashua Community College and sits on the boards of the Sunset Heights Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization and the New Hampshire Afterschool Network.

According to ALC Board of Directors President Barry Garside, the creation of this new chief operating officer position is a reflection of the changing environment for long-term nonprofit organizational health.

“In our strategic planning process, the ALC Board recognized that by adding a chief operating officer to the ALC’s Leadership Team, we can best position ourselves to carefully manage our programs and maximize our impact,” he said. “This includes the necessity of utilizing data to ensure compliance and ensure efficient and effective organizational growth.”

The ALC has been a model nonprofit for addressing “the challenges and opportunities of rapidly changing demands on social services nonprofits by forging strategic partnerships,” according to Baldwin. “We’re excited about exploring new opportunities to streamline costs, while broadening collaboration. Gail’s background fits perfectly with this mission of fiscally responsible and sustainable growth as we continue to be responsive to the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve. These range from accessible and affordable child care to prepare adult learners for citizenship and the workforce.”

Casey holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University and completed the Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership program in 2023.

She also has a long history and personal relationship with the ALC. Her two sons came through the ALC’s Early Childhood Adventures Program:

“Joining the Adult Learning Center is more than a job change; it provides the opportunity to make a positive impact, fuels my passion for education and honors my love for Nashua,” said Casey. “With my own children benefiting from the program, it’s an organization close to our hearts.”

Newsletter