Our Board of Directors

Rubin is currently employed at AIM HR Solutions since 2018.  He is responsible for onsite HR support, as well as a vast array of education program facilitation. Before joining AIM HR Solutions, Rubin was the Chief Human Resource Officer at Lowell Community Health Centers. He began his HR career at Ford Motor Company and has worked in high technology, biotechnology, non-profits, and healthcare. He has worked in small, medium, and large organizations.

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He has an interest in employee relations, employee development, and leadership training. Rubin is Board President of the Regional Environmental Council (REC). In addition, Rubin is a certified Zinger Miller Trainer. Rubin has been married for 48 years. He has 3 daughters and the proud grandfather of 2 granddaughters and 4 grandsons. If Rubin was not working at AIM HR Solutions, he would be traveling, visiting grandkids, and doing youth development and employment work for teens.

Ted Hudson is a retired biotech manufacturing executive and one-time farmer who still occasionally turns out some pretty decent tomatoes. He’s been involved in food security and food justice as a volunteer for more than 15 years and began working with the REC about 11 years ago. Ted currently serves as board treasurer. Working with the REC, the organization and its people committed to the community in so many ways and for so long, has become Ted’s passion and joy.

Jennifer Robare is an Assistant Vice President in Client Success at Unum where she has been employed for over 20 years. She is responsible for a shared services organization that provides project management, lean and IT support to a large organization within Unum. She has a background in leadership, operations management, finance, customer service and technology. She has been involved in the local community for many years. Initially servicing on the Worcester Mechanics Association Board of Trustees (Mechanics Hall) as Treasurer and most recently on the YWCA of Central Massachusetts board as Chair of the Development Committee. As well as prior involvement in Share Our Strength (formally Operation Frontline). Jennifer has a passion in food security and food justice.

Jennifer resides in Auburn, MA with her two teenage girls and her dog Lili. When she is not working, she loves to cook for her family and try hard to grow a garden in the back yard. She is excited to involved with an organization that shares her vision for a just food system.

Sean Rose is a dedicated nonprofit leader, public servant, and community advocate with over two decades of experience championing equity, inclusion, and access for all. As President & CEO of Thrive Support & Advocacy, Sean leads a regional nonprofit that provides lifelong support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Under his leadership since 2020, Thrive has expanded its culturally responsive services, grown its Haitian newcomer programs, and launched the region’s first disability-friendly food pantry, Flourish at Thrive.

A former three-term Worcester City Councilor, Sean has also served in key roles across education, human services, and behavioral health. His deep commitment to community is rooted in his work as a mentor, coach, and coalition-builder. Sean continues to be a voice for vulnerable populations and a collaborator in creating lasting systems change.

Dr. Pablo Hernandez is a seasoned community health center clinician, having served as the VP of Medical Services and Medical Director for the South End Community Health Center from 2009-2013. A graduate of Colegio San Ignacio de Loyola, Caracas, Venezuela, he earned his Doctor of Medicine from the Universidad Central de Venezuela in Caracas, Jose Vargas School of Medicine. Dr. Hernandez continued to pursue his clinical training at the University of Connecticut in Hartford, CT. Dr. Hernandez completed his Family Medicine Residency at the University of Connecticut. He also earned a Master of Science in Health Care Management from Harvard School of Public Health, Cambridge, MA.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, Dr. Hernandez brings with him a hands-on approach to medical leadership, believing that a strong team is the key to a successful organization. Not a stranger to the Worcester Community, Dr. Hernandez has served as an instructor of medical terminology for Central Mass AHEC, as well as a faculty physician at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

Justin was born and raised in Worcester. He holds a master’s degree in computer science and supports web development for higher education institutions. Justin got involved with the REC through the YouthGROW program and says he is excited and honored to serve on the Board of Directors.

​Bio coming soon

Steph Crist joined the REC Board in 2017. She currently serves on the Fund Development Committee. Steph is a sociologist who loves learning about, teaching about, and growing food. Previously, she researched community and nonprofit approaches to addressing food insecurity. Steph was thrilled to get involved with the REC because she shares the REC’s vision of creating a just food system, together.

Judi Kirk was born and raised in Wilmington, DE where she graduated from the University of Delaware with a BSPE, Physical Education in 1976 and a MSPE, Measurement and Evaluation, 1982.  

Judi has held professional positions with Girls Incorporated of Delaware as Physical Education Instructor, Teen Program Coordinator and Director of Special Programs; Chesapeake Bay & Montachusett Girl Scout Councils as Manager of Outdoor Programs, Girls Incorporated of Worcester as Associate Director, YWCA Central Massachusetts as Director of Health Promotion Services and is currently the Director of Community Impact & Assessment for Boys & Girls Clubs of Worcester & YouthConnect.

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As Director of Community Impact, Judi facilitates a consortium of 8 Executive Partners from BGCW, Girls Inc., Friendly House, United Way of Central MA, Worcester Youth Center, YMCA, YWCA, and YOU, Inc. along with 40 additional Supporting Partners to provide high quality neighborhood-based recreational, educational and cultural activities to isolated and underserved Worcester youth aged 5 – 24 with focus on the middle school years.

Jenn Madson joined the REC Board in 2019, having been a volunteer and resident of Worcester for many years. She serves as the REC's Fund Development Committee Chair and is excited to celebrate 50 years of REC impact this year. Jenn currently works as the Central Regional Director for Mass Audubon and enjoys neglecting her vegetable garden while finding new places to explore with her family.

Lawreta Kankan currently works as an Academic Advisor for the Public Health Informatics and Technology program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Public Health. She is also a Master of Public Health candidate with a social and behavioral science concentration. Lawreta got involved with the REC through the YouthGROW program and worked on the Mobile Market.

Chris, originally from Ecuador, moved to the U.S. at age eleven and has lived in Worcester ever since. He graduated from South High Community School, earned an associate’s degree in business administration from Quinsigamond Community College, and a bachelor’s degree in finance with a concentration in Personal Financial Planning from Bentley University. After graduating, he joined Bartholomew & Company in Worcester as a financial analyst. Chris is now training to become a financial planner to help individuals achieve their financial goals. Coming from an immigrant background, he is passionate about making financial planning more accessible, especially for Spanish-speaking communities. His childhood memories of visiting his great-grandparents' farm and helping his grandmother make French fries inspire his desire to support marginalized communities, which aligns with the REC’s mission.

​Annessia is a community organizer at Worcester Common Ground, an affordable housing
nonprofit. In her role, she develops programming and events to foster community engagement
throughout the neighborhood. She also manages Worcester Common Ground’s five community
gardens, working closely with gardeners and preparing garden sites for the growing season.
Through this work, she has seen firsthand the importance of providing residents with the
opportunity to grow their own healthy food and the positive impact it has on their lives.
Annessia is joining the board of the Regional Environmental Council because she deeply
believes in their mission and has witnessed the meaningful impact of their programming. Having
collaborated with REC in her role, she admires their commitment to supporting local
communities and advancing food justice. She is excited to contribute to the board and looks
forward to helping further REC’s work.