February 2021 – Roxbury, MA– On Friday, February 19, 2021, Madison Park Development Corporation (MPDC) CEO Leslie Reid officially announced two promotions and one new hire at the organization – Yvette Jordan promoted from Operations & Office Manager to Director of Operations, Kelly Ransom promoted from Director of Communications & Events to Director of Communications and Public Affairs, and Tahara Samuel hired as Community Support Coordinator.

Director of Operations, Yvette Jordan, joined the MPDC team in 2012 after stepping down from her 20-year role as a Senior Investment Leader at Fidelity Investment. Yvette chose to begin working in the non-profit sector for personal satisfaction. Yvette started at MPDC as an Office Manager, which involved maintaining and supporting the office and assisting multiple program departments in their community efforts. Her role expanded two years ago to Operations and Office Manager and now to Director of Operations. Her role as Director of Operations includes providing support to the CEO, corporate affairs, and ensuring the offices run smoothly. “MPDC always brings new challenges and excitement to my life,” Yvette reflects.

Director of Communications and Public Affairs, Kelly Ransom, has been with MPDC since 2018 when she was hired as Communications Manager after stepping out of her role as Director of Communications & Events at the Boston City Council as a part of City Councilor At-Large Annissa Essaibi George’s team. Previously she worked with the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation as Fundraising & Communications Associate. She continuously volunteers her time with various non-profits, political campaigns, and community initiatives across the city. Ransom will continue leading all events & marketing for the organization with the additional responsibility of directing MPDC’s external communications with stakeholders, community partners, city agencies, and elected officials. Ransom is a graduate of Emerge’s Campaign Management Program and is currently acquiring her Certified Event Planner credentials.

Community Support Coordinator, Tahara Samuel, joins MPDC with over 12 years of professional experience in trauma response, workforce development, case management, and advocacy work with high and proven at-risk youth. She is a Certified Housing Specialist and has completed training in addiction counseling, behavioral therapy, and crisis education. She has been a member of the Boston Trauma Response Team since 2016, working alongside the Boston Public Health Commission in responding to emergencies and acts of violence and trauma within Boston communities. As MPDC’s Community Support Coordinator, Samuel will organize MPDC’s Public Safety programs under the Village In Progress (VIP) and the Neighborhood Trauma Team (NTT) initiatives. Her primary focus is to provide community support to improve the quality of life for residents in Roxbury.

CEO Leslie Reid comments, “MPDC is excited to continue the work of building a vibrant and healthy community with the support of dedicated staff. I am honored to work with committed people invested in the uplift of Roxbury.”