Our Team
Carolyn Casey
Founder & Executive Director
Carolyn’s path of service was inspired by the example of her parents – both educators – and her siblings, who put faith, family, and community first. And, taught her that love is an action verb and compassion, kindness, and a devotion to social justice serve as the foundation for a purposeful life.
The vision of Project 351 is a culmination and reflection of those lessons and the inspiration gained from three decades of leadership in the nonprofit, civic, and private sector. At every stop along the way, Carolyn was fortunate to learn from visionary leaders devoted to civic engagement and social entrepreneurship, and heroes on the frontline of community-based change. Throughout her professional journey at Timberland, City Year, and in politics, Carolyn was influenced by the intersection of sectors and communities as a unique resource to drive positive change.
Her greatest inspiration and teachers are young people – specifically those eighth-grade unsung heroes and quiet leaders – who astound their classmates, communities, and Commonwealth with their passion to serve, ability to lead, and fierce commitment to build communities that elevate the dignity and opportunity of all.
Their remarkable goodness and unlimited potential to manifest positive change fuels Project 351’s daily mission. A mobilization of courage, compassion, and youth leadership that transforms communities, elevates kindness, forges unity, and addresses critical needs with positive solutions.
Carolyn graduated from the College of the Holy Cross with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and received her Masters in Public Administration from the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. She is a founding member of the Advisory Board for the Martin Richard Institute for Social Justice at Bridgewater State University and is a member of the Corporation Board for Beacon Academy and the CEO’s Kitchen Cabinet at Big Sister Association of Greater Boston.
A fervent believer in the power of inclusive convening, Carolyn co-founded a monthly forum for nonprofit women executives to strengthen collaboration, best practice exchange, and peer mentorship.
Her dedication to youth leadership and social justice has been recognized by Holy Cross College Club of Boston, United Way, LIFT Boston, Irish America Magazine, and Harvard’s Phillips Brooks House Association.
Michaela Campbell
Program Manager, Ambassador Journey
Michaela is responsible for leading and amplifying the Ambassador Journey, our 12-month service and leadership development program, and serves as the primary point of contact for Project 351’s Ambassadors, as well as their families and educators.
An Alumna of Project 351’s Ambassador Class of 2014, representing the town of Holliston, Michaela is thrilled to have the opportunity to pass on the transformational impact of 35ONE to the next generation of young leaders, learners, and agents of change in Massachusetts.
Michaela is a graduate of Providence College where she studied Public & Community Service Studies and Spanish. Inspired by the values instilled in her by her family and experience with Project 351, Michaela’s leadership on campus involved serving as President of Society Organized Against Racism; representing PC as a Newman Civic Fellow, a national cohort of student leaders striving for equity on their respective campuses; and conducting research with the Dialogue, Inclusion, and Democracy Lab.
Michael Lawler
Manager, Operations & Administration
Michael is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Project 351 programs through operational excellence.
Michael is an alumnus of Project 351’s Ambassador Class of 2012, representing the city of Newburyport. Following his Ambassador year, Michael served as a founding member of the Alumni Leadership Council, the first alumni member of the volunteer Leadership Team leading transportation and operations for cornerstone events, and in 2020 he was honored as a Service Hero. In November 2019, Michael was awarded the George H.W. Bush Point of Light award for his devotion to Project 351.
Michael is a graduate of the University of New England where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and served as the Treasurer of the Student Philanthropy Association. Prior to joining the Project 351 team, Michael worked for the City of Newburyport Public Health Department and CIC Health.
Advisory Board
Alex Richman - Senior Advisor, Alliance for Business Leadership ~ Board Chair
Maureen Alphonse-Charles - Managing Director, Executive Search, Koya Leadership Partners
Noor Al-Saad - Project 351 Class of 2013; University of New Hampshire ‘21
Carolyn Casey - Founder & Executive Director, Project 351
Josh Florence - Project 351 Founding Class of 2011; JD Candidate, NYU School of Law
Thaddeus Miles - Director of Community Services, MassHousing; Founder, HoodFit
Tom O'Brien - Founding Partner/Managing Director, HYM Investment Group ~ Chair, Development Committee
Denise Richard - Founder & Co-Chair, Martin Richard Foundation
Alex Richman - Senior Advisor, Alliance for Business Leadership
Charlie Rose - Dean & Senior Vice President , City Year ~ Chair Emeritus
Nancy Routh - Principal, Heartstone Consulting ~ Chair, Program Committee
Matt Segneri - Bruce and Bridgitt Evans Executive Director, Harvard Innovation Labs
We offer enduring gratitude for the early leadership and commitment of founding Board members, David O'Brien, Principal, DOB Strategies, and Ted Marquis, Vice President and Director of Care Force, City Year—two vital architects of Project 351