President

Greg Ambrose is a lifelong Lynn resident and proud graduate of the Lynn Public Schools. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Northeastern University, followed by a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire in 1972.

Greg spent four decades at the helm of Ambrose Insurance Agency, Inc., where he served as President from 1995 until his retirement in 2016. His commitment to service extends far beyond his professional career and is deeply rooted in civic engagement and community building.

Greg’s involvement with Gregg Neighborhood House spans more than four decades. He first joined the Board of Directors in 1978, became President in 1986, and has held that role ever since—dedicating himself to improving the lives of Lynn residents through education, outreach, and neighborhood support.

In addition to his leadership at Gregg House, Greg has been an active member of numerous civic and nonprofit organizations. He has served on the Lynn Business/Education Committee since 1990, including a term as President from 2008 to 2010. He was also a coach and President of the Pine Hill Little League, and is a longtime member of the Friends of Lynn Woods, Friends of Lynn and Nahant Beach, Friends of the Lynn Museum, and served on the Board of Friends of UNH Hockey.

Greg has lived in the Pine Hill neighborhood for over 44 years with his wife, Karen, to whom he’s been married for nearly 50 years. Their daughter Carolyn resides in Ithaca, NY. Greg’s lifelong dedication to the Lynn community is a testament to his belief in the power of local engagement and the importance of giving back.

Treasurer

James J. Sherman is a lifelong Lynn resident and proud graduate of the Lynn Public Schools, including Lynn Classical High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business, followed by a Master’s degree in Education. After completing his studies, James joined the U.S. Army Reserve, continuing his commitment to service.

For over five decades, James dedicated his professional life to Brotherhood Credit Union in Lynn, where he served as President and CEO. Under his leadership, the credit union grew while maintaining a strong focus on community values and financial empowerment for local families.

James has been a dedicated member of the Gregg Neighborhood House Board of Directors since the late 1980s and currently serves as Treasurer. A strong advocate for youth and education, he is deeply proud of the impact Gregg House has had on children and families across Lynn—providing support, opportunity, and a safe space to grow and thrive.

Community Advocate

Maria Carrasco’s connection to Gregg Neighborhood House is deeply personal and spans multiple generations. She first became involved in the early 1990s when her youngest daughter enrolled in both the infant and after-school programs. As a single mother facing the challenges of a language barrier, Maria found in Gregg House not just a safe space for her child, but a supportive community that helped her navigate a new path forward.

Although she initially struggled to help her daughter with schoolwork due to limited English, the guidance and resources offered by Gregg House empowered both of them—fostering confidence, resilience, and academic success.

Years later, Maria’s relationship with Gregg House continued as two of her grandsons also attended the after-school program. For Maria and many working parents like her, Gregg House has been an essential resource, providing a nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.

Maria remains a passionate advocate for the mission of Gregg House and the critical role it plays in supporting families and strengthening the Lynn community.

Minister and Community Advocate

Brenda Reed-Womack is a passionate community leader, minister, and longtime resident of Lynn, MA. Originally from Georgia, Brenda made Lynn her home in 1980 and has been a committed advocate for the city and its residents ever since.

Her connection to Gregg Neighborhood House began in 1993, when her two sons attended the program. Since then, Brenda has remained deeply involved with the organization and currently serves on its Board of Directors.

Brenda retired from the public sector in 2018 after an impressive 46 ½ years of service—first with Prudential Insurance Company and later with the Lynn Housing Authority, where she dedicated herself to serving the public with compassion and integrity. Though retired, Brenda continues to be a vibrant presence in the community, offering her time, wisdom, and leadership to a variety of causes.

In addition to her role at Gregg House, Brenda is Co-Chair of the Essex County Community Organization (ECCO), a member of the Citizens Advisory Board for the City of Lynn, and a devoted Minister and Deacon at Zion Baptist Church. Her life’s work is rooted in faith, service, and empowering others, making her a cherished and respected figure in the Lynn community.

Former Fire Chief, Lynn Fire Dept.

James McDonald is a lifelong Lynn resident and proud graduate of Lynn English High School. He dedicated 40 years to the Lynn Fire Department, rising through every rank and serving as Fire Chief from 2013 to 2018. Known for his hands-on leadership and unwavering commitment to public service, Chief McDonald earned the respect of his colleagues and the community alike. Throughout his career, he remained deeply connected to his hometown, proudly stating, “My entire adult life has been as a firefighter for the city, and I do not regret one day of it.” His leadership left a lasting impact on the department and the countless lives he helped protect.

Now retired, James continues to call Lynn home, where he lives with his wife, Maryanne. Though no longer on active duty, he remains engaged in the community, supporting local events and initiatives. His remarkable career and lifelong dedication to Lynn stand as a testament to the power of service and the importance of giving back to the community you call home.

Educator and Community Leader

James Ridley is a dedicated educator with over four decades of service to the Lynn community. He began his career with the Lynn Public Schools in 1976, where he held several key leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and later Principal of Breed Middle School, and Principal of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute. Throughout his tenure, James was known for his commitment to student success, educational equity, and creating a supportive school culture.

Since 2015, James has continued his service to young people at St. Mary’s, Lynn, where he remains an integral part of the school community.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, James is a devoted husband, father of five, and proud grandfather of eight. His lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and family reflects the values that align with the mission of Gregg House—supporting youth and strengthening the community.

Assistant Branch Manager, Salem Five

Odalis Carrasco has been a dedicated member of the Gregg Neighborhood House Board of Directors since 2017. A lifelong Lynn resident and proud graduate of the Lynn Public Schools, she has lived in the community for over four decades and is deeply committed to its growth and well-being.

Professionally, Odalis serves as the Assistant Branch Manager at Salem Five Bank. With extensive experience in banking, she brings valuable expertise in financial management, customer service, and leadership to both her career and her role on the board.

As a former Gregg House parent, Odalis has seen firsthand the vital role the organization plays in supporting children’s academic success and personal growth. She is a passionate advocate for creating safe, nurturing spaces where young people can thrive, and she actively contributes to strategic planning, financial oversight, and community outreach efforts that advance the organization’s mission.

In addition to her work with Gregg House, Odalis is an active member of Congregación Candelero de Dios Church in Lynn, where she supports various initiatives that uplift local families. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and in her spare time, loves crafting and gardening.

Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Demakes Enterprises, LLC

Elias T. Demakes is the Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Demakes Enterprises, LLC, a 111-year-old, family-owned premium meat and deli manufacturer. For the past 16 years, Elias has helped lead the company alongside his two brothers, continuing a proud legacy built over four generations.

Having grown up in the family business, Elias brings deep-rooted passion and firsthand experience to his role. Today, he focuses on business development, strategic partnerships, and new product innovation—driving the company’s commitment to producing cleaner, higher-quality products with fewer ingredients. Under his leadership, annual sales have grown from $50 million to over $300 million, and the company now serves major retailers and foodservice distributors across the U.S.

Before returning to the family business, Elias worked as Vice President at Colliers International, where he specialized in commercial real estate in the Boston market.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Elias is deeply committed to philanthropy and community engagement. His family actively supports numerous youth-focused organizations in Boston’s North Shore, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lynn and Salem, the Lynn YMCA, Girls Inc., KIPP Academy, Lynn Economic Opportunity, and St. Mary’s of Lynn. He also serves on the Board of Governors for Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital and previously held a seat on the board of Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead, MA.

Elias holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Vermont, a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate from Boston University, and an MBA from Suffolk University’s Sawyer Business School.

He lives on the North Shore with his wife and their three children, and stays active in their lives by coaching their sports teams. In his free time, Elias enjoys working out and playing golf.