Tag: Althea Wong-Achorn

WalkMassachusetts Announces New Executive Directors Althea Wong-Achorn, Brendan Kearney

WalkMassachusetts Announces New Executive Directors Althea Wong-Achorn, Brendan Kearney

The new leadership, an expanded Board, and a rebrand to WalkMassachusetts, previously WalkBoston, reflect an organizational vision to make walking safer and easier statewide.

BOSTON (August 2, 2023)WalkMassachusetts, a statewide pedestrian advocacy organization, today announced Althea Wong-Achorn and Brendan Kearney as the organization’s Executive Directors. The announcement comes on the heels of WalkBoston rebranding as WalkMassachusetts to represent an expansion of the organization’s vision and work, also demonstrated by the appointment of new board members and staff representing cities and towns from Springfield to East Boston to Brockton.

“This is an exciting next chapter for the organization. We are implementing our newly developed strategic plan, expanding our reach statewide, and continuing our advocacy work in support of safe pedestrian infrastructure and public policy,” said Board President Betsy Johnson. “It’s a huge task, and Brendan and Althea have proven over the past year that they are equal to the challenge. They are committed to making WalkMassachusetts’ vision – a Massachusetts where people walking – no matter their race, identity, age, ability, or lived experience – feel safe, connected, and valued on our streets and sidewalks a reality.”

While they are new to the Co-Executive Director roles, Althea and Brendan have collectively spent over a decade at WalkBoston, now WalkMassachusetts, in different roles. Brendan began as the organization’s Communications and Development Coordinator in 2013 and became the Deputy Director in 2019. In 2020, Althea joined as WalkMassachusetts’ Development Director and became Deputy Director of Operations in 2022. 

“The need for equitable streets that promote safer and easier walking for all is ever critical in Massachusetts and the nation,” said Executive Director Brendan Kearney. “I am thrilled to work with Althea to lead WalkMassachusetts’ efforts to promote and advocate for that while encouraging better health, a cleaner environment, and more vibrant communities.”

“People across Massachusetts are stepping up to advocate and work towards solutions for better street designs that promote equitable walking and save lives,” said Executive Director Althea Wong-Achorn. “This is an exciting time for the work towards safer streets, and I am honored to lead and work with Brendan, WalkMassachusetts, other advocacy groups, and communities across the state to provide access and tools to make Massachusetts safer.” 

Brendan is WalkMassachusetts’ advocacy and communications lead. He is a founding member of the City of Boston’s Vision Zero Task Force, and is an appointed member of the Massachusetts Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board (MABPAB) which serves in an advisory role on advancing bicycle and pedestrian transportation for MassDOT and other State Agencies. Brendan is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross. He lives in Framingham with his wife Hannah and their dog Mavis. 

Althea is WalkMassachusetts’ head fundraiser and administrator. Prior to joining the organization, Althea oversaw fundraising and events for both the USS Constitution Museum, where she led a record setting gala, and Boston Children’s Museum, where she created new and innovative events while earning a Best of Boston® award from Boston Magazine. Althea lives in Winthrop with her husband Joe and their dog Daphne, and is a graduate of Colby College.

In recent years, WalkMassachusetts has strengthened its footprint in the region and positioned itself as the state’s primary pedestrian advocacy group, working with over 130 cities and towns across the state to promote equitable and safer streets for people walking. In 2022, the organization launched its annual Fatal Pedestrian Crashes in Massachusetts report, shedding new light on when and why pedestrian crashes are happening across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and how we can reduce or even eliminate pedestrian deaths.

This year’s report showed fatal pedestrian crashes in Massachusetts were up 35%, and more than 70% (72 of 101) occurred in Environmental Justice Neighborhoods. The report is now a tool for auditing regions impacted by traffic crashes and, ultimately, calls upon MassDOT, the legislature, and local municipalities to take immediate actions to create safer streets. WalkMassachusetts also created and leads the WalkMassachusetts Network, a statewide network of advocacy and municipal walking organizations that meets monthly and works to achieve mobility equity across Massachusetts. 

To learn more about WalkMassachusetts’ mission and vision, leadership, and ways to get involved, visit www.walkboston.org 

About WalkMassachusetts
WalkMassachusetts (founded in 1990 as WalkBoston, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) advocacy organization), makes walking safer and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment and more vibrant communities. We have a vision of a Massachusetts where people walking – no matter their race, identity, age, ability, or lived experience – feel safe, connected, and valued on our streets and sidewalks. Our small, committed staff work as a team to make change: whether it’s getting a crosswalk painted in a neighborhood or influencing Massachusetts state policy to make streets safer for all. Key to our effort is the value we place in Community, Equity, and Partnership. www.walkboston.org 

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Leadership Update at WalkBoston

Leadership Update at WalkBoston

Dear Friends,

After nearly a decade of dedication to WalkBoston, and three transformative years leading us through the COVID-19 pandemic, our transition to a hybrid workplace, and the development of a new strategic plan, our Executive Director Stacey Beuttell will depart later this fall to become the Senior Director of the Nature in the City Program for Mass Audubon. Although this is a bittersweet goodbye, we are delighted for her next chapter and look forward to watching her continue to make Massachusetts more livable, vibrant, and green for everyone. Stacey’s last day will be October 14th.

Stacey Beuttell speaks to attendees at the Bob Sloane Walk in Brookline in June 2022.
Stacey Beuttell speaks to attendees at the Bob Sloane Walk in Brookline in June 2022.

The organization will be co-led on an interim basis by Deputy Director of Operations Althea Wong-Achorn and Deputy Director of Advocacy Brendan Kearney. Together, Althea and Brendan bring the necessary skills, expertise, and clarity of vision to move us forward. Over the last year, both took part in shaping the new strategic plan alongside the board. They will ably guide WalkBoston’s efforts in the months ahead.

As WalkBoston launches our new strategic plan, we’re looking forward to what comes next as a statewide organization. We believe in the way walkable places foster community spirit, vibrancy, and health. Our advocacy is locally driven and resident-empowering, and we embrace an inclusive definition of walkability that accounts for the lived experiences of all people no matter their race, identity, age, or ability. We prioritize working in places that have experienced historic disinvestment. Above all else, WalkBoston never works alone: we partner with community members, local non-profits, municipal and state agency staff, and elected officials to achieve common goals.

Our next Executive Director will be someone who is looking for an opportunity to lead a trusted organization that is poised for growth. They will embrace our mission of making walking safer and easier in Massachusetts to encourage better health, a cleaner environment, and more vibrant communities. The WalkBoston board is in the process of hiring an outside consultant who will lead a nationwide search for the role. We will be sharing more information about that process in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support.

Regards,

Betsy Johnson
WalkBoston Board President

Counterpoint to Ageism

Counterpoint to Ageism

BY ALTHEA WONG-ACHORN / DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

When November comes around in New England, even when we aren’t in the midst of a pandemic, our instinct is to hibernate until the springtime when the weather thaws. But last November, WalkBoston created a way to keep us moving, motivated, and connected.

Beat the Bay State (BTBS), a virtually-hosted team fitness challenge to run/walk “around” the 900-mile perimeter of Massachusetts, encouraged friends and families to come together to stay active through friendly competition. WalkBoston was thrilled to see people across the state sharing their photos and experiences, but was surprised to discover how many participants were older adults!

COVID-19 recommendations have been more restrictive for older adults, making them appear feeble compared to younger people. While responsibly practicing social distancing and wearing masks, however, this group also finds solace, community, and health benefits from outdoor activities.

Running, It’s Not Only For the Young

More than 450 people signed up for the inaugural BTBS Team Challenge. While many of our competitors were younger, a higher-than-anticipated number of older walkers and runners brought the average age up to 44, with the average age among the top 20 finishers being 48. Of the top 20 performers, in terms of miles logged, two were under the age of 30 and two were 65+. To top it off, the second-place winner was a 56-year-old man from Gardner who logged 404 total miles and averaged over 13 miles a day!

The State of Running, a 2018 report published by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and RunRepeat.com, breaks down how the age of runners is steadily climbing. It found that runners have never been older, increasing from an average age of 35.2 in 1986 to 39.3 in 2018.

Staying Active and Fit as You Age

BTBS highlights a common misconception about the link between increased age and decreased activity levels. Demographics are shifting: Running—and walking—are sports accessible to all ages, and the average age of runners is getting older with every passing year.

Running and walking are fantastic ways to stay fit, regardless of age. Anyone can get started with just a pair of shoes. You can walk or run by yourself, with your grandkids, or with a running club like the Greater Framingham Running Club (GFRC Growlers), which took first place in the Beat the Bay State Team Challenge.

As the evidence shows, motivation for daily walking and running has shifted from recording the fastest times or longest distances to staying social, keeping moving, and seeing your community on foot. So lace up and hit the pavement!

If you’re looking for new and interesting places to explore on foot, check out the nearly 80 walking maps available on the WalkBoston website at walkboston.org/resources/maps/. Each one features places that are wonderful to walk, easy to navigate, and convenient to get around, and most are transit accessible.

This article was featured in WalkBoston’s January/February 2021 newsletter.
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One Minute, One Slide: Althea Wong-Achorn Intro & Beat the Bay State Challenge

One Minute, One Slide: Althea Wong-Achorn Intro & Beat the Bay State Challenge

Below is a “One Minute, One Slide” presentation shared by a member of the WalkBoston staff.
Text provided is as prepared for this year’s annual event on September 23, 2020 on Zoom.

Althea Wong-Achorn

Hello, my name is Althea Wong-Achorn, and I am the new Development Director here at WalkBoston. Seeing as we can’t get together in person I want to take a quick moment to introduce myself. Before WalkBoston, I worked at the USS Constitution Museum, where last year I led the Museum’s most successful gala. It raised over $670,000, which was $300,000 more than they had ever raised before. Before that I spent 7 years at the Boston Children’s Museum where I created their Destination Events program to increase community involvement with events such as the Boston Mini Maker Faire.

On a personal note, I am a Classics nerd and bookworm, I always wanted to be Kristi Yamaguchi, I am addicted to tea and completely obsessed with my dog. I am also extremely excited to join this wonderful team and I can’t wait for some of the great programming we have coming up, like our Beat the Bay State Challenge. We’re asking you to sign up to walk or run around the commonwealth with us for the month of November, to help us raise funds and awareness about the work that we do. We also have sponsorship opportunities and fun swag. So check out our event website at WalkBoston.org/Baystate and if you have any questions about the challenge, fundraising, or anything development, just ask me! Thank you!