Welcome to the 2023 New Associates Board Members!
The Associates of the Boston Public Library is pleased to welcome our newest Board Members, who officially started their three-year terms on July 1, 2023. The new class includes two returning board members, Lorie Conway and Peter Drummey, and three wonderful additions Natalie Lemle, Usha Pasi, and Lisa Pierpont. These five remarkable individuals bring a wealth of expertise, passion, and dedication to the organization. We are grateful to them for joining us! Let us introduce the newest members of our illustrious board:
Lorie Conway
Lorie Conway, an independent filmmaker and returning Associates board member, is a luminary in the world of documentary filmmaking. Her work has earned her prestigious accolades, including Peabody, DuPont, and CableACE awards. Lorie’s devotion to storytelling extends beyond the screen. Her work on "Forgotten Ellis Island," a groundbreaking film and book, sheds light on the Ellis Island Immigrant Hospital and its role in the immigrant experience; the film is seen on PBS Amazon Prime Video, and at the Ellis Island Museum. Supported by grants from the National Endowment for Humanities, Lorie’s dedication is evident in her commitment to preserving history and sharing untold stories. Her documentary, "Beatrice Mtetwa and the Rule of Law," was recently optioned as a dramatic film that tells the story of one of the bravest women in the world. Lorie's presence on the board promises to infuse the Associates with a continued passion for history, culture, and human connection.
Peter Drummey
Peter Drummey, historian and returning Associates board member, possesses an unparalleled dedication to history, historical preservation, and outreach. With over 35 years of experience at the Massachusetts Historical Society (MHS), Peter has supported countless researchers in their quest for knowledge. His contributions extend beyond the MHS, as he has served as a technical advisor for documentaries and television programs with historical themes. Peter's expertise has graced the screens of HBO, BBC, C-Span, and PBS, enriching our understanding of pivotal historical moments. His commitment to sharing history resonates deeply with the Associates' mission to raise funds for the BPL’s Special Collections.
Natalie Lemle
Natalie Lemle is a dynamic addition to its board. As an art advisor, she founded art_works, displaying her ability to seamlessly blend artistic vision with strategic impact. With a background that traverses advertising, museum engagement, and social impact ventures, Natalie will bring a distinctive perspective to the Associates’ mission of preserving and promoting the BPL's Special Collections. Her career has been characterized by a remarkable fusion of creativity and corporate acumen, evident in her work with notable brands like Google, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UBS, and Bloomberg. Natalie's commitment to art is not confined to her professional endeavors alone; she has volunteered her expertise as the former Chair of the Board of Directors at Artists for Humanity and as a member of the ICA Boston's Advisory Board. With Natalie on board, the Associates is poised to embrace fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Usha Pasi
Usha Pasi has spent her career serving as an advocate for donors and institutions pursuing their philanthropic and programmatic aims, and she has advised boards and organizations about best practices in governance. Her experience includes increasingly responsible roles at Columbia University, Yale University, the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Facing History and Ourselves, the Cambridge Community Foundation, and consulting roles with local and international organizations including Stanford University and international science organizations. Her consulting practice includes work as an executive coach, scaling of entrepreneurial organizations, and counseling on building inclusive organizations. Usha teaches a course on Nonprofits, Philanthropy, and Impact at Tufts University.
Lisa Pierpont
Lisa Pierpont's unique blend of journalism, storytelling, and production expertise makes her a perfect addition to the Associates' board. As an award-winning producer, editor, and journalist, and Affiliated Faculty at Emerson, Lisa has cultivated a deep understanding of the power of narratives. Her work at Boldfacers.com and Boston Common Magazine highlights her knack for bringing talent and personalities to the forefront. Her expertise in broadcast journalism, multimedia production, and experience chairing the Associates’ Literary Lights Dinner for the second year adds immense value to the board. Lisa will help ensure that the Associates’ resources are harnessed to engage audiences in innovative and captivating ways.
With these new board members, the Associates is poised for a future that honors the BPL’s Special Collection’s rich legacy while embracing new horizons. Their collective expertise in filmmaking, history, philanthropy, and journalism promises to enrich the Associates’ initiatives.
About the Associates of the Boston Public Library
The Associates is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to raising vital funds for the preservation and digitization of the Boston Public Library's extensive Special Collections.