Peabody nonprofit agency will honor Saugus woman for 45 years of service

Bridgewell, a Peabody-based nonprofit social and human service organization, next month plans to honor a Saugus woman who has worked at the agency for 45 years. The organization announced in a recent press release that its Chief Operating Officer, Elaine White, will receive the Visionary Leadership Award at Bridgewell’s Imagine the Possibilities Gala and fundraiser, which will be held on Friday, April 17, at the Renaissance Boston Seaport District Hotel.

“It is hard to imagine Bridgewell without Elaine; the impact of her 45 years of invaluable service and excellence will be forever felt throughout the organization,” said Christopher Tuttle, President and CEO of Bridgewell.

White will be honored for extraordinary service to Bridgewell and for making a lasting impact on the organization, staff and individuals served, according to the press release.

“Over four decades ago, she was hired by Bridgewell as a direct support professional and has since held positions across the organization, including, most notably, COO,” it noted. “White will retire in July, bringing her tenure at Bridgewell to a close. As COO, she leads the day-to-day operations of the organization’s entire services portfolio. White has also served on various boards of directors, including Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS program, the North Shore HOME Consortium, and President of the Lynn Continuum of Care and Massachusetts Bay Self Insurance Group boards.”

White said she was “deeply honored” to be recognized for her work at Bridgewell.

“When I started at Bridgewell more than 45 years ago as a direct support professional, I could have never imagined the journey ahead,” White said. “What has kept me here is the incredible people – those we support, their families, and the dedicated staff who bring compassion and purpose to this work every day. As I prepare to retire, I feel immense pride in the community we have built together and great confidence in the future of our mission.”

The public is invited to attend Bridgewell’s April 17 Imagine the Possibilities Gala and fundraiser. The event will include a cocktail reception, dinner program, silent/online auction and live Fund a Need auction. Sponsorship information, tickets and additional details are available at bridgewell.org/donate/gala/.