Leadership Team at MassFiscal Alliance

2023 Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance
Board of Directors

Paul Craney, Sue Curtis, Helen Brady, Jim Rappaport (resigned in 2023),
Mark Cohen, Mike Kane, Jennifer Braceras, Danielle Webb & Ann Sullivan

Not pictured: Carl Nelson, David Parker

	Ann Sullivan Chair Ann is an entrepreneur, business leader, and community philanthropist. Her primary focus is business management. After years of owning and operating business’ in Massachusetts, her interests have grown to political happenings and their effects on the economy and businesses. Ann is President and CEO of Metro Equipment Corporation, an award-winning site work company, which she co-founded in 1986. Ann is also a founder and General Partner of OARS Enterprises, L.L.C., a property management company. OARS Enterprises, established in 1996, acquires, manages, and maintains commercial properties. On September 27, 2023 Ann was elected Chair of MassFiscal by unanimous decision of the board. You may follow Ann on Twitter @Ann_MEC.
	Mark Cohen Treasurer Mark is CEO of OPRSystems, Inc., which he co-founded from scratch in 1989. The company is now one of the largest independent commercial recyclers in New England, with its 76,000 sq. ft. plant in Wilmington. He also co-founded Waste Focus LLC 18 years ago, now a leader in the waste minimization industry and managing thousands of facilities’ trash and recycling across the U.S. Mark has been on the board since 2012 and served as past Treasurer and Chairman. On September 11, 2017, Mark was first elected Chairman of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance. On January 23, 2020 he was reelected, serving until September 27, 2023. He now serves as Treasurer. Originally from suburban Washington, D.C., Mark is a 1982 graduate of Cornell University and a 1986 graduate of Harvard Business School. Mark and his wife Theresa have three children and live in Concord. You may follow Mark on Twitter @Mark_Coh.
	Michael Kane Clerk Michael is a Framingham resident and an entrepreneur of several businesses. His company, 126 Self Storage, is located in Ashland and is a co-plaintiff to a lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to eliminate the union loophole in state campaign finance law. Kane is active in his community, as he serves on several small business boards including the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and the Massachusetts Self Storage Association. Mike first joined the board of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance in 2012 and has been the clerk since 2014.
	Sue Curtis Board Member Sue is the mother of two grown children and the co-founder in 2004, with her husband, of Cooperstown Environmental LLC, which provides environmental engineering consulting. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Vermont and a Master of Science from the School of Engineering at Tufts University in Hazardous Waste Management. She was a registered Professional Engineer in Massachusetts. Sue’s career started at Camp Dresser and McKee Inc., with a focus on EPA Superfund projects including site sampling, analysis, public involvement, feasibility studies, report writing, project scope/budget management and water quality. At Cooperstown, she has transitioned into a vision/strategy role. While raising children, Sue volunteered in the schools and coached soccer, became active in fitness, becoming a certified Spin Instructor with CPR/First Aid Training, and taught adult and kid’s classes at three gyms over a 12 year span and children sports at the YMCA and elementary school. Currently, she enjoys volunteering at Lawrence General Hospital and at the Andover Thrift Shop. In the last several years, she has become more engaged in aspects of the government’s role federally and on the state level in Massachusetts. She is excited to be part of MassFiscal as it is making a positive change in the state.
	Jennifer Braceras Board Member Jennifer is a political columnist, a senior fellow with the Independent Women’s Forum, and a former Commissioner of the United States Commission on Civil Rights (2001-2007). A graduate of the Harvard Law School, Jennifer often writes about issues at the intersection of law, politics, and culture. Although her work covers a range of topics, she is particularly interested in education, civil rights, the courts, and the media. In addition, she writes widely on the things that bind us together as Americans: our shared history, our civic traditions and institutions, and our devotion to liberty. Earlier in her career, Jennifer practiced labor and employment law with the Boston law firm Ropes & Gray. She has taught classes on civil rights and constitutional law at both Boston College Law School and Suffolk University Law School. From 2006-2011, she served as a Trustee of the University of Massachusetts, her alma mater. Before becoming a lawyer, Jennifer worked as a Staff Assistant in the Office of Vice President Dan Quayle. Jennifer lives in the Boston area with her husband and four children. You may follow Jennifer on Twitter @J_Braceras.
	Helen Brady Board Member Helen grew up in South Weymouth the youngest of seven children. She attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst where she met her husband of 25 years Bob Brady, a school teacher in Roxbury. Helen and Bob live in Concord with their four children Kiersten, Erin, Calie and Bobby. Helen’s career at the BSO began 31 years ago in the Business Office. Before switching lanes to Sales & Marketing, Helen was the Budget Analyst cutting her financial teeth in all accounting aspects of this multi-million dollar performing arts giant. As the Director of Group Sales & Tourism, Helen has managed and helped coordinate major Boston Pops events for Universities, Hospitals, Politicians, Major Artists & Athletes. Her continued successes at the BSO are a tribute to her work ethic, her determination to do things the right way, and her ability to get along with all types of people. Helen was most recently promoted to Boston Pops Business & Sales Director. Helen spends most of her free time driving her children to pools, hockey rinks and baseball fields and small theaters. She also enjoys watching the New England Patriots with her family, bicycling and walking her two dogs, Klaus & Wolfie. She participates annually in Best Buddies and Pan-Mass Challenge fundraising rides. Helen is also very active in her community and local parish. She is currently on the Steering Committee of Women for UMASS. Most recently she ran a very energetic campaign as the Republican candidate for State Auditor.
	Paul Diego Craney Spokesperson/Board Member [email protected] Paul graduated from Gordon College and is a first-generation American, his mother immigrated to the United States from Mexico City. Paul is the spokesperson and serves on the board. He previously was the Executive Director and was the first hire of the organization. He has been quoted in numerous media outlets including the Boston Globe, Boston Herald, Boston Business Journal, Taunton Daily Gazette, Fall River Herald, Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Lowell Sun, Eagle Tribune, Salem Daily News, Cape Cod Times, Sun Chronicle, Milford Daily News, Metro West Daily News, Springfield Republican, State House News, Associated Press, NECN, and WGBH. Prior to his role at Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, Paul worked in politics in New Jersey and Washington, D.C. You may follow Paul on Twitter @PaulDiegoCraney.
	Danielle Webb, Esq. Board Member Danielle is Principal of Huntley PC Immigration Law a full-service immigration law firm. She helps her clients in matters ranging from routine filings to complex federal litigation all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. Danielle represents businesses, investors, families, and exceptional individuals in front of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Immigration Customs & Enforcement, Customs & Border Protection, the Department of Justice, the Department of State, the Department of Health and Human Services and in Federal Court. Danielle brings over 15 years of non-profit board experience to MassFiscal. She has been involved with non-profits in all stages of development - from start-up to well-established organizations. She believes in creating non-profits that are efficient and results driven. Danielle is a 12th generation New Englander who grew up in Andover, Massachusetts. She now lives in Southern New Hampshire with her husband Chris and Luna the Great Pyrenees. She earned her undergraduate degree from Boston College and her law degree from Boston College Law School.
	Carl Nelson Board Member Carl is a business owner and civic volunteer involved in charity and local government. Carl is the President of The Meland Foundation, a 501c3 public charity which helps children and families facing cancer. He visits and zooms with children and their families in hospitals, drawing illustrations and freely distributing a children’s book, Hang On, Hester!, about a young child who faces a seemingly impossible situation and perseveres. Every day, Carl gets to help children who display true courage and inspire him with the power of their example. Carl retired as President of NEI Communications, Inc, a publishing and marketing company. During his 30-year career as a business entrepreneur, Carl Nelson provided counseling to Fortune 500 companies such as Toshiba, IBM, ATT, Dell, Control Data Corporation, and a variety of start-up companies. His expertise is promoting products and services in information technologies fields for vertical industry segments; having created the industry marketing programs for many leading Fortune 500 and start-up companies. His product experience ranges from personal computers to supercomputers and has worked for numerous software companies. He began his career as a journalist, magazine publisher, and political press secretary. Carl and his family live in Wellesley. Carl has served the town as an elected Town Meeting Member and also former elected chair of the Republican Town Committee. Carl is married to Barbara for over 25 years and has a daughter, Kristen. Carl graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in political science and a concentration in journalism.
	David Parker Board Member David has spent over 40 years living & developing property in the South End of Boston. His company Old Boston Restorations Inc. owns and manages apartments in the south end, and has developed infill housing using modular construction -which is a unique and affordable method of building historically compatible structures, especially in the inner city. David and his wife Karen raised three children in the South End of Boston during the 1980s and ’90s. He became very involved in city politics while trying to live, work and raise a family in the city. His experience with rent control and urban renewal compelled a 180-degree shift in his political understanding and disposition. David feels strongly that our government - local and state and federal are over-regulated and fiscally insoluble in part because of redistribution and subsidy schemes. He finds that the role of Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance advocating for fiscal responsibility and accountability in state government is a very worthwhile cause.
	Carl Copeland Interim Executive Director [email protected] Carl spent 25 years in corporate management, working his way from junior assistant to partner, yet assisting others in the political process has always been one of his greatest pleasures. A lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Carl feels that the success achieved to date can be replicated and expanded throughout the Commonwealth. As past Political Director, he assisted many that have considered a career in public service. Prior to his role with Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, he was the chief of staff to Representative Kevin Kuros (R-Uxbridge) and Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). Carl is married, has three children, and lives in Millbury. You may follow Carl on Twitter @CarlTheCopeland.
	Laurie Belsito Policy Director [email protected] Laurie is the policy director at Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance and is the longest serving staff person of the organization. As the policy director, she closely follows relevant pieces of legislation that fall under the organization’s scope, as well as tracking votes and managing the online scorecard. Laurie also leads policy briefings for state lawmakers and their staff regarding top policy issues in the state. Prior to her role at Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, she spent five years at the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., working in the government relations department. You may follow Laurie on Twitter @LCraney.
	Anne J. Bresnahan Finance Director [email protected] Anne is an entrepreneur and well-known political and nonprofit fundraiser with broad national and international experience. Her political background includes serving as Finance Director and Campaign Manager of Peter Torkildsen’s (MA-06) successful U.S. Congressional campaign. She also managed Bob Maginn’s campaign for MA State Treasurer and served on the Mitt Romney for U.S. President Massachusetts Finance Committee. Her international experience includes almost a decade living and working in Africa. She served as Country Director in South Africa and Nigeria for the International Republican Institute and conducted political campaign skills and executive-legislative relations training. In South Africa, she instituted the country’s first-ever political debate in KwaZulu-Natal with representatives from 13 political parties. Her work was instrumental in strengthening communications between elected officials and administrators in the post-apartheid era. Anne’s risk-taking style and passion for embracing change and cross-cultural exploration led her to put her entrepreneurial skills and business savvy to work and she founded a telecommunications company in Nigeria and was instrumental in shaping government policy. She has been recognized for her outstanding leadership, resource development, strategic partnerships and start-up direction. Since returning to Boston, Anne has consulted on multiple start-ups and flourishing nonprofits, guiding them through expansive growth and change and creating sustainable fundraising operations. Anne is a graduate of Northeastern University. She lives in Danvers and when she is not raising money for worthwhile organizations, she enjoys spending time with her family, playing golf and tennis.
	Paul Gangi Program Director [email protected] Paul is a lifelong resident of the Merrimack Valley and joined Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance as the Program Director in January of 2018. Paul is a 2010 graduate of Boston College with seven years experience as a legislative staffer in the Massachusetts House of Representatives. While at the State House, Paul worked on policy issues related to government reform, reducing state spending, and the state budget. A veteran of dozens of state and local campaigns across New England, Paul has extensive experience working to elect fiscally responsible candidates and causes at all levels of government.
	Matthew Grim Finance Manager [email protected] Matthew Grim is a new resident of Massachusetts and has joined Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance as the new Finance Manager. He previously worked as a field organizer for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s 2018 reelection campaign as well as the deputy finance director for the Arizona Republican Party for 3 years. More recently he has been a fundraiser for numerous U.S. congressional campaigns. Matthew has a passion for being a part of the fight for true fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability in our state and increased economic opportunity for the people of our Commonwealth. You may follow Matthew on Twitter/X @MatthewRGrim