MAVA Colleagues,
We are pleased and honored to share this with you.
David
MAVA Honors Board of Education Chair Katherine Craven
MARLBOROUGH, MA — The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) proudly announces Katherine Craven, who serves as Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, as the first recipient of the newly established Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award. Presented at MAVA’s fall general membership meeting on October 24, this distinguished award recognizes Craven’s significant contributions to vocational education and public service and marks a historic occasion for MAVA.
The Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award was created in August 2024 by an ad hoc committee led by Superintendent James Brosnan, with members Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, Dr. Robert Sanborn, Dr. Heidi Riccio, Dr. Karen Maguire, and David Ferreira. Their vision was to honor Lyons’ enduring legacy by establishing an award that celebrates individuals who, like Lyons, have made substantial strides in advancing vocational technical education in Massachusetts.
“It was Charlie’s staunch advocacy of vocational and agricultural education that all of us will remember,” said James Brosnan during the presentation. “Recognizing someone who has also been a tireless advocate for vocational education and a longtime friend of Charlie’s is a fitting tribute.”
Katherine Craven, a distinguished leader and advocate for education in the Commonwealth, was chosen as the award’s first recipient due to her outstanding career in public service. Currently the Chief Administrative and Financial Officer of Babson College, Craven has held critical roles including Founding Executive Director of the Massachusetts School Building Authority, Executive Director of the University of Massachusetts Building Authority, and the state’s first Deputy Treasurer. Her career reflects Lyons’ legacy of public service and dedication to community betterment.
Craven’s commitment to community and policy advocacy is evident through her leadership roles, including Chairperson of the Boston Public Facilities Commission, Treasurer of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, and Chairperson of the Quincy City Building Committee. Her service extends to positions such as House Budget Analyst and participation in numerous state policy committees and transition teams. In 2020, she was recognized as CFO of the Year, underscoring her dedication to governance and financial stewardship.
Charlie Lyons, in whose memory the award was established, served as Superintendent of Shawsheen Valley Technical School from 1987 to 2015. Known for his advocacy at the state and national levels, Lyons was instrumental in advancing career and technical education (CTE) across Massachusetts.
“Charlie Lyons was a giant in vocational-technical education in Massachusetts,” said Steven Sharek, Executive Director of MAVA. “He transformed Shawsheen Tech into a powerhouse and helped build our statewide system into one admired nationwide. He will be sorely missed.”
Lyons’ remarkable career included serving as MAVA President in 1996, earning the Dr. David F. Cronin Award in 2016, and representing the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS) on the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Board. Additionally, Lyons held numerous leadership roles in his hometown of Arlington, including over two decades as a Selectman and service as President of the National League of Cities in 2004. His lifetime of service, public engagement, and leadership continues to inspire educators, administrators, and policymakers across the state.
Katherine Craven’s recognition as the inaugural recipient of the Charles H. “Charlie” Lyons Award highlights her exceptional contributions to vocational education and public service, mirroring Lyons’ passion and dedication. MAVA is honored to recognize her as an individual who has embodied Charlie’s commitment to community, educational opportunity, and advocacy for vocational and technical education throughout Massachusetts.
About the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators
The Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA) is a non-profit professional organization that advocates for high-quality vocational technical and agricultural education in Massachusetts. MAVA includes more than 60 member schools located throughout the state with an enrollment of more than 51,000 students in state-approved programs.
Contact:
Allison Cammarata
allisoncammarata
508-317-8087
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira
