MAVA Colleagues,
What a wonderful retirement recognition from Essex Tech. Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development & Adult Education, is retiring and Jill Sawyer has been appointed to the position.
Please take a moment to read this wonderful story.
MAVA will miss working with Bonnie and extends its congratulations to Jill.
David
Essex North Shore Longtime Leader Retires, Promotion Announced
Bonnie Carr, Director of Workforce Development & Adult Education, is retiring from the school.
Scott Souza, Patch Staff
Chris Galatis of the Carpenters Union and Bonnie Carr of Essex Tech.
DANVERS, MA — Essex Tech North Shore will see a transition in leadership heading into the new school year with the retirement of longtime Director of Workforce Development & Adult Education Bonnie Carr and the appointment of Jill Sawyer as her replacement.
The school said Carr leaves a legacy is one of growth, innovation, and lasting impact, and Sawyer brings "deep knowledge and proven leadership to continue advancing the school’s mission."
"I’ve known Bonnie for over 30 years," said Dr. Heidi T. Riccio, Superintendent of Essex Tech. "Bonnie is an incredibly dedicated and driven leader who took an idea and built something extraordinary. She’s a go-to expert in vocational education across the state and has changed lives through her work. She will be greatly missed in our school community."
"Serving as Director of Workforce Development at Essex North Shore has been one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career," Carr said. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such a dynamic team where innovation, collaboration, and shared purpose drove impactful outcomes every day. The initiatives developed and the partnerships cultivated truly illustrate the powerful reach of forward-thinking leadership and its lasting influence on our region’s workforce and communities."
Sawyer joined Essex Tech in 2018 and has served in roles such as Career Technical Education (CTE) Director, Executive Director of CTE. It now leads as Executive Director of Career Technical and Workforce Development. Sawyer is known for her tenacity and deep understanding of technical education.
The school said she is well-positioned to step confidently into this role and continue advancing the school’s mission.
"Jill’s talent and leadership made her the right person to take this role to the next level," Riccio said. "She has deep expertise in career tech and an innovative mindset. I have no doubt she’ll rise to this challenge and lead with excellence."
"Bonnie leaves big shoes to fill, but I’m honored and excited to take on this new chapter," said Sawyer. "I love Essex Tech and look forward to continuing the incredible work we’ve started."
Chapter 74 Vocational Technical & Agricultural Education
LEARNING THAT WORKS FOR MASSACHUSETTS
David J. Ferreira
MAVA Communications Coordinator
DavidFerreira