Falmouth Enterprise
June 3, 2016
Falmouth and the Cape Cod region face a number of social and economic challenges in the coming years. Our needs include necessary infrastructure improvements, the increasing need for workforce housing, continued cultivation of a diverse year-round economy and the protection of our unique natural resources.
With the recent announcement of assistant town manager Heather Harper’s departure, numerous retirements in key departments and vacated positions left unfilled, the Town of Falmouth is in a unique position. We know Ms. Harper’s shoes will be hard to fill, and yet our town manager and board of selectmen have “a window of opportunity” to continue Mr. Suso’s reorganization efforts at town hall.
We remain hopeful the board will seize this rare occasion by placing community development, redevelopment and housing initiatives in the forefront. A reorganized administration with a strong community development department can accomplish great things for our town with a harmonized effort. Landuse, planning, housing, zoning, historic
preservation, economic growth, and innovation could be addressed by a single department comprised of professional individuals with the ability to be proactive versus reactive.
The 2014 Housing Demand Study made a number of recommendations to Falmouth. As active participants and sponsors of the study and the round table meeting, we remain committed to tackling these challenging issues. As key stakeholders, we hope for and look to receptive, informed elected and appointed officials and town administration.
We anticipate Ms. Harper’s sharing of innovative housing approaches the Cape Cod Commission and our 14 neighboring towns have undertaken. She will be in the rare position to continue to support Falmouth, after having served for over 20 years.
We realize that to overcome these key issues our community must work collaboratively, sharing ideas, expertise, and soliciting input from varied stakeholder groups.
We remain committed and our sleeves are rolled up!
Anne Connolly, Falmouth Housing Trust
Michael Galasso, Falmouth EDIC
Michael Kasparian, Falmouth Chamber of Commerce
Thomas Lacey, Falmouth Housing Authority
Stephanie McDowell is a CPA based in Falmouth with over 30 years of accounting and tax experience. She serves individuals and small businesses, with a specialization in Construction clients. She also works extensively with estate and trust taxation.
Thomas Zine
Brendan Crane is Vice President of Crane Appliance, a family-owned appliance company serving Cape Cod and the Islands for more than 40 years. Prior to joining the family business, Brendan built a career in entertainment and media, specializing in non-fiction storytelling and creative strategy with a strong focus on nonprofit partnerships and social impact projects. He brings a creative, community-focused perspective to both business and civic involvement in Falmouth.
Lori Andrews has held a variety of leadership roles in HR, finance, audit and IT during a 40+ year career in financial services-insurance, public accounting and government. Lori retired from Liberty Mutual in 2021 as Senior Vice President and Manager of Global Total Rewards. In that role, ensuring more than 45,000 employees receive fair and competitive compensation and benefits worldwide. Lori has served on the Partners for Youth with Disabilities Board of Directors since 2020.
Maro Titus has a deep connection to the Falmouth Community that dates back to her childhood, shaping her passion for the area. Leveraging her successful career in healthcare administration, Maro has transitioned her expertise to Kinlin Grover Compass Real Estate. As a dedicated agent, she strives to understand each client’s unique needs, bringing a wealth of marketing knowledge and enthusiasm to the real estate practice. With a background in executive leadership encompassing strategic planning, government affairs, and business development, Maro’s professional journey is marked by a commitment to excellence.
Sudie Gifford comes to our board with an extremely varied background in arts, education, finance, public relations, and charity work.
Ed Monteiro was President of the Board of Directors of Falmouth Housing Trust in the ‘90’s, and we are thrilled that he is back.
David Sutkowy has lived in Falmouth since 2020.
Tammy Rausch is an experienced operations and business transformation leader with a background in financial services, global operations, and strategic planning. Tammy has held leadership roles at companies including Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank & Trust, where she led large teams, improved operational processes, and managed global client relationships. Tammy is also active in community volunteering, supporting local organizations including Make a Wish, Hand in Hand Thrift Shop, and Next Chapter Book Club.
Joan Bates has lived in Falmouth with her husband, Robert, since 2002. Prior to that, the couple lived in Newton. Joan’s 25-year professional career was in special education and nonprofit management.
Joanne O’Sullivan is a real estate attorney who has been practicing law in Falmouth since 1995. She is a self-described “wash-ashore” living on Cape Cod for 30 plus years. Joanne grew up in South Boston, and graduated from the University of Chicago and Boston College Law School. Attorney O’Sullivan has primarily been a sole practitioner for the past 20 years. She is married with 2 adult children who live out of state for job opportunities. Ms. O’Sullivan joined the FHT Board of Directors in 2009 and has served in various capacities, currently as vice president.
Director, Addie Drolette, is a Falmouth native and makes her home in East Falmouth. Most of Addie’s professional career has been spent serving the mortgage financing needs of the community of Falmouth. She is presently a Senior Residential Loan Officer with Martha’s Vineyard Bank.