Attorney General Peter Neronha Keynote Speaker at Community Care Alliance Annual Meeting
Over 90 people attended the Community Care Alliance (CCA) 135th Annual Meeting on June 24th, including Board of Directors, staff, Friends of CCA, and invited guests. Rev. Jeffrey Thomas, Board Chair, led the business meeting in which the slate of Directors and Officers was approved unanimously, effective July 1, 2025.
Benedict F. Lessing, Jr., CCA President/CEO introduced keynote speaker, Attorney General Peter Neronha, who addressed the challenges of human services organizations and the need to forge strong collaborative plans for future stability. ACT–Action Changes Things, the theme of the meeting, was a platform for speaking about the actions the Attorney General’s office has made to ensure that the law is upheld with the current federal administration.
Edward Lyons, RN Prescriber, received CCA’s highest commendation, The Paul Dempster Award, for the compassionate, kind, humanity that he has brought to intense situations throughout his 30-year career, from military combat to community mental health. A colleague says, “Not only is Ed an expert in his field, but he is revered as an incredible teacher and mentor, leaving a lasting imprint on staff, new and old.”
Tanja Kubas-Myers, Executive Director of the RI Coalition for Children and Families, received the Advocacy in Action Award. She leads a coalition of 40 separate organizations with the goal of improving the child welfare system and children’s behavioral health services.
“Tanja’s leadership has been instrumental in creating a unified voice and agenda, advancing the development of meaningful advocacy that influences both policy and practice for children and families,” said Ben Lessing.
Alicia Curran, Director of Emergency Services, received the Ubuntu Award, which honors a CCA employee who embodies the spirit of humanity toward others, selected by fellow employees.
During the business portion of the meeting, Friends of Community Care Alliance approved re-elections to 2-year terms for Douglas McCormack, Jr.; Stephen Kearns; Rev. Peter Tierney and Warren Damon. Pia Frye was newly elected to the Board, joining other Board members, Nancy Benoit; Kristina Contreras Fox; Dee Henry; Lynda Stein; Bamby Mohamed; Maria Useinoski; Carol Wilson-Allen and Charles Noel. The Board of Directors re-elected officers, Rev. Thomas, Chair; Denise Dussault Leduc, Vice Chair; Khane Goodson, Treasurer; and Molly Champagne Burke, Secretary.
CCA Board of Directors also affirmed the appointment of Directors to Boards of affiliated HUD Borrowers Corporations.
