PROVIDENCE — Meals on Wheels of Rhode Island has appointed Meghan Grady, who has served as YWCA Rhode Island’s chief operating officer for eight years, as the organization’s new executive director, the nonprofit announced Thursday.
Grady, who starts her new role with Meals on Wheels on Monday, oversaw day-to-day leadership and internal operations with YWCA Rhode Island at its four locations – Central Falls, Coventry, Providence and Woonsocket. Previously, Grady held leadership positions with the city of Providence during Mayor Angel Taveras’ administration and with the American Heart Association, the release states.
Meals on Wheels Director of Operations Lauri Kaplan and Finance Director Patricia Sullivan had served as co-interim executive directors for the nonprofit after the previous executive director, Heather Amaral, left the organization on Feb. 8.
In a statement, Grady said she is “honored” to be named Meals on Wheels’ new leader, and to help build on the work of the agency and its staff to “improve the health and lives of our most vulnerable seniors.”
“The organization is doing such incredibly important and vital work, and I look forward to leading efforts to increase its impact across the state,” Grady said.
Kevin Millonzi, chairman for Meals on Wheels’ board of directors, said in a statement that Grady’s “vast experience in nonprofit leadership and passion for creating change” will help the organization “continue to grow and prepare for a future where our services will be in even higher demand.”
Grady earned multiple accolades during her career. She previously won a Roger Williams University Young Alumni of Achievement Award. In 2016, she received a United Way of Rhode Island Young Leaders Spark! Award and was named a winner in Providence Business News’ 40 Under Forty program.
James Bessette is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Research@PBN.com.
