Janet MacDougall Honored by State Leaders After Nearly 30 Years of Impact at Catholic Charities Boston

After nearly 30 years of incredible service to Catholic Charities Boston, Janet MacDougall, longtime Vice President of Family and Youth Services, will be retiring on September 5. 

Having first joined the agency as an infant, toddler, and preschool teacher in 1997, Janet has worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that thousands of families across Eastern Massachusetts have access to affordable, high-quality care for their children and that each generation in the community has the resources needed to thrive. 

On August 22, colleagues, friends, family members, and community partners gathered at the Row Hotel at Assembly Row to celebrate Janet’s remarkable career and the many lives she has impacted throughout her time at Catholic Charities Boston. 

“Janet has touched every generation in the community, from newborn babies to children at our childcare centers to teens to senior citizens,” said President and CEO, Kelley Tutill. “She always led with empathy and ensured our services were accessible to as many people as possible.” 

Among the many examples Kelley shared of Janet’s leadership was her compassionate, resilient response during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Her steady leadership figuring out how to keep staff and children safe during the pandemic and supporting families and helping parents get back to work was nothing short of heroic,” Kelley said. 

Longtime colleagues shared heartfelt memories of their time working with Janet and of the wisdom, guidance, and friendship she offered each of them over the years, including Director of Labouré Child Care, Ryann Hazelton, Program Manager of Healthy Families Lowell, Patrica Webber, Senior Vice President for Programs, Jamie Ewing, and Senior Program Director of Child and Youth Services, Diana Makhlouf. 

“Janet’s only favorites were champions of children and families,” said Diana. “Janet, you always thought like a leader and led with thoughtfulness. I want you to know how much you helped me grow as an educator and a leader.” 

In recognition of her far-reaching legacy, Larry Mayes, Senior Vice President for Government and Community Relations, presented Janet with several honors from city officials including a mayoral citation from Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson and a proclamation on behalf of Representative Daniel Cahill and Senator Brendan Crighton. 

“I’m going to miss the mission and the work but above all the people and the relationships I’ve built,” said Janet. “I’ve learned patience, resiliency and joy. Thank you all. My heart is filled with love.”

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