LISA McMAHON
WESTFIELD – For the past five years, Lisa McMahon has often been the face of Westfield.
As director of the Business Improvement District (BID), McMahon has spent tireless hours advocating for downtown Westfield and the businesses that call it home. McMahon came on board as BID was formed and said they “started from scratch.”
“We had a plan and we took that plan and it’s goals and put them together,” said McMahon.
Now, McMahon is moving on. “I’m really proud of the BID and it’s board,” said McMahon, “but I am leaving to pursue something new.”
Tomorrow is McMahon’s last day at BID before taking on a new career with Merrill Lynch.
“I’m taking on a new challenge that I am very excited about,” she said. “I’m going into financial planning and much of what I’ll be doing is what I already do every day – helping people.”
McMahon was quick to add that although she is leaving BID, she is committed to advancing the city.
“I’m not leaving Westfield,” she said.
McMahon and her husband Tom built their home in Westfield in 1989 and became engrained in the community.
They raised their sons Zachary and Nicholas here and, as they grew older, McMahon became more involved in the community. With a background in social work and non-profit organizations, McMahon served on numerous boards and ran the Amelia Park Ice Rink before taking the helm at the BID.
Robert Plasse, director of Westfield On Weekends (WOW) said McMahon is sure to continue to play a major role in promoting Westfield.
“I know, given Lisa’s appreciation for all things Westfield, we are not losing her,” said Plasse.
Plasse praised McMahon’s management style.
“She is the kind of person, the kind of administrator, anyone would want at the helm of a community-based organization,” he said. “I have never seen anyone work as hard or be as empathetic to the challenges of moving the city to the next steps.”
Plasse said he and WOW wish Lisa well in her new endeavor, but “we know she’s there for us. WOW loves Lisa.”
McMahon said she will continue to serve on the WOW board of directors and has committed to several other organizations in the coming year, including the Women’s Day Tea, Stanley Park Ball, Noble Ball, and the 90th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club committee. And, of course, she is still excited about downtown Westfield.
BID Board of Directors member Ted Cassell said McMahon has been a driving force behind the scenes of the downtown revitalization.
“She has worked tirelessly,” said Cassell. “She has been instrumental with events, working with WOW, the Farmer’s Market, the Best Retail Practices program – she has so much energy!”
Cassell said McMahon has “done a great job” for BID and has done “a lot for the community.”
City of Westfield Advancement officer Jeffrey Daley said McMahon will be missed.
“It is sad we are losing one of our greatest assets in Westfield,” said Daley. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lisa for the past six years and no once can compare with what Lisa brings to the table.”
Daly touted McMahon’s dedication.
“I have never worked with anybody with that much energy and passion about what they do every day,” he said. “Whoever takes over will have big shoes to fill.”
Daley said because of McMahon’s hard work, the next BID director will have a smooth transition because the organization is run so well.
“I know the leadership of the BID will bring in the best of the best,” said Daley. “We will miss Lisa, but we’re also excited for the next step.”
Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Kate Phelon said she did not work with McMahon as long as some people in the city, but their relationship grew quickly and Phelon appreciated McMahon’s hard work.
“Having worked with Lisa over the past 15 months has not only been a pleasure, but signifies the commitment of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce in the revitalization of our downtown,” said Phelon.
McMahon welcomed Phelon into the city when she began at the Chamber.
“Lisa was very helpful during my first few months on the job as executive director of the chamber and I cannot thank her enough,” Phelon said. “Those of us who have worked with her will miss her energy and commitment to the City of Westfield. On behalf of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce, we wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors.”
McMahon said it has been a joy to work with the community.
“It has been a wonderful journey,” she said. “I am so proud of Westfield, and it has been a great ride.”
She said there are several candidates to fill her position.
“I am actually really excited about some of the candidates,” said McMahon. “I’m not worried about BID.”
