WEST SPRINGFIELD – The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England has appointed Westfield resident Bo Sullivan as Executive Director of the charitable organization.
Sullivan, well known for his 20-year stint as a radio host at WHYN, will begin his work duties at the ICC on January 15. Most recently he has worked in advancement and development at Westfield State University, in fund-raising, development, and developing and maintaining community partnerships.
In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the ICC, from operations and finance to events, promotion and development. His selection to this newly created position is thanks to a grant from the Irish government’s Emigrant Support Programme, aimed at supporting organizations that celebrate, maintain and strengthen the links between Ireland and the global Irish community.
Sullivan said he is ready to go and eager to continue the growth of the ICC, which serves communities across Western Massachusetts, Northern Connecticut and beyond.
“I’m thrilled to have this job. I plan on hitting the ground running,” Sullivan said. “The first phase of the building is done, and the excitement surrounding the Center is evident. It’s now time to initiate a capital campaign and make sure the vision of the Board is fulfilled.”
“The impact on the Irish culture throughout Western New England as a whole, and Western Massachusetts in particular, is obvious and historic. I hope to bring those different programs together to further the heritage and history of the Irish people, and to have some fun while doing so,” he added.
A lifelong resident of Westfield, Sullivan has worked as a political and business consultant, and was President of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield from 2004 to 2015. He has also volunteered his time with several non-profit organizations and charity events.
He is married to Kris Sullivan. They have two daughters, Leighanne and Shannon.
ICC President Sean F. Cahillane said the choice of Sullivan was an easy one, given his background in community work, development and fund-raising. His passion for keeping the Irish culture alive was also a factor.
“We’re very excited to be working with Bo Sullivan, and we know his dedication to community and the Western New England region will make him an invaluable asset to the ICC,” Cahillane said.
ICC Board member Sheryl Quinn said she looks forward to working with Sullivan.
“As a Board member from Holyoke, I am pleased and excited that Bo Sullivan has joined the ICC team as our Executive Director. Bo is sure to be an energetic addition for outreach to the Holyoke, South Hadley, Northampton cities, areas with strong ties commitment to Irish culture and heritage,” Quinn said.
ICC Board Secretary Mary Ellen Lowney, who lives in Chicopee, said she believes Sullivan’s rich communication background and skills will be an asset for the regional charitable organization.
“He’s dedicated to the Western New England region, and he is an able communicator who has a proven record working with organizations that do good things. Bo Sullivan will keep us on a path to growth and continued success,” Lowney said.
The ICC is in its 20th year supporting Irish culture in a variety of ways, including music, language, history, education and travel. Nearly one year ago, the organization moved to 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, and launched an expansion program that is well underway.
Currently, the ICC is home to the Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub. Construction is continuing for a library, museum and genealogy center, and a performance center.
The Irish Cultural Center was established in 1999 to foster an appreciation of Irish culture in Western New England. The mission of the Irish Cultural Center is to cultivate a connection with Ireland, through the arts, culture, history, language, and heritage. The Center offers opportunities to engage in educational, travel, and social events that promote Irish culture.
