WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD

Jim Weiss
Chair

Jim Weiss has been an educator for over 46 years. For the last ten of those, he served as the Superintendent of Schools for the Martha's Vineyard Public Schools, retiring in June 2015. Prior to coming to the Vineyard, he was a teacher and administrator in Connecticut and served two districts in New Hampshire as their superintendent. Since retiring, Jim has served on the Board of the Community Foundation of Martha's Vineyard and as a Trustee of the Peter and Elizabeth E. Tower Foundation. Jim lives in Oak Bluffs and has one son, Joel, who lives in New Hampshire with his family. Whenever he can, Jim spends time reading on the beach.

Sam Hart

Sam Hart is the Director of the Islands Portfolio for the Trustees of Reservations, the country’s oldest land conservation and preservation nonprofit. In his role as Director, he oversees operations and management of over 7000 acres of protected land on Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Before his current role, he was the Executive Director of Adult Continuing Education Martha’s Vineyard (ACEMV) from 2014-2019. Prior to starting work at ACE MV, he taught English as a second language at MV Adult Learning Program and for a private school in Moscow, Russia. Before returning home to the island in 2011 to serve local nonprofit missions, he worked in New York for the National Committee on American Foreign Policy and for the Working Group for Women, Peace and Security. He holds a MA in East European and Russian Studies from NYU and a BA from the University of Virginia and speaks fluent Russian. Sam lives in Aquinnah with his wife and son.

Sarah Hughes

Sarah Hughes is a Vice President at Martha’s Vineyard Insurance. As an active volunteer and passionate about her community, Sarah has spent a great deal of time working with various non-profits and organizations. Sarah is a founding member of the Martha’s Vineyard Builders Association and was instrumental in establishing the group to support local builders and trades people. Sarah currently sits on the Board of the MVBA and is the sole founding member that remains on the Board. Other volunteer work includes being an Ambassador for the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, promoting Martha’s Vineyard, island businesses, non-profit organizations and the community. Sarah lives in Edgartown with her husband and 12 year old son.

Chrissy Gould

Chrissy Gould is Director of Human Resources at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. She has spent many years directing Human Resources for medical organizations. Prior to MVH she worked at Hebrew SeniorLife in Boston, as the Director of Compensation, Benefits & HRIS. She also worked at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Plymouth, and Chartercare Health Partners in Providence, RI. Chrissy has a degree in Accounting from Merrimack College, and a Masters in Leadership/Human Resources from Northeastern University. Chrissy moved to the Vineyard from Watertown, MA in January with her two golden retrievers (Calvin and Callie). She enjoys running, practicing yoga and spending time with family and friends.

Brian Mackey

Brian Mackey is the Chief Financial Officer of the YMCA of Martha's Vineyard. In 2000, Brian retired from a 26 year career with the international certified public accounting firm KPMG, LLP. He was a tax advisor for many major banking institutions throughout the U.S. He was the Executive Director of Vineyard House, Inc. from 2005 through 2007 and today is a member of their Board of Directors, and the Treasurer of the organization through 2013. Brian lives in Chilmark and has three married daughters and eight wonderful grandchildren.

Spike Smith

Robert “Spike” Smith has owned and operated Walter Smith Plumbing & Heating, Inc. since 1985. Spike grew up on Martha’s Vineyard and began his plumbing training at age 16. He is a graduate of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. Spike is a founding member of the Martha’s Vineyard Builder’s Association and MV@Play. Spike is committed to expanding the opportunities of MVRHS technical education graduates through career training and mentorships. Spike lives in West Tisbury with his wife, Tracey and his daughters Olivia & Isabel.