Brighton Main Streets Welcomes Kelly McGrath as Executive Director

Lifelong Resident Brings Fresh Vision to Brighton’s Commercial District

February 24, 2023 (Brighton, MA) – Kelly McGrath has been named Executive Director of Brighton Main Streets, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting the vibrancy of the local commercial district. 

“Kelly was exactly what we were hoping to get when we started our search for a new ED,” said Susan Guinan, BMS Board President. “She has deep roots in the community, a strong operational background and brings a new energy to the organization.”

The Brighton Main Streets Board of Directors, made up of a balance of Brighton residents, small businesses, and local institutions, found McGrath’s solid foundation in operations and fundraising a compliment to her deep connections within the neighborhood as a long-time resident, demonstrating her commitment to BMS’s core values and mission.  

“I applied to this job because I am passionate about my lifelong neighborhood, and I want to use my voice to amplify how amazing our community is,” said Kelly McGrath, who started as BMS Executive Director on February 6. “I’m most excited to work with our community partners and local business merchants to enhance and revitalize our district and truly make Brighton Main Streets a destination stop!”

Kelly is a graduate of Salem State College and longtime Brighton resident. Since 2018 she has held a number of positions at the Brighton Lodge of Elks, managing daily operations of the bar and lounge and organizing key community events. Prior to her involvement at the Elks, Kelley served as an Assistant Paralegal at Bletzer and Bletzer; Practice Manager at SMG Weston OBGYN and Internal Medicine; Lab Supervisor at Lawrence General Hospital; and Operations Manager at Choice Logistics/City Express. 

In addition to her wide-ranging organizational and leadership skills, Kelly has fully dedicated herself to the Brighton neighborhood. She served as the 2022 Grand Marshall of the Allston/Brighton Parade and has participated in a number of Impact Advisory Groups for local real estate developments. She currently sits on the Allston Board of Trade, the Brighton Allston Improvement Association, and the Allston Brighton Fund, and is the Past Vice President of the Saint Columbkille Alumni Board.

Brighton Main Streets’ 2023 programming calendar is packed with exciting events including a special scavenger hunt event coinciding with the National Main Streets Conference coming to Boston in March. We’ll continue Neighborhood Plantings & Clean Ups, and Brighton Sounds Unplugged our district-wide day of acoustic music in local businesses. And please to launching this year #ShopSmall Challenges that support Brighton businesses.  

About Brighton Main Streets

Dedicated to the revitalization of Brighton’s business district, our volunteer-powered non-profit fosters partnership between residents and local businesses to promote neighborhood growth.  Brighton Main Street’s mission is the improvement of Brighton’s local commercial district and quality of life in the community. BMS is governed by a volunteer board of directors, reflective of the diverse community within Boston’s Brighton neighborhood. For more information visit:  www.BrightonMainStreets.org