BEVERLY — Margot Burke Holland may be a communications expert, but her first order of business will be to listen.
Holland was named executive director of the Beverly Area Planning Association on Tuesday afternoon. The resident of North Beverly officially begins her new job on April 13.
“I’m reaching out to residents, business owners, pastors and principals. I’m looking at all of BAPA’s program areas and open to everyone’s ideas on what it means to be a 21st century community organization.” said Holland, a lifelong resident of the Beverly area.
Holland's background includes a stint on President Bill Clinton’s advance team and holding the position of media coordinator for Hillary Clinton’s Senatorial bid.
She worked on those projects as a senior account executive with Chicago-based Jasculca/Terman and Associates. Holland landed a job with the communications firm after a successful internship.
Holland was hired by Chicago Public Library in 2002. She spent five years at the library under the direction of then-commissioner Mary Dempsey. Holland served as a liaison to the mayor's office while at the library and helped launch the One Book, One Chicago program.
She has bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Dayton.
Most recently, Holland has been focused on raising her children, Zoey, 11, Brady, 6, and Phoebe, 4.
But Holland has also found time to volunteer on local boards including at Christ the King School, where two of her children attend. Her youngest daughter is a student at Beverly Montessori School, which her parents helped launch in 1967.
Holland also recently drove efforts to support Beverly Arts Center’s BAC Challenge, by raising funds for Chantal’s Studio in memory of her sister, local artist Chantal Burke.
She believes the planning association plays a vital role in being the "connective tissue" between many groups, individuals and community-improvement efforts.
Holland said she plans to continue in that regard while also spelling out the association's relevancy to the next generation.
"I feel we need to reinvigorate our mission and get back to basics," she said.
Holland stressed her an open-door policy and also hopes to meet with residents at upcoming events including the Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Home Tour on May 17, the annual Ridge Run on May 25 and the Beverly Hills Cycling Classic on July 24.
“I am excited to be a part of BAPA’s longstanding tradition to foster what’s good about this neighborhood — our diversity, our homes, our local businesses, our schools,” Holland said.
The association has been operating with an interim executive director since Matt Walsh resigned on June 30. Walsh headed the group since 2007.
"The Beverly Area Planning Association works on so many levels to make our community stronger, and Margot’s experience and energy will bring the next generation of stakeholders to the table,” association board President Lori Parrett-Rice said. “I look forward to working with Margot to bring fresh ideas, expanded services, and new technologies to BAPA and our community.”
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