July 19, 2024 – Mainstay Supportive Housing and Homecare, a Newton-based non-profit organization that provides affordable and supportive housing across Massachusetts for adults with various disabilities, is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors, Deb Crossley and Ellen C. Miller.
Crossley, a former Newton City Councilor who served for 14 years, is a residential architect who has lived in Newton since 1985. Her work included designing mixed income and special needs housing while she became deeply involved in serving the Newton community. Crossley has served on numerous city boards, commissions, and citizen organizations. She is an advocate for mixed-income housing and chaired the city’s Zoning and Planning Committee for four years, helping to establish new zoning regulations to enable more housing opportunities in Newton.
Miller is an attorney working in the real estate group at Goodwin Proctor, LLP where she advises clients on a variety of commercial and real estate transactions, including joint ventures, financing, acquisitions and dispositions. She is a local council leader of the firm’s Pride Group and provides pro bono practice which focuses primarily on non-profit entity formation and governance. Miller also serves on the Asian Community Development Corporation’s Real Estate Committee, the Board of Directors of the Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts, and is a longtime volunteer at the Ricesticks & Tea Asian Food Pantry. Miller believes deeply in the power of community and collective care. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at Rutgers University, while competing for the school’s Division I track and field team. She later earned her law degree from Boston University.
“We are fortunate to have two highly experienced and passionate individuals joining our board at this time,” said Larry Oaks, President and CEO of Mainstay Supportive Housing and Home Care. “Ellen’s experience as a real estate attorney is matched by her passion for community development, and Deb’s commitment to affordable housing, plus years of public service, will greatly complement the strength of our board. We welcome them and anticipate the lasting impact their contributions will have.”
“We’re so pleased to welcome Ellen and Deb to the board,” said Robert Manasse, Chair of the Board. “This is an exciting time for Mainstay – 2025 marks our 50th anniversary – it’s a perfect time to strengthen our leadership team. We look forward to the valuable contributions Ellen and Deb will make.”
