Staff

Kate Fentress, Executive Director

As the Fund’s first Executive Director, Kate, along with a large and dedicated volunteer workforce, has had a hand in every aspect of the development of the organization she now manages. With an MSW from Boston University, Kate applies her clinical background as well as her many years of fundraising experience both professionally and as a volunteer.  Before coming to the Women’s Fund Kate was the Development Director at the Inter-Church Council of Greater New Bedford and also at the Lloyd Center for the Environment in Dartmouth.  She commands a deep understanding of the challenges and the opportunities the 21st Century offers all women. Kate was selected by the Standard-Times in January 2008 as Southcoast Woman of The Year. Kate lives in Dartmouth with her husband and has one grown daughter.  In her spare time she raises chickens and vegetables, and tries to shrink her carbon footprint in whatever other ways she can

Traci Calabrese, Development Officer

Growing up in New Bedford and Dartmouth, Traci graduated from University of Rhode Island Summa Cum Laude in 2000. While still in school she began working at the Development office, gaining telemarketing and fundraising experience.  Upon graduation, she decided that she would pursue non-profit development work as a career.  Traci left our region for development positions at Lake Forest College in Illinois, and Convent of the Visitation School in Mendota, Minnesota.  She then returned to the Boston area where she worked with several non-profit organizations in annual giving, major gifts and outreach. When Traci isn't focused on raising her two small children, she loves to read and run.  She lives in New Bedford with her husband and two daughters. 

Jeannette Doyle, Administrative Assistant

Since January 2008, Jeannette has been our Administrative Assistant.  She brings extensive experience to her position in the field.  With over 20 years as a legal secretary, followed by ten years as an administrative assistant to the Senior Management team at Quaker Fabric Corporation, and 2 years working with a start up field marketing organization, she has expertise in virtually all aspects of executive support.   Jeannette is a volunteer with the Money Management Program at Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. She has two grown daughters and one grandson and lives in Fairhaven. You can find her reading, home decorating and gardening in her free time.