LOWELL – The Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA) is proud to announce that Greater Lowell Community Foundation (GLCF) President and CEO Jay Linnehan will be honored as this year’s Acre Champion at the annual 6 Degrees of the Acre gala on June 26.
Linnehan is being recognized for his exceptional leadership in combating food insecurity, advancing post-pandemic recovery, and his lifelong commitment to public service.
“We could not be more grateful to Jay and the Foundation for their investment in the Acre,” said CBA CEO Dan Rivera. “Thanks to Jay’s leadership, the Foundation’s support of our food pantry has been vital – allowing us to serve 1,200 individuals every month.”
Rivera continued, “The Commonwealth leaned heavily on the Foundation during the pandemic, and Jay and his staff were there for our community. His hands-on support – personally delivering PPE and supplies—is legendary. Jay is also a passionate advocate for educational equity, tackling the opioid crisis, and addressing chronic homelessness. He’s laser-focused on helping our neighbors in need.”
Rivera added, “As someone new to Lowell, I am personally thankful for Jay’s guidance and deep insight, which have helped me better understand the community and its needs.”
Linnehan has led GLCF since 2016. Under his leadership, the Foundation’s endowment has doubled to $70 million. He has also expanded the Foundation’s reach through Donor Advised Funds, increased scholarship offerings, and enhanced responsiveness during local crises.
“When severe flooding hit the Acre a few years ago, GLCF worked closely with CBA and other partners to quickly launch a relief fund—helping hundreds of displaced residents without red tape or delay,” Rivera said.
With more than 35 years of experience in community service and philanthropy, Linnehan has served on numerous nonprofit boards including D’Youville Life and Wellness, The Lowell Plan, Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank and Lowell General Hospital Tufts Medicine.
Before joining GLCF, Linnehan served as Executive Vice President of Middlesex Community College, where he oversaw operations, finance, and the college’s foundation—helping grow MCC into one of the most successful community colleges in Massachusetts. A Lowell native, Linnehan holds a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School and a bachelor’s degree from UMass Lowell.
6 Degrees of the Acre is CBA’s primary annual fundraiser.
“We call it 6 Degrees because everyone seems to be connected to the Acre in some way,” said Rivera.
This year’s celebration will take place Thursday, June 26, from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hellenic Cultural Center (41 Broadway Street, Lowell), located in the heart of the Acre. Along with honoring Jay Linnehan, the evening will feature music, raffles, games, and delicious food provided by YouthBuild. Proceeds support CBA’s free community programs and services.
For tickets and sponsorship information, visit https://onecau.se/6degrees2025 or email clare.gunther@cbacre.org.
