August 26, 2026
Tracey Friedman of Amesbury is our new Executive Director beginning in late April. Tracey joins us after 5 years leading The Haven Project in Lynn, a non-profit supporting at-risk and homeless youth and young adults. In 2022 she moved from Lynn to Amesbury with her husband and they welcomed their daughter Cece in 2024.
Why did you choose a career focused on helping others?
I grew up in a family where helping others wasn’t something we talked about as an idea, it was simply what you did. From a young age my mother instilled in me that you help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect anything in return. She modeled that and even became the first woman president of our Little League in Lynn. Today the clubhouse there is named after my parents for all of the work that they did. Seeing that kind of commitment to community really leaves a lasting impression. Volunteering and giving back always felt natural to me. It led me to get a degree in mental health counseling early in my career because I wanted to work directly with people who were struggling and help them find stability and hope. Over time, that commitment naturally grew into leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, but the motivation has always stayed the same. I’ve always tried to use my skills to support people and strengthen the community around me. Helping others isn’t just work, it’s simply part of who I am.
What stood out to you about the leadership role at ONT?
I was struck by the strength of the organization. The dedicated staff, engaged volunteers and board, the supportive community, and the clear impact ONT has had in the region. It’s an organization that has built trust and credibility over time. The chance to help build on that foundation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding access to essential resources for families in our community felt like a meaningful next step in my work. As a resident of this area, it’s especially meaningful to step into a role where I can serve the community that my own family calls home.
Why did you choose a career focused on helping others?
I grew up in a family where helping others wasn’t something we talked about as an idea, it was simply what you did. From a young age my mother instilled in me that you help people because it’s the right thing to do, not because you expect anything in return. She modeled that and even became the first woman president of our Little League in Lynn. Today the clubhouse there is named after my parents for all of the work that they did. Seeing that kind of commitment to community really leaves a lasting impression. Volunteering and giving back always felt natural to me. It led me to get a degree in mental health counseling early in my career because I wanted to work directly with people who were struggling and help them find stability and hope. Over time, that commitment naturally grew into leadership roles in the nonprofit sector, but the motivation has always stayed the same. I’ve always tried to use my skills to support people and strengthen the community around me. Helping others isn’t just work, it’s simply part of who I am.
What stood out to you about the leadership role at ONT?
I was struck by the strength of the organization. The dedicated staff, engaged volunteers and board, the supportive community, and the clear impact ONT has had in the region. It’s an organization that has built trust and credibility over time. The chance to help build on that foundation, strengthen partnerships, and continue expanding access to essential resources for families in our community felt like a meaningful next step in my work. As a resident of this area, it’s especially meaningful to step into a role where I can serve the community that my own family calls home.