Caritas Communities’ board elects new slate of officers - Cherfils named chair

Braintree, MA The board of directors of Caritas Communities, an independent, non-sectarian, nonprofit housing provider, elected a new slate of board officers to oversee the organization that serves over 1,000 individuals annually in Greater Boston with housing and supportive services.

Roberlyne (Ruby) Cherfils of Marlborough, who joined in 2018 and became the vice chair in 2021, was voted to a two-year term as chair at the board’s quarterly meeting on December 18, 2022. Cherfils is chief operating officer of the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center in Worcester, serving the health needs of families in central Massachusetts. 

“I’m humbled by the opportunity to serve and support the mission of Caritas. I’m amazed at the work and the diverse talent who are committed to making a difference in the lives of everyday people,” Cherfils said. “I am honored to serve the organization and the people that we house.”

Maura Murphy of Wellesley Hills, who joined the board in 2002, was voted to a two-year term as vice chair. Murphy is general counsel with John M. Corcoran and Company in Braintree.

“It has been exciting to work with Caritas to expand both the number of individuals served and the services provided over the past 20 years,” said Murphy, “and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the mission of preventing homelessness and improving lives.”

Kevin O’Flaherty of Newton, who joined the board in 2009, was voted to a two-year term as clerk. O’Flaherty is a director with the law firm of Goulston & Storrs in Boston. Goulston & Storrs provides pro bono legal services to Caritas.

“My colleagues and I are happy and honored to support Caritas in its mission to provide safe, decent and affordable housing to many people in our Greater Boston community.”

Other members of the board of directors are: Yasmine Bouchrara, of Boston, with Middleton & Company, Inc.; Katie Catlender, of Scituate, with Cambridge Savings Bank; Bill Churchill, of Lincoln, a communications consultant; Duane Clark II, of Wellesley, with Sanofi; Tim Corcoran, of Milton, with John M. Corcoran Company; Dharshi Dupee, of Stratford, NH, with Corcoran-Jennison Companies; Olivia Gough, of Lynn, with Eastern Bank; David Greenblatt, of Lexington, with Beacon Communities Development, LLC; Robert Maulden, of Marblehead, recently retired from Manulife Investment Management; William McLaughlin, of Chestnut Hill, recently retired from AvalonBay Communities, Inc.; and Tom Palmer, of Natick, with Tom Palmer Communication.