Who is a member?
Our members are the local governments of Massachusetts and their elected and appointed leadership.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, the highest-ranking woman in the U.S. Congress, will be the keynote speaker at the Women Elected Municipal Officials Leadership Conference on March 21 in Wrentham.
For the past dozen years, Clark has represented Massachusetts’ 5th Congressional District, including Revere, Winthrop and other communities just north of Boston as well as portions of the MetroWest region. She was elected House Minority Whip in 2022.
Clark previously served as a Massachusetts state senator and representative, and as a member of the Melrose School Committee. A former general counsel for the Massachusetts Office of Child Care Services, Clark has been a leading advocate for policies supporting women and families throughout her career.
All women elected municipal officials in Massachusetts are considered members of WEMO and are invited to attend.
WEMO thanks Federated Hermes (MMDT-Massachusetts Municipal Depository Trust) for their sponsorship of this event.
8:30 a.m.
Registration & networking breakfast
9 a.m.
Welcome remarks
Lisa Kouchakdjian, WEMO Chair, Sudbury Select Board
Caroline Kafafian, Associated Sales Representative, Federated Securities Corp
Adam Chapdelaine, MMA Executive Director & CEO
9:05 a.m.
“Empty chair” panel with the WEMO Steering Committee
In this interactive discussion, members of the 2025 WEMO steering committee will reflect on their professional experience and shared challenges as elected public servants. An audience volunteer will be invited to fill the “empty chair” on stage and serve as a temporary panelist for each question.
Lynn Griesemer, WEMO Director, Amherst Town Council
Karen Gately Herrick, WEMO Director, Reading Select Board
Moderator: Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra, Northampton
10:05 a.m.
Regional networking activity
Get to know your neighbors! Attendees will break into small networking groups by region and discuss topics uniquely affecting their communities.
10:50 a.m.
Break
11 a.m.
Fireside chat with Congresswoman Katherine Clark
Moderator: Hannah Belcher, WEMO Vice Chair, Winthrop Town Council
Time will be reserved for a Q&A with Congresswoman Clark
12:15 p.m.
Adjournment & networking lunch
Lisa Kouchakdjian, WEMO Chair, Sudbury Select Board
Location
Lake Pearl, 299 Creek St., Wrentham
Contact
MMA Member Program Coordinator Anneke Craig
Women Elected Municipal Officials Conference