Lasell University has announced new leadership within the school’s Board of Trustees. 

Gerry DeRoche (left), chief executive officer of NEADS, a nonprofit that provides service dogs to individuals with disabilities, has been elected chair of the Lasell University Board of Trustees and Lori Hindle, chief of staff at Slade Gorton, the supplier of seafood products to retailers, distributors, and food-service operations nationwide, has been elected vice chair. 

Longtime members of the Lasell governing board, DeRoche, who served as vice chair for five years, and Hindle, begin their terms on October 15, 2021. DeRoche succeeds Keon Holmes, who served as chair for five years and will remain on the board following the leadership transition. 

“We are fortunate to have such active, engaged, and committed board members in leadership positions,” said Lasell President Michael B. Alexander. “Gerry and Lori bring a wealth of experience and keen insights to their new roles. We thank Keon for his visionary leadership during his tenure as chair, and we are honored that he will remain on our board.” 

Following a long and successful career in commercial and retail banking in which he held senior executive positions in audit, operations, and strategic planning, DeRoche joined NEADS in 2010.

In addition to his service to Lasell, DeRoche has lent his time and talents to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations, including the Nativity Preparatory School, the National Braille Press, Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, the Jimmy Fund, and The Umbrella Arts Center. 

DeRoche was first elected to Lasell’s Board of Trustees in 2010 and has served on the innovation, marketing, institutional advancement, investment, and student experience committees. 

“I welcome the opportunity to continue my service to the Lasell University community and look forward to working with our board in support of this dynamic and innovative institution,” said DeRoche. “What drew me to Lasell more than 10 years ago was the commitment to Connected Learning and the daily focus of preparing students to make an immediate impact in the world upon graduation.” 

A graduate of the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, DeRoche received both his bachelor’s degree in marketing and master’s degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. 

Prior to joining Slade Gorton, Hindle (left) was senior managing consultant at Public Financial Management, Inc. She previously held roles at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Executive Office for Administration and Finance. She previously was a paralegal at Bowditch & Dewey and a municipal division administrator at Advest. 

Hindle was elected to Lasell’s board in 2017. A graduate of Bridgewater State College with a degree in business management, Hindle is an active board member within organizations including Bridgewater State University Foundation and is a member of the Treasurers' Club of Boston.