CommonWealth Kitchen (CWK) has announced the addition of three new board members: Michele Dow Carroll, Dr. John D. Lloyd, and Robert Williams. These lifelong advocates and leaders will join Interim Board Chair, Sheldon Lloyd, and Board Member, Raul Fernandez, in guiding CWK through the next phase of the organization’s growth, maximizing positive impact for small diverse businesses and the overall vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable food economy. Carroll, Dr. Lloyd, and Williams join at an exciting time for CWK, as the organization enters its second decade, plans a renovation of its newly purchased headquarters in Dorchester, and continues to launch innovative and productive partnerships with major institutions throughout the region.

“We are incredibly lucky to have Michele, Dr. Lloyd, and Robert joining the board,” says Jen Faigel, co-founder and Executive Director of CWK. “Their expertise in strategic planning, organizational and business development, and mentoring across public and private institutions will be instrumental as CWK continues to grow and new opportunities call for greater innovation in CWK’s second decade.”

“Each of our new board members reflect the mission and values of CWK,” says Sheldon Lloyd, Interim Board Chair of CommonWealth Kitchen. “Michele, Dr. Lloyd, and Robert will be assets as we forge new partnerships, refine our business development programs designed to support diverse entrepreneurs, and implement creative strategies to move our food economy toward a resilient, just, and sustainable future.”

Before joining Project Bread in 2025, Michele Dow Carroll held leadership roles at Duet and The Partnership, Inc., where she built systems, coached emerging leaders, and fostered inclusive workplace cultures. Earlier in her career, she spent a decade at Procter & Gamble, where she developed a strong foundation in sales, coaching, and mentorship.

Dr. John D. Lloyd brings over 20 years of leadership and management experience in strategy consulting and organizational development across both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. He has a strong track record of partnering with nonprofit leaders and staff to address both short-term and long-term organizational development priorities.

At Interise, Robert Clark Williams Jr. focuses on empowering minority- and women-owned businesses through strategic planning and training, contributing directly to Boston’s energy efficiency and resilience initiatives. His work leverages deep expertise in business development and stakeholder engagement, built through years of experience in both public service and private-sector collaboration. Previously, as Director of Diverse and Small Business Engagement at the Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Williams led efforts to engage diverse and small businesses in the offshore wind sector, forming key partnerships and expanding access to supplier diversity certifications.