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Meet The Team

Our foundation is proudly led by a board of directors comprised entirely of active or retired service personnel, or individuals with a strong personal connection to the community.

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EJ Nicholas

Co-Director

EJ is a second-generation Firefighter/EMT in Massachusetts with over 13 years of service and a high school hockey coach for over 14 years. As a founding board member, his commitment to both the first responder and hockey communities is unmatched. He understands the unique mental health challenges first responders face, having personally found an outlet for stress and camaraderie on the rink. EJ is passionate about combining his experience in the fire service with his love for hockey to lead the BFit Heroes Cup and its mission.

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Jacklyn Lane

Assistant Clerk

With close family and friends in the first responder and military communities, Jackie has a deep personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. As a manager at TD Garden, she brings valuable experience in event operations and logistics. Jackie is proud to support the Foundation’s work, especially through its annual hockey tournament, combining her love for the game with her commitment to supporting our heroes.

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Nicholas DiPace

Firefighter Representative

With 12 years of experience in one of Massachusetts' busiest fire departments, Nick brings a deep understanding of the first responder community. He also coordinates his department's color guard and organizes fundraising events for local departments. His commitment to service extends beyond his work, as he is also heavily involved with Bike MS, a cause that has had a lasting impact on his family.

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Paula Nicholas

Dispatch Representative/Apparel Coordinator

With 39 years of experience as a retired Supervisor Dispatcher, Paula brings a unique and invaluable perspective to the board. As the daughter of a WWII Marine Veteran and Police Patrolman, the wife of a Fire Captain, and the mother of a firefighter, she deeply understands the impact of these professions on first responders and their families.

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Shannon Tuttle

Media/Graphic Design

The daughter of a retired Firefighter/EMT, Shannon is an EMT, certified 911 Dispatcher, and currently works as the media specialist and public safety operations clerk for her local police department. She blends frontline public safety experience with creative expertise and has developed impactful graphic design projects for multiple organizations; all delivering clear, engaging communication that strengthens community trust and awareness. Additionally, as someone who has answered the call, Shannon understands the vital role mental health plays in public safety and is dedicated to helping those who help others.

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Jaime Nicholas

Co-Director

A second-generation Firefighter/Paramedic who served for 10 years, Jaime has dedicated her career to helping others. In addition to her work as a peer support member on a Critical Incident Stress Management team, she is currently pursuing a career in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Military and Veteran Psychology. Jaime is also training as a co-response intern clinician with a city police department and offers individual psychotherapy to the communities we serve.

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Molly Irving

Hockey Logistics

Bio coming soon!

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Paul Nicholas

Chief Referee/Fifth Board Member

Paul is a retired Fire Captain with 34 years of service to his community. A long-time fire alarm superintendent and one of the first advanced fire investigators in the state of Massachusetts, he brings a wealth of experience to the board. As our Chief Referee, Paul uses his decades of experience as a hockey player, coach, and official to ensure the competition is both fair and fosters camaraderie among all participants.

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Rob Desmond

Treasurer

Bio coming soon!

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Will Tyree

Military Representative

Bio coming soon!

Partners of the Board

John Whitesides - Boston Bruins Foundation Liaison 

Luke Prendergast - Golf Tournament Coordinator

Mike Morgan - College Coordinator

Josh Werme - Avalon Bay Volunteer Coordinator

Jason O’Dowd - Fundraising Coordinator

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