“Women Who Changed Westford” celebrates the incredible women who have played a vital role in Westford’s government! Their inspiring leadership and commitment to the town have improved and guided Westford towards its goals. Since 1972, twelve outstanding women have proudly served on the Westford Select Board, many of whom continue to uplift and support our town today!
In May 2025, the Westford Museum’s Capstone interns of Westford Academy interviewed these remarkable women and recorded podcasts featuring their stories. These narratives highlight Westford’s strength and spirit, inspiring future generations.
1972-1974 Ellen S. Harde
The first woman elected to the board
“I didn’t run just to prove a woman could be a Selectman. As Congresswoman Pat Schroeder said in 1988, “What choice do I have?” I ran because I believed the concepts I learned in my government degree could benefit town government. For nearly three years, I attended Selectmen’s meetings with the League of Women Voters Observer Corps, gaining insight and experience”. (Harde, Aug 2020)
1978-1981 Marjorie Cook
While serving on the selectboard, Marjorie helped establish the Computer Implementation Committee, approved a boundary change between Chelmsford and Westford, and facilitated the installation of new streetlights, including two at the Roudebush Center. She was involved in an agreement to establish the Nashoba Valley High School District and in the creation of the Westford Wetlands. Additionally, bylaws were amended to include Commercial and Industrial Highway Districts, and North Middlesex School was renamed to Norman E. Day School.
1982-1985 Avis S. Hooper
“Articulate, gracious, statesman, peacemaker, problem-solver”…
Avis raised the status and image of women in leadership positions, encouraging others to ‘go for it’. She always called herself a blow-in, but she went out a Townie.” – from Helena “Mickey” Crocker’s eulogy for Avis, May 4, 1989
1992-1998 Madonna McKenzie
The first woman to serve two terms and the first woman to serve as chairman, 1994
“When I ran for the Board of Selectmen, I served six years on the School Committee. I decided to run because the Town was recovering from budget cuts due to reduced state funds, which led to 0% pay raises for all departments. Additionally, we were transitioning to a Town Manager Form of Government, changing several elected positions to appointed ones.” (McKennzie, Aug 2020)
1996-2008 Dini Healy-Coffin
The first woman to serve four terms, the first time two women were on the board, was in 1996
Dini Healy-Coffin, a selectman when the APRs were acquired, said voters at the October 1996 Town Meeting unanimously supported the effort “to protect the Drew farm land from any development” and “to ensure this protection remains in place ‘in perpetuity, or in others forever.” (Lowell Sun September 2016)
View our podcast with Dini below
1999-2002 Elaine McKenna
Elaine was the chairperson of the select board during the town’s millennium celebration. She and her fellow selectmen addressed significant population growth and oversaw the expansion of Westford Academy and the transformation of the Abbot and Brookside Mills into affordable housing. Elaine also participated in the new Land Priority Committee and helped launch the Police and Fire Station near Town Hall, along with a Community Preservation Act Study.
2005-2014 Valerie Wormell
I have a proven track record of serving the residents of this town,” Wormell said. “I advocated at the Statehouse, knocking on Senate doors, and ultimately secured $1.5 million to clean up the Abbot School oil spill. This was the largest amount ever awarded by the state Legislature. (Lowell Sun, May 2008)
We had the opportunity to interview Valerie and Dini together. See below
2007-2010 Nancy Rosinski
Nancy always aimed for a “win-win” situation. When our neighborhoods raised concerns, she made sure our voices were heard through her respectful communication style. (Lowell Sun, March 2007)
2010-2025 Andrea Peraner-Sweet
First woman to serve five terms.
After serving with Andrea for 10-plus years on the Planning Board, I have seen her continued strong commitment to town service on the Board of Selectmen. She displays a passion for Westford and for public service, an open mind to discuss what are at times difficult issues, and a commitment to make sure that diverse views are heard and respected. (Lowell Sun, April 2016)
2017-2020 Elizabeth Almeida
“Almeida is a local leader who has spearheaded efforts in town for gender-inclusive language in municipal documents. In addition, she has played an active role in the revitalization of the town’s agricultural commission, creation of Westford Community Garden, a 1.7 acre of land divided into 150 individual plots for Westford residents to garden, was elected to and served as a member of the town’s select board, and has founded a “Women in government” support group in the Metrowest area of the state.” (Arciero 2020)
2020-2023 Anita Tonakarn-Nguyen
First Women of Color
REASON FOR RUNNING Through my volunteer work in Westford, I saw opportunities to strengthen town and community partnerships, add a voice representing different communities (young families, Asians, disabled people, and older adults), and support schools without jeopardizing other town priorities. I will accomplish this by listening to understand the needs of our residents. (Lowell Sun May 2019)
2025 Noelle Donovan
I am running for the select board to create a community where everyone can thrive. If elected, I will prioritize transparency, listen to the needs of residents, and develop sustainable policies that benefit our seniors, schools, and natural resources. Together, we can make fair, fact-based decisions that protect our town and secure a bright future for our children. I ask for your vote on May 6 to help preserve the Westford we cherish. (Elected, May 6, 2025)
A Conversation with Valerie Wormell and Dini-Healy-Coffin
In May 2025, the Capstone interns from Westford Academy conducted interviews with Dini Healy-Coffin and Valerie Wormell, reflecting on their time together as members of the Westford Select Board. Their narratives not only capture the essence of Westford’s strength and spirit but also serve to inspire future generations. These stories truly highlight the community’s resilience and dedication, encouraging those who come after them.
A Conversation with Ellen Harde and Andrea Peraner-Sweet
In May 2025, the Westford Museum’s Capstone interns from Westford Academy conducted interviews with two remarkable individuals: Ellen Harde, the first woman to serve on the Westford Selectboard, and Andrea Peraner-Sweet, who recently wrapped up a notable 15-year tenure on the board. Their stories shed light on how the select board has evolved over the years and highlight the resilience and spirit that continue to motivate future generations.
Pictures from the Westford CAT podcast studio
The Westford Museum is pleased to showcase the significant contributions of the
2025 Westford Academy Capstone Interns:
Gayathri Anju, Louis Casale, Elitsa Koleva,
Deepa Gautam, and Veronica Vidoli.
And
Ariana Cormier,
2025 Westford Museum, Summer Intern
Through their diligent research and interviews, they highlighted the inspiring stories of the
“Women Who Changed Westford,”
honoring the impactful roles these women played in the community.
