Speakers

A short overview of the American Red Cross and its lines of service; how the local Chapter works to fulfill these missions; and how we might work with the Rotary club and other
local organizations to more deeply engage in communities in the Northeastern Chapter.

Margaret White is a versatile and experienced leader, her background spanning over 40 years in military service, and 20 years in law enforcement. Throughout her military
career, she held various leadership and command positions, including Director and Senior Operations Officer 
for Domestic Support in the Massachusetts National Guard and completed her career as Assistant Adjutant General
for Homeland Security in the Massachusetts Military Division. Upon retirement, she carried over her experience
in collaborative interagency planning, emergency response and preparedness, and military plans and operations to her
work on the Massachusetts Region, Northeastern Chapter Board of Directors for the American
Red Cross.

Rooted in Service: Reintroducing Andover Garden Club, a Civic Leader for the next 100 Years: In 2027, the Andover Garden Club is proud to celebrate its 100th anniversary, marking a century of service, education, and civic beautification. Since its founding, the Club has combined a passion for gardening with a strong commitment to community engagement, supporting projects that enhance public spaces, promote environmental stewardship, and contribute to the character and vitality of Andover. Andover Garden Club is the oldest active civic organization in Andover started by women. During their talk, they will introduce you to the Club’s programs, civic projects, scholarships, conservation initiatives, and seasonal events.

Andover Youth Services (AYS) is mission driven to provide opportunities to create memories and empower our youth to become leaders and find their voice. 

AYS continues to be an advocate for youth development in the community and a bridge between youth and a network of support services. The Cormier Youth Center is a Town owned facility operated by the Andover Youth Services division of the Community Services Department.

About Keith Taverna:

Mr. Taverna is a familiar face in our schools and community. He was appointed as superintendent in June 2026 after serving as interim superintendent from March through June 2026. He brings extensive experience in educational leadership, school finance, and district operations.

Prior to his appointment as superintendent, Mr. Taverna served as Andover Public Schools’ Assistant Superintendent of Administration and Finance from 2022 to 2026, overseeing the district’s financial and administrative functions and supporting the alignment of resources with the district’s strategic priorities.

Before joining Andover, Mr. Taverna spent 12 years with Danvers Public Schools, where he held several leadership roles, including Interim Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Personnel. He earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 2009. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business Administration from Worcester State College in Worcester, Massachusetts, earned in 2007. Mr. Taverna holds Massachusetts licensure as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent and as a School Business Administrator.

About Jimmy D’Andrea:

Entering his third year as principal, Mr. D’Andrea has helped strengthen a sense of community at Andover High School. Drawing on 25 years of experience in public education, he successfully led the school through the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accreditation process during the 2025–26 school year, reaffirming AHS's commitment to continuous improvement and high academic standards.

Through his active engagement with students, families, and staff, both in person and through social media, Mr. D’Andrea has fostered strong school connections and visibility. In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the school community, the AHS Class of 2025 honored him with the Distinguished Citizen Award at graduation, making him the first principal to receive the recognition.

Prior to joining Andover, he served as principal of Cheltenham High School, located just north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Before his work in Cheltenham, he spent 15 years in Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland, where he held several administrative leadership roles, including principal of Kingsview Middle School for four years and principal of Northwest High School for five years.

Mr. D’Andrea began his career in education at Anacostia Senior High School in Washington, D.C., where he served as a biology and chemistry teacher, ninth-grade team leader, and academy coordinator. In 2006, he was named The Washington Post Teacher of the Year for Washington, D.C.

Mr. D’Andrea earned a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University, master’s degrees from George Washington University and the University of Illinois Chicago, and a graduate certificate in school administration and supervision from Johns Hopkins University.