BOARD MEMBERS

Co-founder, Board Member | Shrewsbury, MA

Jimmy Ricciardi is a co-founder of the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation and a longtime community leader and business owner with deep roots in Central Massachusetts. As a principal of Ricciardi Brothers, he brings decades of leadership experience, strategic planning, and relationship-building to the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation. Jimmy is passionate about supporting youth athletics and school safety initiatives, and he is committed to helping expand access to life-saving AED equipment in schools throughout the region.

Board Member | Worcester, MA

 Thomas Willett brings nearly 40 years of healthcare experience to the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation. A licensed Physical Therapist, he owns and operates Worcester P.T. Services and has been an active member of the Worcester business community for decades.

Tom has a strong history of community involvement, particularly in athletics. He is a past president of the Worcester Rugby Football Club and currently serves as Treasurer of the Massachusetts Youth Rugby Organization (MYRO).

He is a passionate advocate for the Foundation’s mission to expand access to life-saving AED equipment in schools across Massachusetts.

Co-founder, Board Member | Sutton, MA

The Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation was created in memory of John Ellsessar’s two sons, who were both lost to sudden cardiac events. In the wake of unimaginable loss, John and his family committed themselves to ensuring that other families would not face the same tragedy.

Today, John remains dedicated to advancing cardiac awareness, improving emergency preparedness in schools and athletic programs, and expanding access to life-saving AED equipment. His leadership and advocacy continue to drive the foundation’s mission forward.

Board Member | Sutton, MA

Erin Messier brings a strong commitment to community advocacy and youth safety to the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation. As a dedicated supporter of student-athletes and school preparedness initiatives, Erin works to help advance the foundation’s mission of expanding access to life-saving AED equipment. Her passion for community engagement and organizational leadership supports the foundation’s continued growth and outreach throughout Central Massachusetts.

Board Member | Milford, MA

Tyler Symes serves as a Board Member of the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation and brings a deeply personal connection to its mission. After experiencing a sudden cardiac event and being saved by the use of an AED, Tyler understands firsthand the critical importance of emergency preparedness and immediate response.

Today, he is committed to raising awareness, supporting access to life-saving AED equipment in schools, and helping ensure that more lives can be saved through proper training and preparedness. His experience reinforces the foundation’s mission and the real-world impact of its work.

Board Member | Leominster, MA

Rich Barnaby has dedicated 23 years to education and athletics as a teacher and coach at Leominster High School. Throughout his career, he has made a lasting impact on student-athletes and the broader school community through his leadership, mentorship, and commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field.

In addition to his work at Leominster High School, Rich serves as Vice President of the Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association, where he supports and advocates for baseball programs and coaches across the state. He is also the Treasurer of the Leominster Athletics Hall of Fame and President of the Blue Devils Baseball Club, further demonstrating his dedication to preserving local athletic history and fostering opportunities for young athletes.

Family plays a central role in Rich’s life. He and his wife of 20 years, Kelly Barnaby, who also teaches in Leominster, share a deep commitment to education and their community. Their daughter, Abby, plays collegiate softball at Suffolk University, where she is studying law, and their son is currently a junior at Leominster High School. Together, the Barnaby family embodies a strong tradition of leadership, service, and passion for education and athletics.

Board Member | Auburn 

“Being a coach for Auburn during the Auburn/Oxford Thanksgiving Day football game honoring Michael Ellsessar shortly after his passing was an unforgettable experience. In that moment, I knew I needed to help in any way I could.”

Lionel Berthiaume is an accountant and tax preparer, and most importantly, a proud father of two daughters. He brings a strong record of community leadership and service, having held roles with the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Youth & Family Services, Bay Path Regional Vocational High School Committee, and as an Auburn Selectman. He has also been actively involved with local organizations, including the Worcester Rugby Football Club.

Lionel’s background in public safety includes serving as a call firefighter in both Auburn and Paxton, as well as a TSA federal officer at Logan International Airport and Worcester Regional Airport. These experiences have given him a deep understanding of the importance of safety and access to life-saving equipment.

At the Scholastic Sports Zone Foundation, Lionel is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting fundraising efforts to expand access to AEDs in schools—helping to protect and save lives across Massachusetts.