Alyce Deveau, executive director of the Seaglass Village, has announced her upcoming retirement.
“I can’t imagine a more fulfilling role than working to help seniors live independently in their homes,” Deveau said. “I have loved getting to know every member and volunteer, either in person or on the phone.”
Seaglass Village is a local nonprofit that supports older adults in maintaining their independence. Membership, which is available to those aged 50 and older, includes access to a variety of volunteer-delivered services and programs. These include transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores and other errands. The organization serves Swampscott, Nahant and Marblehead, with plans under consideration to expand into Salem.
Deveau has served as executive director since the organization’s founding in 2021. Before joining Seaglass Village, she was director of the Swampscott Public Library, where she worked for 39 years until her retirement in 2021.
“We were in our infancy stage, meeting via Zoom in the early days of COVID,” said Heidi Whear, the director of aging services and founder of the Seaglass Village. “Alyce has been a driving force since the very first, and we have been so blessed to benefit from her passion, deep knowledge of the town and strong leadership.”
Former President of the Seaglass Village Board of Directors Doreen Hodgkin called Deveau the “perfect anchor for us to launch this new adventure.”
“I was thrilled when Alyce accepted the role of executive director of Seaglass Village four years ago,” Hodgkin said. “I am happy for her that she has decided to take more time for herself.”
Although stepping down from her official role, Deveau plans to continue as a volunteer within Seaglass Village, assisting older individuals everyday tasks.
“Every volunteer activity that I participated in gave me probably more pleasure than it gave the member,” Deveau said. “There are so many people that need our help, and it is very fulfilling to answer their needs.”
A search for a new executive director is underway. The position is part-time and is the only paid role at Seaglass Village, which is based out of the First Church Congregational in Swampscott.
A full job description is available at seaglassvillage.org. Applicants are invited to send a resume and cover letter to claireregan@seaglassvillage.org by June 30.
