Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a regular feature spotlighting accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations.

Paul Levy elected CWRA board president

The Charles River Watershed Association elected Paul Levy as president of its Board of Directors at its annual meeting recently.

“I am thrilled to become the new Board President of Charles River Watershed Association,” Levy said. “As someone who has spent a lifetime working at the intersection of environmental policy, public health, and infrastructure, I am honored to join an organization that has been a leader in protecting and restoring the Charles River for six decades.”

Levy brings five decades of leadership experience to the board, having served as:

• CEO of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Executive Dean for Administration of Harvard Medical School
• Executive director of the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
• Chairman of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities
• Director of the Arkansas Department of Energy
• And deputy director of the Massachusetts Energy Policy Office.

Under his leadership, the MWRA managed the cleanup of the Boston Harbor—one of the largest cleanup projects in the world and Levy oversaw a program that decreased water consumption by 15 percent over a three-year period.

“We are so excited to have Paul Levy stepping up as Board President at this critical juncture,” CRWA Executive Director Emily Norton said. “Much work remains if we are to achieve a swimmable Charles, yet the law that provides our best leverage—the Clean Water Act—is under attack. With his leadership skills and experience, personal and professional networks, and deep subject knowledge from his MWRA days, I could not ask for a better partner as we move ever closer to reopening beaches for swimming in the Charles!”

Levy also serves on the Newton School Committee.

Newton native earns Jimmy Fund Walk Lifetime Achievement Award

Newton native David Thau, who now lives in Washington, D.C., has been recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award for surpassing $500,000 raised for the Jimmy Fund Walk presented by Hyundai.

Thau was among a select group of awardees recognized for their fundraising and commitment to the 36th Jimmy Fund Walk, held last October, helping to raise nearly $9.4 million in 2024 for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber.

Thau has been walking the full marathon route every year since 2020. As co-captain of team Beyond CRC, he has been the leading fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund Walk over the past four years, individually raising $195,000 in 2024.

Thau was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in June 2019 at the age of 34 and is an incredible advocate for the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center.

“Every year, we witness the profound commitment, passion, and dedication from individuals who unite against cancer to support this event. Their efforts raise funds that advance critical research and exceptional patient care at Dana-Farber,” said Caitlin Fink, vice president of the Jimmy Fund. “David has demonstrated a strong commitment to defying cancer and exemplifies the spirit of this event. We are proud to honor David with a Lifetime Achievement Award to recognize all he does for Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund.”

Thau and his wife Lis have two daughters, Shira and Este.

Newton native David Thau, right, and his family. Courtesy photo

Spoonfuls gets $20,000 boost from Sincere Foundation

Sincere Foundation, the philanthropic foundation of Framingham-based tech company Sincere Corporation, recently awarded $175,000 to 14 Massachusetts nonprofit organizations that help food security, housing stability and safe spaces, including $20,000 for Spoonfuls in Newton.

Spoonfuls, established in 2010, collects fresh healthy food that would otherwise be thrown away and distributes it to programs that help families facing food insecurity throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest, Worcester County and Hampden County.

“At Sincere, we build technology that brings you closer and helps show you care to the people in your life who matter the most,” said Matt Douglas, Founder & CEO, Sincere Corporation. “We’re proud to support these grant recipients with our Foundation, and work towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to celebrate, recognize milestones, and honor memories.”