Editor’s note: Newsmakers is a new weekly feature spotlighting accomplishments of Newton community members, businesses and organizations.
Newton resident Martin F. Lowenthal Achieves Top of the Table MDRT Qualification
Martin Lowenthal, a 10-year Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) member and perennial Court of the Table qualifier, is now a Top of the Table qualifier, the gold standard of MDRT membership and the internationally recognized benchmark of professionalism in financial services.
A global community comprising the top four percent of MDRT members, Top of the
Table has qualifying advisors from 45 nations and territories. Martin is among 3,800 Top of the
Table members worldwide who provide exemplary client service, have the highest ethical
standards and achieve at least six times the annual MDRT membership requirement.
“Qualifying for Top of the Table is a rare and impressive achievement,” Seth Medalie,
President of The Bulfinch Group, said. “Top of the Table milestone highlights his
continued commitment to lifelong learning and to helping clients and colleagues alike.”
Ann Houston joins Eastern Bank Foundation as Foundation Fellow
Ann Houston of Newton has been named a Foundation Fellow at the Eastern Bank Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Eastern Bank. Her role will be focused on working with organizations to secure safe and affordable housing as a key part of EBF’s work to support economic inclusion and mobility in the region.
Houston brings more than 40 years of experience and passion in creating and managing affordable housing neighborhoods, helping underserved residents access more sustainable rental housing and homeownership opportunities, reducing displacement, and providing wrap-around services for residents.
Houston served as a CHAPA for 25 years and was president of the CHAPA board for a term. She also served on the board of the Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation and currently chairs the Newton Affordable Housing Trust.
“Home is more than a roof overhead … it’s an anchor for well-being and a launching point to where we work, run a business, and plug into our community and schools. It is often an important way to build intergenerational wealth as well,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, president and CEO of Eastern Bank Foundation. “Ann deeply understands the holistic and systemic issues faced by people who experience housing insecurity, and she will be instrumental in working with fellow change makers to apply innovative, yet practical solutions given her expertise across affordable, workforce, mixed-income, and elderly housing.”
Newton-Wellesley Hospital makes Newsweek’s list of best hospitals in the nation
Newsweek has named Newton-Wellesley Hospital among the best hospitals in the United States for the sixth straight year.
Out of 414 hospitals in America, Newton-Wellesley was ranked 89th this year and has been ranked among the top 90 hospitals in the nation since the rankings began in 2019.
“It’s remarkable, but not surprising, to see Newton-Wellesley recognized among the nation’s top 100 hospitals once again,” said Ellen Moloney, president and chief operating officer. “This achievement underscores the dedication of our exceptional staff to serving our patients with compassionate, top-notch care. I could not be more proud of them.”
Newton native named executive director of Harvard Musical Association
Newton native Janet Goff has been named executive director of the Harvard Musical Association. She will start in that new role on April 1.
“We are pleased to have Janet join us in this important leadership position,” said HMA Board President Deborah Hanley. “Her deep knowledge and love of music as well as her career in nonprofit administration and fundraising, will make an important contribution to the life of our association.”
Goff brings experience in music, museums and the performing arts, including an 11-year tenure creating special events at New England Conservatory. At NEC she produced 60 – 70 events per year, an experience which will serve her well in her responsibilities managing the HMA’s schedule of 20 annual concerts, recitals, and other events occurring at the organization’s Beacon Hill quarters.
“There is a sense of community that runs through the Boston music world,” said Goff, “And I look forward to fostering that at HMA.” She noted the organization’s historic influence in the City’s cultural life and its role in connecting people who share a love of chamber music. “I am a classical music connoisseur myself and am so grateful for this opportunity to share the joy with fellow music lovers at the HMA.”
