LDFC and Lowell Plan announce LZ Nunn as next executive director
Project LEARN Executive Director LZ Nunn has been appointed as the next executive director of the Lowell Development & Financial Corporation and The Lowell Plan. She will begin her new role full-time in January, with a transition period in December. (Courtesy LZ Nunn)
LOWELL — The Lowell Development & Financial Corporation and The Lowell Plan Inc. have announced the appointment of LZ Nunn as their new executive director.
Nunn succeeds Allison Lamey, who stepped down earlier this year to join the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance.
A longtime community leader, Nunn brings deep experience in education, economic development, and the arts to her new role. For the past decade, she has served as executive director of Project LEARN, helping grow the organization from a startup into a major partner of the Lowell Public Schools. Under her leadership, Project LEARN has secured millions of dollars to support early college, career readiness, STEM and arts initiatives across the district.
Previously, Nunn served as director of the Office of Cultural Affairs & Special Events for the city of Lowell, where she led implementation of the city’s Creative Economy Plan, organized major community events, and helped earn Lowell its designation as a Preserve America Community. Her earlier experience includes roles at Boston Global and the International Institute of Boston, giving her a broad regional and international perspective on economic and workforce development.
The LDFC and The Lowell Plan — two distinct yet closely aligned organizations — work in partnership with the city of Lowell, UMass Lowell, Middlesex Community College, Lowell National Historical Park, and local businesses and institutions to promote inclusive economic development and long-term citywide vitality.
Their collaborative efforts have been instrumental in initiatives such as the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor, the Hamilton Canal Innovation District, the Transformative Development Initiative in the Acre, and Public Matters, a civic leadership program run with Lowell National Historical Park.
“Lowell’s strength has always been its people and partnerships,” said Nunn. “I’m inspired by the city’s new Frontrunner designation, by LINC’s potential to connect institutions and investments in service of our diverse communities, and by the ways programs like TDI and Public Matters continue to elevate resident- and business-led revitalization.
“I look forward to listening and learning from our Boards, local stakeholders, and businesses, to build on the LDFC’s and The Lowell Plan’s remarkable legacy and help shape the innovative future that Lowell deserves,” she said.
Jim Hogan, president of the LDFC board, said the board is confident in Nunn’s ability to continue advancing the organization’s mission of community investment and growth.
“LZ has a proven record of bringing people together to achieve meaningful results,” Hogan said. “Her understanding of Lowell’s strengths and opportunities will help us build on the LDFC’s strong foundation and expand our impact across the city.”
Gary Campbell, co-chair of The Lowell Plan board, said Nunn’s collaborative leadership style is well suited to the organization’s broad coalition of partners.
“The Lowell Plan has always been about uniting the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to move the city forward,” Campbell said. “LZ’s energy, creativity, and commitment to collaboration make her the ideal leader to guide that work into the city’s next chapter.”
Nunn will begin her new role full-time in January, with a transition period in December.