Mercer Street Friends announced recently that Bernie Flynn, the former CEO of NJM Insurance Group, has been named CEO, effective immediately.
The a Trenton-based nonprofit is dedicated to addressing poverty issues throughout Mercer County.
As the new CEO of MSF, Flynn will contribute his time as a full time, unpaid employee and will be supported by Armstead Johnson, executive director, and Dr. Anniesha Walker, deputy executive director, as well as members of the executive leadership team.
“Through my time as a volunteer consultant (for MSF), I saw firsthand the dedication of staff to those Mercer Street Friends serves and I was inspired. Mercer Street Friends has been making a positive difference in our community for more than half a century and I look forward to leading the organization into its next chapter,” Flynn said. “Food security, mental and physical health care, counseling, social and emotional learning and strong academic support are all critically important to the overall wellness of our children and their families. It is evident that the Community Schools model in Trenton, led by Mercer Street Friends, is a significant part of the solution.”
Flynn retired from NJM in April 2018 after 25 years, including 10 years at its helm. Following his retirement, Flynn has remained active in the sector, serving as chairman emeritus of Greater Trenton, a trustee of the Princeton Area Community Foundation and a trustee of the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.
“The board and staff of Mercer Street Friends are firmly committed to serving those in need in our community. The mission of our organization to address poverty aligns with Bernie’s philanthropic interests,” board chair Dr. Joe Hulihan said. “Bernie shares Mercer Street Friends’ belief that removing social and emotional barriers that open the doors to comprehensive academic opportunities for our young people is of primary importance. We are thrilled and grateful that he is willing to take on this leadership responsibility.”
