Representative Jen Benson, Co-Chair

Jen was elected to represent the Massachusetts 37th Middlesex District on November 4th, 2008. She took office on January 7th, 2009. She was first elected to public office as a member of the Lunenburg School Committee in 2003. She served for over five years on the committee and became the elected Chair. As a state representative, Jen has served as the only freshman member on the Joint Committee on Education and the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy.

Benson has been a fierce champion of afterschool and summer learning. She has sponsored budget amendments and legislation that seek to improve access to afterschool programs for low-income families all over Massachusetts. 

Senator Brendan Crighton 

Brendan P. Crighton is a member of the Massachusetts Senate. He was sworn into office on March 7, 2018. A resident of Lynn, Massachusetts, he was elected as a Democrat to represent the 3rd Essex senate district. Crighton is a former member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and Lynn city Councillor. He joined as Co-chair of the Council in 2018. He brings with him a passion to improve afterschool and summer learning and ensure all children and youth have access to the services they need.