Board of Directors

Paul hammersley - President

Paul Hammersley is a man in long-term recovery, as well as a husband and a father to 5 girls. He is a lifelong resident of Malden, MA. Paul’s first-hand knowledge of the barriers that people face when trying to recover, combined with his immense gratitude for those who never gave up on him during his years of active addiction, have served as inspiration for all he does.

Paul helped to found the nonprofit organization Malden Overcoming Addiction, where he serves as President and Chairman of the board. Paul is employed by the City of Malden as an Addiction Recover Resource Specialist where he has been the driving force behind Malden’s newest addiction assistance initiative. Paul credits his strong advocacy work with local legislative leaders for the opening of a state-funded recovery center in Malden – the Bridge Recovery Center

In keeping with his passion for public service, Paul is very active with assisting individuals who are housed in local shelters sites and guests of the Malden Warming Center by helping them to access any treatment or resources they may need. Paul’s strong community connections combined with his passion for helping those with SUD have not only made him a valuable resource for individuals in Malden, his hard work and dedication have also been an inspiration for many others looking to join the fight.

Dave Allan - Treasurer

Dave Allan started volunteering with MOA in 2022 and was elected as Treasurer and Board Member in the fall of 2023. Dave brings 50 years of diverse financial experience and education to MOA. Dave is a long-time resident of Malden. His children and grandchildren all attended Malden Public Schools. He is Assistant Treasurer at Northeast Metro Tech High School in Wakefield. Dave also volunteers with Malden Babe Ruth Baseball and serves on the board of the Malden Warming Center. He is a former board member of the Al Locke Youth Basketball League. 

Paul Bell - Board Member

Paul "PJ" Bell is a lifelong resident of Malden and in recovery. His lived experiences were a catalyst for becoming involved in Malden Overcoming Addiction in 2018. PJ credits the devotion of his wife & children along with the wisdom and memory of his Father for his continued sobriety. It is PJ's hope that as a recovery coach he is able to guide others overcome substance use disorder and continue outreach efforts to educate about the stigma associated with this disease. PJ is also an active member of Club 24 and shares his experiences by engaging in the recovery community through sponsoring and commitments.

Jadeane Sica - Board Member

Jadeane Sica is a lifelong Malden resident and Ward 8 City Councillor dedicated to community health, recovery, and public service. A strong supporter of Malden Overcoming Addiction, she works closely with local programs like Malden Cares to connect residents with recovery resources and reduce stigma around substance use. Jadeane believes in compassion, prevention, and building a recovery-friendly community where everyone has access to hope and support.

Dana Brown - Vice President

Dana Brown has been a Board Member for Malden Overcoming Addiction for the last four years.  Dana also volunteers as a Coach with Malden Youth Basketball, at the Malden Warming Center, and is also active in his Church, the Forestdale Community Church.  Dana is passionate about helping others and believes that recovery programs are a vital source of support and hope in the community. 

Linda cochran - SEcretary

Linda is a recovery coach and committed to educating people about substance use disorder and ending the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. Linda became involved with MOA through volunteering at the Malden Warming Center, she enjoys volunteering for multiple organizations that serve those facing food insecurities, chronic homelessness and substance use disorder. Mrs. Cochran is VP of Operations at a fire life safety company in Wakefield, MA.

Dawn Zanazzo - Board Member

Dawn Zanazzo serves as the Treasurer of Malden Overcoming Addiction. Dawn was introduced to Malden Overcoming Addiction when a family member was receiving support from the organization.  Impressed with the knowledge, attitudes, and commitment to their clients that her family member received from MOA, and combined with seeing the success MOA had with many of its clients, she dedicated her time, talent, and treasure to help the organization. Dawn believes that although she is not trained in the field of recovery, as a loved one of someone suffering from Substance Use Disorder, she brings a different and hopefully added value to the MOA Board.  For the past six years, Dawn has worked as a Tenant Relations Manager at Preotle, Lane & Associates in Malden, and is an event coordinator for her family-owned restaurant, The Establishment in Chelmsford.

Karen Andrews - Board Member

Karen Andrews is the newest board member of MOA and has been an active member for several years. She has been the Community Outreach Specialist for Tufts Medicine Melrose Wakefield Healthcare for 15 years. Karen is involved in a number of other community projects including Wakefield United Prevention Coalition, the Melrose Health and Wellness Coalition, Healthy Families/MA Home Visiting, and the North Suburban Child & Family Resource Network. In alignment with the mission and vision of her work, Karen is committed to ensuring that the Recovery Community has the support, encouragement, and services needed.

Carol ann desiderio- Board Member

Carol Ann Desiderio serves as the City Clerk for the City of Malden, Massachusetts, acting as the official record-keeper and chief elections officer for the municipality. In this role, she oversees maintenance of vital records, business certificates and municipal licenses, preparation of City Council agendas and meeting minutes, and the management of voter registration, absentee ballots and local campaign finance. Known for her strong organizational skills and attention to detail, Desiderio brings seasoned administrative expertise to municipal operations. Her dedication extends beyond the mechanics of governance into the heart of community wellbeing. She collaborates with local stakeholders in support of Malden’s public-health and recovery initiatives — including Malden Overcoming Addiction, a nonprofit committed to connecting residents to addiction support services, reducing overdose fatalities, and removing the stigma around recovery. MOA provides peer-led recovery coaching, family support resources, community events and scholarships for sober living. Through this community-oriented engagement and her municipal leadership, Desiderio is recognized for her integrity, leadership and commitment to efficient, accountable and community-focused governance. Her role reflects an ongoing commitment to transparent administration and to strengthening civic life in Malden.

 Our Supporters

Foundations:

Cummings Foundation

Malden Overcoming Addiction is one of 100 local nonprofits to receive grants of $100,000 each through Cummings Foundation’s “100k for 100” Program. The Malden-based organization was chosen from a total of 574 applicants during a competitive review process. We at MOA are profoundly grateful to the Cummings Foundation as well as to all our members.

Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation

Piccolo Family Charitable Foundation

Malden Industrial Aid Foundation

All Tech Electric

Dana Brown

Foti Law

Garrick Santo Landscape

Paul T. Murphy Insurance