Leadership is more than persuasion; it is envisioning the path forward.
This has been the passion of Lise Olney.
Lise’s approach on town issues is as refreshing as it is revealing.
She attacks problems, and she proposes solutions. When you look at her accomplishments you see just how much people can do with commitment and vision.
Today we have one more accomplishment. The Wellesley Celebrations Committee, a standing committee of the Select Board, Town of Wellesley honors Lise Olney with its Distinguished Service Award.
Here are just some of her accomplishments:
From 2019-2025, Lise served on the Select Board including roles as Chair and Vice Chair. During this time, she provided vision and leadership to the Town during COVID-19, championed the establishment of the Select Board Policy Subcommittee, served on the DEI task force, served on the Housing Task Force and Select Board liaison to the Wellesley Housing Development Corporation. She is also a founding member of the Wellesley Civil Discourse Initiative, the Wellesley Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Task Force, and the Wellesley Freedom Team.
While serving our Town on the Select Board for the past 6 years, Lise also shared her talents with the broader community, serving as a member of the Steering Committee of Mass Municipal Associations Women Elected Municipal Office committee and as Wellesley’s Representative to Metropolitan Area Planning Council representative.
Lise is a true champion for our planet: she has been a tireless advocate for education and community actions to embrace Climate Resilience, including sustainable energy practices. Prior to serving on the Select Board, Lise served on the Natural Resources Commission and the Sustainable Wellesley Board, where she led advocacy efforts to reduce gas leaks, restrict use of single-use plastic bags, and promote reduce-reuse-recycle initiatives. As the Select Board’s representative on the Climate Action Committee, she played a leadership role in the creation of the Climate Action plan and the Hazard Mitigation Plan. She advocated for the passage of the Climate Emergency resolution at Town Meeting as well as adoption of the Municipal Sustainable Building Guidelines.
Lise accomplishments can fill many pages. But there is something bigger than that. The true strength of our town is when neighbors like Lise Olney commit themselves to make our lives better it is hopeful
optimistic and positive for our future.
Today, we thank Lise for her service to the Town and look forward to her continued advocacy.