Women at the Helm: Business Leadership Panel

MEET THE PANELISTS

Anne Broholm is the CEO of Ahead, LLC, a Massachusetts-based leader in headwear and apparel for the golf, resort, corporate, and collegiate markets. Since 2012, she has guided the company through significant growth, expanding globally, launching new product divisions, modernizing operations, and acquiring Tournament Solutions. Recognized as a Top 100 Company in Golf by the National Golf Foundation, Ahead has also earned accolades under her leadership, including the Massachusetts Manufacturing Award. With over 25 years of executive experience at brands such as Cutter & Buck and Liz Claiborne, Broholm is a respected industry voice and dedicated community leader, serving on the boards of the ANNIKA Foundation, the National Golf Foundation, and Colorado State University’s Executive Leadership Council, as well as the MassHire Workforce Investment Board.
 

Chris Holden is a co-founder of Duke’s Bakery, located in Fall River, Massachusetts. Duke’s is recognized as the SouthCoast’s only 100% gluten-free bakery and café. Established in 2012 in a small Columbia Street location, the bakery originally offered a limited menu with just a few sandwich items and seating for six guests. Over time, both the menu and the business grew. Today, Duke’s Bakery operates at 1082 Davol Street, overlooking the Taunton River, with a full bakery and restaurant that accommodates 60 guests indoors and an additional 60 outdoors.

Duke’s Bakery successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 era and emerged stronger, with a renewed commitment to expanding its brand. The business introduced a 100% gluten-free brunch menu, which quickly gained popularity and drew wider attention. This success led to a partnership with Kevin Harrington of Harrington Franchise Group—one of the original investors on Shark Tank—to launch a 100% gluten-free Duke’s chicken and waffles food truck franchise, now available nationwide. What began as a mission has grown into a movement, with Duke’s Bakery continuing to advance its vision for gluten-free dining.

Lucria Ortiz is a visionary leader with a track record of organizational innovation and growth. Her 20+ year career spans non-profit, government, and legal sectors, marked by a passionate commitment to empowering individuals and communities. Lucria excels in fundraising, securing millions of dollars for vital initiatives and transformative programs focused on poverty reduction, criminal justice reform, youth and workforce development. Lucria has held key roles, including President and Chief Executive Officer of The Opportunity Network, a national college and career access organization, President & CEO of the Yonkers Family YMCA, and strategic positions across the YMCA network, leveraging her expertise for societal impact. An expert in board governance, strategic planning, and diversity, equity and inclusion, she is a respected voice in the field, spearheading change among boards. A sought-after speaker and board member, Lucria has sat on the board of the YMCA of the USA, the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, as well as other prominent nonprofit organizations. Lucria’s influence extends across the sector. Holding a JD from Northeastern University and a BA from Wesleyan University, she combines legal acumen with a profound social mission, inspiring change through her work.