We Remember Dan Meltzer, Former Board Chair of The Guidance Center, a Service of Riverside Community Care

Many of us connected to the Cambridge community find ourselves thinking about Dan Meltzer, former Board Chair of The Guidance Center, who was beloved by all who served with him.  He passed away on May 24th. Dan played a critical role as the leader of The Guidance Center board during a dynamic period of growth.  He raised public awareness of the organization’s many services and with great dexterity and vision, he blended new opportunities and fresh thinking with all that was best about The Guidance Center’s critically important programs. Elizabeth Gilmore, a fellow Board member shared, “Dan inspired his Board members and through his dedication and engagement, he inspired the community’s great generosity.”

“Dan especially loved the Early Intervention program,” said Josh Posner, also a board member who served with Dan. He added, “He used his prodigious network of friends and colleagues to help The Guidance Center in every way.” At a time when The Guidance Center wanted to make the annual gala a “classier” event, Dan recruited Harvard’s then new president as the keynote and the next year, Red Sox President Larry Lucchino.  “The gala became instantly popular and a Cambridge rite of spring that people still love to support,” said Josh.

Dan was a Harvard Law School professor who served as a top legal adviser to President Obama. “Dan Meltzer’s formidable intellect and impeccable judgment were rivaled only by his warmth, kindness, and generosity of spirit,” US Supreme Court Associate Justice Elena Kagan, former Dean of Harvard Law School, said in a statement released by Harvard.

We join the entire community in sending our most sincere condolences to Dan’s wife, also a great contributor to Riverside and The Guidance Center, Ellen Semenoff, and to his extended family. Dan’s presence will be felt for many years to come.

~Scott M. Bock, Founder/President/CEO