Bay Path University

e Commencement Address e Commencement Address has been a higher education tradition in the U.S.A. since the early 19th century. e origins of these addresses date back to the establishment of American universities and colleges, where graduation ceremonies served as both a rite of passage and a public demonstration of the institution's educational values. Over time, the Commencement Address has served to inspire graduates with reflections on life, leadership, and purpose. commencement speaker lisa mccarthy Lisa McCarthy is a dynamic financial strategist and values-driven leader whose career bridges global impact with deep Western Massachusetts roots. Raised in Turners Falls in a middle-class family—her father a music teacher, her mother a nurse—she learned early the power of perseverance, humility, and unwavering integrity. ose principles still anchor her leadership today. From a graduating class of just 84 at Turners Falls High School to Chief Financial Officer of Duracell, Inc., Lisa's path is a compelling testament to what disciplined ambition, grounded confidence, and staying true to your values can achieve. As CFO of Duracell, an independent subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Lisa leads the company's global finance organization, guiding strategy, long-range planning, and performance across operations serving consumers in more than 80 countries. She is driving a multi-year transformation of the finance function, embedding AI-powered analytics, strengthening talent development, and building a world-class global finance team. Prior to joining Duracell, Lisa spent nearly two decades with e Yankee Candle Company, where she rose through senior leadership roles to become Chief Executive Officer in 2020. During her tenure, she successfully guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic, led the largest restructuring in the company's history, and drove record productivity gains. As Chief Financial Officer, she also played a key role in multiple acquisitions, a private equity sale process, and the company's integration into both Jarden and Newell Brands, demonstrating the steady leadership and strategic vision that have defined her career. Deeply committed to her community and to education, Lisa serves on the boards of e Bement School and e Williston Northampton School and has lent her leadership to the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, the Mercy Medical Center Philanthropy Board, and Historic Deerfield. In 2024, she was honored with the Bryant University Distinguished Alumna Award. Outside of work, Lisa volunteers at her family's business, the Ja'Duke Center for the Performing Arts, founded by her sister and father. She is a devoted supporter of her children's musical performances and athletic events—and an enthusiastic puzzle-solver who has completed nearly 100 escape-room challenges. Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bryant University and her Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. A lifelong Western Massachusetts resident, she lives in Turners Falls with her husband, Brian, and their four children.

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