The Martha’s Vineyard Community Services charity shop is under new leadership.
Chicken Alley, which raises money for the Island nonprofit through its sale of secondhand goods, has added former Harbor Homes shelter director Lisa Belcastro as its director of operations and Emily Mercier as associate director. Both started March 16.
The changes come at a moment of transition for Community Services, which offers services for Islanders facing mental health challenges, addiction and domestic violence, as well as services for veterans and seniors. Construction on the nonprofit’s campus overhaul is ongoing, and last month, former CEO Dean Teague resigned for unspecified reasons after just a year on the job.
Interim CEO Scott Turton called the addition of Ms. Belcastro and Ms. Mercier at Chicken Alley “a breath of fresh air.”
“The mix of the two of them into Chicken Alley has been wonderful to watch, because both of them add this level of excitement,” he said. “[They’re] a very dynamic team.”
Ms. Belcastro replaced longtime Chicken Alley operations director Jessica Tartell. Both Mr. Turton and MVCS board chair Amy Gavin declined to comment on the circumstances surrounding the end of Ms. Tartell’s time at Chicken Alley.
Ms. Belcastro said the new role is a good fit for her, given that she’s volunteered at Community Services for many years.
“It literally fell into my lap,” Ms. Belcastro told the Gazette at the shop last week. “I quit Harbor Homes, and three days later, I had a phone call from someone at Community Services.”
Ms. Belcastro is passionate about the work. Whether customers come in looking for something specific or just to browse, she said they often leave with a basket full of items, the proceeds from which help to sustain Community Services throughout the year.
“I think it’s so important globally, ethically [and] morally just to make best use of what we have,” she said.
Ms. Belcastro is spearheading several new initiatives at Chicken Alley. On Thrifty Tuesdays, patrons can pay $10 to fill a bag with as much expiring inventory they can carry. A range of new promotions will be available on Fridays.
She also helped get Chicken Alley’s social media back up and running, where valuable finds that would otherwise be posted to eBay or Poshmark to fetch a higher sum for the nonprofit will first be offered to Islanders.
“It saves us the shipping, it gives Islanders a first opportunity to get it,” she said.
Ms. Mercier, who replaced former Chicken Alley assistant director Kristina Ivory, is assisting Ms. Belcastro and managing the shop’s volunteer staff.
“I’m essentially Lisa’s right-hand person,” she said.
Ms. Mercier called her new role “a joy” and said she likes working with Ms. Belcastro.
“Lisa has been just a pleasure to work with,” Ms. Mercier said. “We seem to always be on the same page.”
Mr. Turton said the pair is both learning the ropes and bringing their new perspectives to the organization.
“Right now, it’s steady as she goes,” he said. “The two of them are watching all of the routine processes that have been in operation for a while … and then looking at how these processes can be improved a little bit down the road.”
Ms. Belcastro is looking forward to what the future brings. For her, thrifting is more than a way to find a new dress or the perfect accent for your home. It’s a way to sustain a community — especially when the proceeds go to crucial services for Islanders.
“The thrift store should support the Island community in being able to live an affordable life,” she said. “That’s our job.”
This article appears in April 24, 2026.
While I wish Ms. Belcastro and Ms. Mercier all the best in their new roles at Chicken Alley. Ms. Belcastro must be quite accomplished to have received an offer for the managerial position without an interview!
I’m disappointed CEO Scott Turton felt the need to proclaim their presence is a “breath of fresh air.” I regret the article didn’t respectfully acknowledge the accomplishments Jessica Tartell. She worked hard prior to becoming manager but once she did transition, she transformed the operation for the better and sustained the sense of community we all know and love.(While I’m disappointed in the higher prices, the store improved greatly under her leadership). Staff challenges and reorganization often occurs but in a setting like “Community Services” I expect them to be considerate, respectful of their mission not only in how they treat island residents, but also the staff who serve this island commmunity. I hope Chicken Alley continues to thrive and that both new leaders have experience in retail as a thrift shop is especially demanding and laborious. All the best to everyone and a huge thank you to Jessica Tartell for her years of commitment and passion for our beloved thrift shop!
Totally agree! Thank you Jessica for all your innovations and hard work to hugely increase the income from Chicken Alley for Community Services.
Is Bruce still involved?
Bruce seemed to run the place. Hope he’s still onboard.
No mention of Bruce. Is he still there?
Yes he’s still there
Is Bruce still there? He made dramatic changes that made the Thrift Store a joy to visit. Without him the Thrift Store would not be the inviting and community place that it has become. Please don’t say Bruce is gone. Love the guy!!
I hope this will return to an actual community meeting place,and I hope that they will keep prices affordable for locals and bring back the art show.
It is a real shame the new management chose to replace Jessica. She accomplished so much and was great getting volunteers involved. I worked with her on several occasions picking up donated shelving, painting and installing it in the building. I built the back room where they had all of the Christmas merchandise displayed. She did a lot of research to find out what some of they donations actual value might be. Good luck to the new managers, they have some big shoes to fill.
Hoping they can increase donation times and decrease prices. No need for handwritten price tags!