James Ahern serves as managing partner and head of capital markets for health care investment bank Laidlaw and Company. He has helped grow Laidlaw’s market share significantly since joining the firm in 2010. James “Jimmy” Ahern also likes to stay active in his local community, and engages with charitable organizations such as the Northfield Mount Hermon Basketball Alumni Council for Excellence and the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay.
Founded in 1949, the nonprofit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay functions as a regional branch of the Big Brother Big Sisters Foundation. The organization focuses on the provision of positive adult mentoring services to children and teenagers, and has provided mentoring services to nearly 2,500 youth since its founding. Adult volunteers known as Bigs, who offer their mentoring services, receive professional support and guidance from the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization.
The benefits of adult mentoring are numerous. Studies have indicated that mentoring has positive effects on self-esteem and confidence, and correlates to an increase in school attendance and academic achievement. In addition, children with an adult mentor are less likely to fall under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and develop an increased trust in adults.
