Barnstable County Commissioners Announce Shareen Davis as ‘Woman of the Year’, Pay Tribute to Regional Transit Authority and Advance Youth Initiatives

Published on: May 13, 2026

May 13, 2026 (Barnstable, MA) – During its regular meeting today, the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners recognized the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority for its response during the February 2026 blizzard, announced the 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year recipient, declared May 19 as Benjamin Franklin Baker Day in Barnstable County, reviewed youth behavioral health initiatives, discussed the County’s financial outlook and PFAS infrastructure investments.

Shareen Davis Named 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year

Members of the Mercy Otis Warren Cape Cod Woman of the Year Committee, including original founding member Alice George, committee member and former Barnstable County Commissioner and Treasurer Mary LeClair, and committee member Sonja Sheasley, appeared before the Board to announce the 2026 Mercy Otis Warren Woman of the Year Award recipient. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the annual award.

The committee announced Shareen Davis as the 2026 honoree. A thirteenth-generation Cape Codder, Davis was recognized for her leadership in public service, environmental stewardship, sustainable fisheries advocacy, and community preservation.

A commercial weir fisher and founding member of the Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, Davis has worked to support Cape Cod’s fishing industry while advocating for affordable housing, working waterfronts, and strong year-round communities.

During the meeting, the Commissioners also issued a Citation of Recognition honoring Davis for her service in public leadership.

The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the historic 1717 Meetinghouse in West Barnstable.

Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority Receives Citation for Emergency Response and Transportation Services During Blizzard of 2026

The Board issued a Citation of Appreciation to the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority for exemplary service and extraordinary dedication to residents during the February 2026 blizzard.

Commissioners praised the agency’s coordination with regional emergency management partners, including transporting residents and pets to warming shelters, assisting with food delivery efforts, and supporting vulnerable populations during severe weather conditions.

CCRTA officials also discussed ongoing transportation initiatives, including fare-free fixed route service across all 15 Cape Cod towns, continued CapeFLYER rail operations, and plans for expanded transportation access for Cape veterans traveling to VA medical services in Providence.

Commissioners Declare Benjamin Franklin Baker Day in Barnstable County

The Commissioners officially declared May 19, 2026 as Benjamin Franklin Baker Day in Barnstable County and issued a Citation in honor of Dennisport native Benjamin Franklin Baker, Cape Cod’s only Medal of Honor recipient.

Baker received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Spanish-American War cable-cutting mission at Cienfuegos, Cuba in 1898. Representatives from the Baker-Xiarhos AMVETS Post 333 joined the Commissioners to discuss ongoing efforts to preserve and share Baker’s story and legacy with future generations.

A public community celebration honoring Baker is planned for Saturday, May 30, at the West Dennis Graded Schoolhouse Maritime Museum.

Addressing Youth Isolation and Connection on Cape Cod

The Barnstable County Department of Human Services presented an update on its “Youth Connecting Spaces” initiative, a regional effort focused on reducing youth isolation and improving opportunities for social connection and emotional well-being across Cape Cod.

Deputy Director Mandi Speakman and Children’s Behavioral Health Consultant Barbara Dominik discussed findings from the County’s Children’s Behavioral Health Regional Baseline Needs Assessment, which identified increasing youth mental health challenges, provider shortages, transportation barriers, and limited social and recreational opportunities outside of school settings.

As part of the initiative, organizers conducted a youth survey that received 757 responses with a 100 percent completion rate. Survey findings showed many young people are seeking informal, welcoming spaces to gather with peers, while also identifying safety concerns, transportation limitations, and social isolation as barriers to participation.

Dominik emphasized the developmental importance of connection during adolescence and discussed the growing need for accessible gathering spaces where young people can safely interact with peers and trusted adults.

“Connection is prevention,” Dominik said, emphasizing the importance of creating supportive spaces for youth.

Commissioners stated that the initiative is intended to support local conversations, partnerships, and community-based solutions rather than create a single county-run facility.

County Financial Outlook and Environmental Infrastructure Investments

Finance Director Carol Coppola presented Barnstable County’s Fiscal Year 2026 Third Quarter Financial Report, providing an overview of County revenues, expenditures, capital activity, and ongoing environmental infrastructure investments as of March 31, 2026.

According to the report, Barnstable County currently manages approximately $85.7 million across 100 operating, grant, capital, enterprise, and stabilization funds. County revenues through the third quarter exceeded the prior fiscal year by approximately $485,000, with Registry of Deeds revenue continuing to perform ahead of FY2025 levels.

The presentation also highlighted ongoing PFAS mitigation and remediation efforts supported by more than $30 million in combined federal, state, local, and borrowing sources dedicated to environmental cleanup and infrastructure projects across Barnstable County.

Commissioners discussed broader fiscal pressures facing municipalities and regional governments, including rising operational costs and uncertainty surrounding future state and federal funding.

The Board additionally approved the Fiscal Year 2027 Barnstable County Operating Budget, related FY2026 budget transfers, and continued septic loan funding programs supporting residential septic repairs, sewer connections, and innovative wastewater system upgrades in participating towns.

Watch Replay of Today’s Meeting

Residents can watch today’s meeting on the County’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/@BarnstableCountyVideo

About Barnstable County: Barnstable County provides regional services, programs, and leadership to the fifteen towns of Cape Cod. Through collaboration and innovation, the County works to address shared challenges and improve the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors across the region. Learn more at  www.capecod.gov. 

Media Contact: Sonja Sheasley, Communications Manager  (508) 375-6896 | sonja.sheasley@capecod.gov

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