Stoughton Recreation Director Awarded State Honor

STOUGHTON, MA — Matthew Cauchon, the recreation and youth commission director for Stoughton, was named the "2021 New Professional of the Year" by the Massachusetts Recreation and Park Association.

The organization gives out the award to recognize a person who have shown outstanding service in both the community and in the association. Town Manager Robin Grimm said Cauchon was invited to a virtual ceremony and will receive the award later this month.

Cauchon was promoted to recreation director after serving for several months as an interim director when former Director Tim Davis left the position. Grimm said Cauchon proved himself more than capable of stepping into the role permanently.

She said he led his department through major changes with the creation of a recreation center in a town-owned building.

"Matt took the opportunity to have a large space and ran with it!” Grimm said noting Cauchon efforts despite working through the coronavirus pandemic. "Instead of shutting down, Matt and his team ramped it up! He worked collaboratively with other department to ensure that the people of Stoughton — particularly our children — had some outlets during some horribly challenging social/psychological times."

Additionally, through a restructuring of town government, Cauchon took on the added responsibility of overseeing the Youth Commission since early 2020, Grimm said. The Recreation Department/Youth Commission are part of a newly established Human Services division overseen by Executive Director Janiece Bruce.

"I am fortunate to have a tremendous team in Stoughton, and Matt illustrates the concept of ‘team player’ and always upholds the team mission of putting the people of Stoughton first," Grimm said. "I am excited to watch Matt grow as a professional. A great future lies ahead for him."