BFIT - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Trustee
- Chairman of Governance & Strategy Committee
- Managing Director at Koya Partners
Andrew Tarsy is Managing Director at Koya Partners | Diversified Search Group. He formerly led Emblem Strategic LLC, a coaching and consulting firm working with clients on social impact and business advantage and was also a partner in Conscious Customers LLC, which focuses on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in business. He teaches as an adjunct faculty member at Boston University's Questrom School of Business.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Artists for Humanity 's Executive Director
As Artists For Humanity's Executive Director, Anna Yu brings over 20 years of business and nonprofit management experience to achieve growth, through a unique combination of strategic planning and operational excellence.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emerita
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emeritus ( in Memoriam )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
Caroline Fay is the former Co-Founder and Board Chair of skills-based hiring platform Skillist, which she recently sold to the national nonprofit Opportunity@Work. A Boston-are native who now resides in New York City, she is currently on the Product Marketing team for the HR tech company Lattice.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
- Acquisition Program Manager for the US Air Force
Chenita Daughtry is Acquisition Program Manager for the US Air Force. She is a senior-level, PMI-certified IT project manager with over 20 years of experience in the areas of project management, quality assurance, process improvement, implementation management, and software engineering.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emeritus
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Officers Team
- Treasurer
- Chairman of Finance, Audit & Investment Committee
Claire Wadlington has extensive experience with management of startup ventures and venture capital funds. As Managing Director at 1414 Ventures, she backs pre-seed and seed stage founders focused on creating innovative digital identity solutions.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- Chief Campaign Officer
- Finance, Audit & Investment
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
- Founder of Gold Hill Capital
David Fischer is the Founder of Gold Hill Capital, a venture capital fund that raised $350 million from institutional investors. He leverages his substantial venture capital business experience into meaningful volunteer experiences, including service on nonprofit boards.
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief of Staff
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Officers Team
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- President
- President & CEO of Franklin Cummings Tech
- Trustee ( Ex - Officio )
Aisha Francis, PhD, became the first female President in the more than 100-year history of Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology in July 2021. Previously the college's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Francis oversees the day-to-day operations of the college and plays a critical role in advancing its mission.
Dr. Francis is an award-winning nonprofit leader and educator with broad experience in strategic planning, philanthropy, board relations, marketing, and communications. She believes in the ability of effective organizations and well-supported individuals to transform underserved communities for the better, which is her life's work. She enjoys serving as a strategist and implementing dynamic new programs at best-in-class organizations that improve access to and equity of educational and economic opportunities.
In her previous role as the college's Chief of Staff, Dr. Francis built the college's network of supporters through external and government relations and oversaw selected aspects of administrative operations. Prior to joining the college, she served as the Managing Director of Development for Harvard Medical School, raising funds to support medical student scholarships as well as diversity and inclusion programs. She previously spearheaded marketing and fundraising for Economic Mobility Pathways and held leadership positions at the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation and Boston Medical Center.
Her background is in academia and she began her career as a college educator of English Literature and Women's Studies. Dr. Francis has published original scholarship in these areas of study and pens opinion pieces and offers commentary on matters relevant to higher education.
Recognized by the Boston Business Journal as a 40 Under 40 leader to watch and by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce with a 2023 Pinnacle Award, Dr. Francis contributes to the civic health of Boston through volunteer work and advocacy. In 2021, Dr. Francis was appointed to the board of directors at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the state agency dedicated to the growth of the clean energy sector in MA, and to the board of directors for Boston public radio station WBUR. She is currently an independent director of Sunwealth and serves on the Advisory Boards of the Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM) and New England Women in Energy (NEWIE).
Dr. Francis resides in Hyde Park with her husband and two young children. Originally from Nashville, TN, she completed her undergraduate education at Fisk University, then earned a masters and doctorate in English Literature from Vanderbilt University.
As President & CEO of Franklin Cummings Tech, Aisha Francis oversees the day-to-day operations of the college, management of the senior leadership team, and plays a critical role in advancing the mission of the college.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
Dr. Chris Jones is an author, entrepreneur, strategist, and educator. With graduate degrees in nuclear engineering and urban planning, and 20 years of experience in energy, infrastructure, community development, and business, he has used his background to advance innovation and entrepreneurship.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- Dean of Academic Affairs
Ekumene "E" Lysonge is General Counsel of Nerd Wallet. His professional experience as a corporate generalist spans multiple subject matters, including, but not limited to, corporate governance, securities, data privacy, technology and intellectual property, regulatory and government affairs, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, and property management.
Job Titles:
- FSW Director of Student Wellness and Support
Emma Michalowski began working at the college in August 2019 after graduating with her Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University. In May 2023, she became a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). As the Director of Student Wellness and Support, Emma helps students overcome challenges they face outside the classroom that could get in the way of their academic success. This includes housing instability, mental wellness, transportation challenges, food access, and more. She accomplishes this by connecting students with the on-campus programs she manages, as well as community-based partners and resources. Emma wants all students to know they do not need to face their challenges alone. If you want support, reach out. She will be happy to work with you to find the best path forward.
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- Co - Founder of AdeptID
Fernando Rodriguez-Villa is Co-Founder of AdeptID, a social impact venture that uses machine learning to identify transferable skills in the workforce without college degrees. He is particularly drawn to opportunities with large data sets related to complex social/economic challenges.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- Dean of Students
Jackie Cornog has been with the college since 2002. She served for many years as a faculty member in Humanities and Social Sciences as Professor and department chair. Since 2009 Jackie served in the role of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs before taking the position of Dean of Students in 2016. Jackie has coordinated several NEASC efforts at BFIT, including chairing the Steering Committee and the mission and academic standards. She has presented at regional and national conferences on such topics as retention, project-based learning, service-learning, and the teaching of writing. Jackie holds a Master of Arts in English with a concentration in Composition and Creative Writing from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. She also coordinated the work of the Center for Innovative Teaching.
Jill Sands came to the college from a vocational high school teaching position where she focused on making sure all students felt successful in the classroom. Prior to her teaching experience, Jill focused on providing community-based services for the Department of Children and Families, Lynn Public Schools, as well as other state services. She worked with at risk youth and people with disabilities as a Career Resource Specialist, helping individuals obtain and retain employment. Jill earned her Master of Education from Framingham State University and her Bachelor of Arts from Saint Anselm College.
Jill currently advises the following programs:
Opticianry
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
John F. Donohue co-founded Arbella Insurance Group in 1988. Since then, he has served as chairman, president, and Chief Executive Officer of the company. Throughout his career, he has worked to address many of the complex challenges facing our communities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- Chief Financial Officer / Dean of Finance & Operations
- Governance & Strategy
Job Titles:
- Chief Strategy Officer
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Co - Vice Chair
Marisa Meldonian has spent much of her career focused on community health programs and pathways for economic mobility both in Boston and abroad. She currently serves as Associate Director of The Shah Family Foundation and was previously Chief Operating Officer of the Lewis Family Foundation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
- Associate Dean of Boston University
Mary Churchill is Associate Dean of Boston University's Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. She is an experienced and passionate leader with a strong commitment to social justice who has served in senior level roles within a range of public and private academic institutions and municipal government.
Job Titles:
- Clerk
- Independent Consultant
- Member of the Officers Team
Maureen Pompeo is an Independent Consultant who specializes in large-scale planning efforts for health and human services organizations, including strategy, government relations, and implementation.
Job Titles:
- Director of Career Services & Leadership Programming
Michael Felix joined the college in August 2017. He works closely with students, advisors, and faculty to connect students with career and leadership opportunities. Michael worked formerly at Boston College, where he earned a Master of Arts in Higher Education and served the college in many capacities, including as the Residential Coordinator for the Thea Bowman AHANA & Intercultural Center in their Options Through Education Summer Program, as the Program Coordinator for the Center for Student Formation, and as the Graduate Assistant for Diversity & Outreach.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Performance and Accountability Council Team
- Chief Innovation Officer / Interim Dean of Admissions
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee
Job Titles:
- Mayor
- Trustee ( Ex - Officio )
Michelle Wu become the first woman and first person of color to be elected Mayor of Boston in 2021. She previously served as President of the Boston City Council and got her start at City Hall in the administration of Mayor Thomas Menino.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships
Job Titles:
- Trustee
- President of Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting Inc
Paul Macrina is President of Paul Macrina Electrical Contracting Inc., a full-service electrical contracting firm providing electrical design, specifications, and installation for residential and commercial customers. He earned his Associate Degree in Automotive Engineering Technology from BFIT.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
- Director / East for U.S. Government Relations
Rachel Kaprielian is Director/East for U.S. Government Relations and Public Policy for McDonald's Corporation where she leads state and local Government Relations and Policy for the Eastern United States, with a more direct focus on New England. She came to the corporate sector after a distinguished career in senior leadership roles in federal, state, and municipal government.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Co - Vice Chair
Rahkeem Morris held 13 hourly jobs in the course of a decade, all while earning his high school degree through night courses. While earning his Harvard MBA, he co-founded HourWork, which delivers innovative recruitment and retention solutions to help some of the most well-known companies in the world connect with, hire, and retain hourly talent.
Rahul Yarala has more than 20 years of expertise managing complex technology programs and is currently Executive Director of the Wind Testing Center at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, one of the world's largest wind turbine blade testing facilities.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emerita
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
Rodger Brown has 30 years of experience producing affordable housing and is currently Managing Director of POAH (Preservation of Affordable Housing), a real estate development firm focused on preserving, creating, and sustaining affordable homes that support economic security, racial equity, and access to opportunity for all.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Officers Team
- Trustee
- President of the Berman Company
Roger Berman is President of The Berman Company, a real estate management and development company based on Boston's Leather District. The company's core business philosophy is to treat each tenant, broker, trader, investor, and professional with honesty, compassion, and respect.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emeritus / Gilbane Building Co.
Sarah advises students in the following programs:
Computer Information Technology
Cybersecurity
Network and Systems Support
Software Development
Health Information Technology AS/BS
Data Analytics
Public Health
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Literacy
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean of Student Success
Shawn Ayala came to the college from KIPP Massachusetts in Lynn where he served as a Personalized Pathways Counselor. Prior to his work at KIPP, Shawn was a guidance intern at the Curley K-8 School in Jamaica Plain, an Educational Assistant/Academic Advisor at the John Glenn Middle School in Bedford, MA and was a teacher through the Teach for America program in Houston, TX. Shawn earned his Master of Education in School Counseling from Cambridge College and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Bryant University. Shawn also holds a Texas Educator Certificate.
Shawn advises students in the following program:
Automotive Technology - Certificate and Associate Degree
Sophia Ryan came to the college after years of work with educational and human service based institutions. She was born and raised in Massachusetts and earned her Bachelors at Lesley University in Cambridge. As a Student Success Coach she works closely with students, faculty, and campus resources to advise and support students on their path to success.
Sophia advises students in the following programs:
CAD with SolidWorks
CNC Machining
Construction Management
Electrical Engineering
Industrial Electronics Technology
Engineering Technology
Manufacturing and Automation
Mechatronics Technology
Renewable Energy Technology
Practical Electricity
Stetson Marshall is an educator, entrepreneur, and President and CEO of Comprehensive Consulting Group LLC, a management consulting firm with core capabilities in risk advisory and program management. His passion for compliance and risk management is mirrored by his passion for education, sense of community, and affinity for giving back.
Job Titles:
- Mayor
- Chief of Worker Empowerment
Trinh Nguyen is Chief of Worker Empowerment for the City of Boston. She oversees the newly created Cabinet for Worker Empowerment, which will play a major role in creating green jobs with livable wages, good benefits, and strong worker protections across the city.
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Officers Team
- Officer at Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
Turahn Dorsey is Chief Impact Officer at Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, where he plays a key leadership role in advancing the Foundation's approaches to economic mobility and inclusion, as well as guide efforts in measurement, evaluation and learning. He also consults independently on issues related to economic inclusion and racial justice in Boston.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Emeriti
- Trustee Emeritus ( in Memoriam )