Governor Maura T. Healey has formally reappointed Sheila King-Goodwin and Jennifer L. Flanagan to the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees. Both trustees, who originally joined the board in 2022, have been appointed to second terms that will run through March 1, 2031.
"Sheila and Jennifer have proven themselves to be dedicated advocates for Fitchburg State and the students we serve," said Fitchburg State Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr. "Their combined experience, expertise, and leadership strengthens our board as we work together to guide the university's future."
A veteran of the financial services sector with 30 years of retail banking experience, King-Goodwin currently serves as the Head of the Northeast Market for Digital Federal Credit Union (DCU).
“I am honored and excited to be reappointed to the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees,” said King-Goodwin. “I firmly believe in the transformative power of the education we provide, the lives we impact, and the dedication of our faculty and staff who are committed to nurturing student growth, fostering development, and preparing the next generation of leaders for the future.”
Her extensive background in executive leadership, strategic planning, and organizational development brings an invaluable corporate perspective to the board's governance, ensuring the university remains forward-thinking and operationally robust. King-Goodwin’s distinguished career includes senior leadership roles at both national and community-based financial institutions throughout Massachusetts, including her previous tenure as Senior Vice President and Chief Community Banking Officer at Fidelity Bank.
Over three decades, she has successfully managed both traditional and in-store branches across diverse urban and rural communities, leading large teams and guiding organizations through periods of rapid innovation. This extensive background gives her a unique insight into building strong organizational cultures and cultivating partnerships—skills that allow her to help Fitchburg State remain nimble and responsive to the evolving needs of its student body.
Equally central to her role as a trustee is King-Goodwin’s unwavering commitment to civic leadership and workforce development. Her dedication to expanding regional opportunity is reflected in her service on numerous nonprofit and community boards, including the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Bankers Diversity Council, and the United Way Women's Initiative. By bridging her corporate acumen with a passion for community empowerment, her continued leadership on the Board of Trustees strengthens Fitchburg State’s ties to vital regional stakeholders and reinforces the university's mission to contribute meaningfully to the social and economic fabric of Central Mass.
University President Donna Hodge praised the reappointment of both trustees.
“Since joining the Board, trustee King-Goodwin has distinguished herself as a thoughtful, engaged, and highly effective advocate for both Fitchburg State University and the broader communities we serve,” Hodge said. “Her extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, community engagement, and organizational development brings an important and valuable perspective to the board's work.”
Hodge cited Flanagan’s commitment to public service that aligns with the university’s mission and values.
As a proud alumna, who earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from the university in 2004, Flanagan pairs her deep appreciation for the student experience with the perspective of an accomplished public servant. This rare combination of institutional knowledge, strategic insight, and dedication ensures she remains a powerful advocate for the students, faculty, and regional communities that the university serves.
"I am grateful to Governor Healey for the opportunity to continue my service on the Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees,” said Flanagan. “As a proud alumna, contributing to the ongoing success of the university that helped shape my career is truly meaningful. I am honored to continue serving our community.”
Her exceptional leadership is rooted in a 13-year tenure in the Massachusetts state legislature, spanning two terms as a state representative for the 4th Worcester District and four terms as state senator for the Worcester and Middlesex District. Throughout her legislative career, she built a reputation as a collaborative policymaker with deep expertise in public finance and community well-being.
Notably, Flanagan served as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and chaired the Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery. Her specialized acumen in public health led to her 2017 appointment by Governor Charlie Baker to serve a four-year term as the inaugural public health commissioner for the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, where she helped successfully establish one of the Commonwealth's most complex new regulatory frameworks.
Flanagan currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Government Relations for the Liberty Square Group, where she continues to champion civic and regional leadership. Her extensive professional network across government, business, healthcare, and the nonprofit sectors—bolstered by her service on prominent boards like the RFK Community Alliance and the Seven Hills Foundation—acts as a vital bridge for Fitchburg State. By strengthening the university's ties to key external partners, her continued service on the Board of Trustees positions Fitchburg State as a primary driver of the social and economic vitality of North Central Massachusetts.
“I have particularly valued trustee Flanagan's ability to balance strategic thinking with a genuine understanding of the students and communities we serve,” said Hodge. “She approaches every discussion with careful preparation, sound judgment, and a strong sense of public responsibility. Her perspective as both a public servant and a Fitchburg State graduate allows her to contribute in ways that are uniquely beneficial to the university's mission and long-term success.
“Throughout her service on the Board of Trustees, trustee Flanagan has contributed meaningfully to board deliberations, institutional planning, and the advancement of the university's strategic priorities,” said Hodge. “She is a thoughtful advocate for public higher education, an engaged steward of the university, and a trusted voice around the board table. Her collaborative approach, leadership experience, and unwavering commitment to student success make her an exceptional trustee.”
The Fitchburg State University Board of Trustees is the governing body responsible for overseeing the institution's strategic direction, fiscal health, and educational mission.
About Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg State University is a public institution dedicated to integrating high-quality professional programs with strong liberal arts and sciences studies.
Founded in 1894, the university now has more than 30 undergraduate programs and 22 master's degree programs, and 6,000 full and part-time students.