Joe Byrne ‘14 appointed to university's Board of Trustees

Fitchburg State University is pleased to announce that Governor Maura T. Healey has formally appointed Joe Byrne to the university’s Board of Trustees. Byrne’s term of service commences effective immediately, bringing a wealth of expertise to the university’s governing body.

“The Board of Trustees is honored to welcome Joe Byrne, whose distinguished record of service embodies the values we hold dear," said Board Chairman Michael Fiorentino Jr. "His perspective, leadership, and commitment to our students and community will be invaluable.”

Fitchburg State President Dr. Donna Hodge welcomed the appointment, noting that Mr. Byrne’s vast experience represents a transformative addition to the university’s leadership.

“The appointment of Joe Byrne to our Board of Trustees is a moment of profound significance for Fitchburg State University,” said Hodge. “Joe’s life has been defined by an extraordinary commitment to service—from his decorated career as a Green Beret to his tireless advocacy within the Fitchburg community. He brings a unique perspective that bridges the gap between civic leadership and the lived experience of our students. We are honored to welcome a leader of his caliber to the Board as we continue to advance the university’s mission and deepen our roots within the Commonwealth."

Byrne ‘14 returns to his alma mater as a Fitchburg State double Falcon, holding a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. He pairs decades of proven leadership with a genuine commitment to the community and the future of higher education.

“I’m tickled to death to be here,” said Byrne. “I think that we have all the right cogs in proper order. We’ve got a great president, we’ve got a great facility, we’ve got the whole staff and everything seems to be working towards a goal of making everything better. I think that helping to contribute to that would be the epitome of being on the Board of Trustees.”

A respected member of the business community, Byrne is the retired President and CEO of Byrne Insurance Agencies, Inc., where he provided years of dedicated leadership and expertise.

A native of Bricktown, N.J., Byrne’s commitment to public service was shaped early in life, watching his father serve two terms as mayor. Though his academic journey began shortly after high school, it was interrupted by a higher calling: service in the Vietnam War. This marked the beginning of a distinguished 22-year career in the United States Army, during which Mr. Byrne served with elite units as a paratrooper, Army Ranger, and member of the special forces.

Following a highly decorated military career—including the receipt of the Purple Heart for his sacrifices in the line of duty—Byrne retired in 1985 and chose Fitchburg as his home. Since his transition to civilian life, he remained a tireless advocate for his community and a lifelong learner.

Beyond his military accolades as a Green Beret, Byrne built a multi-faceted professional and civic portfolio. His experience spans the private and public sectors, having served as a military recruiter, a successful insurance agent, and a dedicated parent.

His deep ties to the local community were evidenced by his leadership roles, where he contributed his governance expertise to the Fitchburg Zoning Board of Appeals and represented regional interests on the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee.

The upcoming Board of Trustees meeting on Thursday, January 29 will mark a significant moment of transition for the university as the Board welcomes Byrne to his first official session. A centerpiece of this meeting will be a tribute to Carolyn Crowley Stimpson, commemorating the conclusion of her landmark tenure. Having dedicated more than a full decade to the university’s mission, Crowley Stimpson’s departure marks the end of an era defined by unwavering commitment and visionary guidance. The Board will celebrate her 10-plus years of distinguished leadership, reflecting on a legacy that has fundamentally shaped the university’s trajectory and left a profound, lasting impact on the community she so faithfully served.

A prominent leader in the Massachusetts business community, Crowley Stimpson serves as co-owner and board member of Polar Beverages Company in Worcester, co-owner and vice president of Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, and president of MTNside Ski and Ride. She and her husband, John, live in Princeton. 

"Carolyn has been a cornerstone of our Board, bringing an unmatched entrepreneurial spirit to her governance," said President Hodge. "We are profoundly grateful for her decade of advocacy and for the enduring legacy she has established here."