The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts proudly announces the appointment of two distinguished leaders, Dr. Donna Hodge and Kevin Johnston, to its Board of Trustees.
Their combined expertise in higher education, public service, civic engagement, and community advocacy will strengthen the Foundation’s mission to improve the quality of life across the region.
Dr. Donna Hodge
Dr. Donna Hodge serves as the 12th President of Fitchburg State University—and the first woman to lead the institution in its 132-year history. A first-generation college graduate, Dr. Hodge brings more than two decades of higher education leadership and a deep commitment to access, equity, and student success.
Since stepping into the presidency, Dr. Hodge has advanced a bold and transformative agenda for the university and the region. In 2025, she launched the Fitchburg Promise, guaranteeing free tuition and fees for Fitchburg residents graduating from local high schools in good academic standing. She has championed expanded leadership development opportunities, strengthened support for military- and veteran-connected learners, and accelerated initiatives that enhance housing and campus vitality.
Beyond campus, Dr. Hodge plays an active role in the region’s civic and cultural life. She serves on the boards of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce and the Fitchburg Art Museum. Nationally, she is a member of the Presidents for Latino Student Success Network, contributing to Hispanic-Serving Institution strategies nationwide.
Dr. Hodge holds a Ph.D. in Rhetoric, master’s degrees in English and Women’s Studies, and executive certificates from MIT and Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Her presidency is marked by momentum, stability, and a commitment to transforming Fitchburg State into a model for public higher education that is locally anchored, nationally recognized, and globally engaged.
Kevin Johnston
Kevin Johnston brings more than four decades of public finance, local government leadership, and deep community involvement to the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Over his 42-year professional career, Johnston served in federal and local government finance and administration, earning a reputation for integrity, fiscal stewardship, and public-sector expertise.
Equally notable is his long record of volunteerism and service. For 44 years, Johnston has officiated youth, scholastic, and collegiate athletics, and he has dedicated his time to numerous organizations, including:
- Massachusetts Special Olympics
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- St. Bernard’s High School PTO (Board Member and President)
- Shirley Meetinghouse (Board Member and President)
- Shirley Charitable Foundation (Administrator, Board Member, and Treasurer)
- Town of Shirley 250th Anniversary Committee (Committee Member and Parade Chairman)
He has also served with the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board #44, Saint Anthony of Padua Church, the Longsjo Classic Bicycle Race, the Shirley Council on Aging, and the United States Golf Association.
Johnston lives in Shirley with his wife, Susan. They have three adult daughters and three grandchildren.
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is a charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life throughout the region. Through the generosity and engagement of fundholders and donors, the Foundation supports community-based initiatives that address social, educational, environmental, and economic challenges.
For more information about the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts and its programs, please visit www.cfnm.org
—- COURTESY OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS