Northern Essex Community College is proud to welcome two new staff members to roles within the President’s Office. Jennifer Ball will start on May 12 as the new Chief of Staff. Philip DeCologero will step into the newly created Director of President’s Office Communications and External Affairs role on May 5.

“Jenn and Phil both bring extensive knowledge of local and state government, as well as experience in complex project management and strategic planning,” says NECC President Lane Glenn. “Both will be tremendous assets to the college. We’re thrilled to welcome them to the team.”

Chief of Staff Jennifer Ball

Ball is currently the Assistant Town Manager in Ashland, MA. In that role, she manages cross-departmental projects and advises the Town Manager and elected officials on policy and operations. She’s overseen significant initiatives, including developing and maintaining the Town’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and served on the Executive Committee for Ashland is United, a community group focused on creating an inclusive and accepting community.

“I’m honored and excited for the opportunity to work alongside President Glenn and his dedicated leadership team in an environment focused on creating high-quality education that is accessible to all students,” says Ball. “My experience in state and local government has prepared me to bring a collaborative and strategic approach to my new role, I look forward to using these skills to support the college’s goals and help further create opportunities for student success and community engagement.”

Prior to joining the town of Ashland, Ball worked as an adjunct faculty member for George Washington University’s Master’s in Homeland Security Program. She was also the Chief of Staff at the MA Emergency Management Agency.

Ball holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from UMass Amherst and a Master of Criminal Justice from Northeastern University.

Director of President’s Office Communications and External Affairs Philip DeCologero

DeCologero comes to NECC from the Office of the State Auditor, where he is the Director of Community & External Affairs. He acts as the State Auditor’s chief liaison with municipal officials while overseeing community outreach activities. DeCologero also manages social media and researches and drafts press releases, op-eds, and speeches for Auditor Diana DiZoglio.

Previously, DeCologero spent three years as the Executive Director at the Amesbury Chamber of Commerce. He was also the Chief of Staff for Methuen Mayor Stephen N. Zanni and served on the North Andover Board of Selectmen. Throughout his professional experience and growing up in North Andover, DeCologero says he has a special appreciation for the integral role NECC plays in local communities and beyond.

“You hear people from all types of backgrounds mention NECC as a driver of innovation and creativity. And that extends outside of the realm of higher education, because NECC is involved in so much,” he remarks. “As someone who has been in the trenches in various Merrimack Valley communities, I’m excited to be in a role that can serve them collectively.”

DeCologero has also experienced NECC as a student. As a senior at Merrimack College, he needed an additional class to graduate. Knowing it would likely mean another student loan for him to take it at Merrimack, he took the course at NECC instead, saving time and money.

“NECC contributed to my degree. They were so accommodating.”

DeCologero holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Merrimack College.

DeCologero and Ball join office manager Heather Ringwald, who was hired in January, to complete the President’s Office staff. Current Chief of Staff Cheryl Goodwin will retire at the end of May.