Haverhill, MA (September 22, 2026) — Northern Essex Community College is proud to welcome three new members to the NECC Foundation Board.
Jonathan Machado
Jonathan Machado is a senior vice president and commercial lending manager at Rockland Trust. A board and executive committee member of Lawrence Community Works, Machado has also been actively involved with the Lawrence Partnership and the Lawrence Venture Loan Fund. He has a bachelor’s degree in International Business & Finance from Bryant University and an MBA from Suffolk University.
“I have always been impressed by the school’s commitment to its students and community. As someone who grew up in Lawrence and continues to work in the community, I am excited to work more closely with the organization that leaves a lasting impact on everyone they touch.”
Machado currently lives in Melrose.
Karen Murphy
Karen Murphy is River Run’s Chief Banking Officer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Providence College. Murphy, who lives in Windham, New Hampshire, is also the president of the Windham High School Athletic Boosters and the coordinator of Champions Basketball Club, which serves children with special needs.
“I look forward to a long, collaborative relationship with Northern Essex Community College. I hold a deep respect for the community college system and the transformative impact NECC has on its students and throughout the Merrimack Valley,” she said.
Joseph Pelich is a real estate investor and developer and the president of Cyrus Holding Corporation. Pelich graduated from Merrimack College with a degree in accounting and from Harvard University with a Master’s Degree in Finance.
“I am honored to join the Board because I believe community colleges are among the most important institutions shaping Massachusetts’ future,” said the North Andover resident. “My decision to serve on this Board is rooted in the belief that investing our time, expertise, and resources in community colleges is an investment in our shared future. Supporting these institutions is not only the right thing to do for students and communities—it is in the best interest of employers, industries, and the long-term economic strength and competitiveness of Massachusetts.”
Pelich also serves as the president of the Ridgewood Cemetery Board of Trustees and has previously been a member of the Merrimack Valley YMCA Board of Managers.
The NECC Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that supports the college and its students. Incorporated in 1972, the Foundation assists NECC by connecting with the business community, foundations, and other potential revenue sources. It additionally hosts fundraisers and special events.
Funds raised are used for student scholarships, equipment purchases, program revitalization efforts, faculty and staff development, and other needs as they arise and as approved by the Foundation Board of Directors. Board members are appointed to multi-year terms.
For more information about the NECC Foundation, Inc. or giving to NECC, contact Allison Dolan-Wilson, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of NECC Foundation, Inc., at 978-556-3624 or adolanwilson@necc.mass.edu.
