Michael McCarthy receives humanitarian service award, Allison Gagne appointed to national board, and Kathleen Teixeira participates in leadership academy
Haverhill, MA (October 23, 2026) — Three Northern Essex Community College employees are being recognized for their leadership, professional development, and commitment to community service through Community College Business Officers (CCBO), a national organization dedicated to advancing excellence in community college operations and administration.
Michael McCarthy, NECC’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Operating Officer, received CCBO’s 2026 Bob Hassmiller Award for Humanitarian Service. McCarthy was also named President-Elect of the organization’s Board of Directors. Allison Gagne, NECC’s Director of Auxiliary Services, was selected to serve a three-year term on the CCBO Board of Directors, while Kathleen Teixeira, Project and Executive Operations Manager, completed the organization’s Leadership Academy.
McCarthy Honored for Humanitarian Service
The Bob Hassmiller Award for Humanitarian Service recognizes an individual who exemplifies an exceptional commitment to serving others. Recipients demonstrate the core principles of humanitarianism, including respect for others, collaboration, inclusiveness, and a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities.
McCarthy was nominated by NECC President Dr. Lane A. Glenn, who highlighted McCarthy’s leadership in creating opportunities for students, employees, and underserved populations throughout the Merrimack Valley.
Among the initiatives cited in McCarthy’s nomination was his work building NECC’s partnership with Opportunity Works, an organization supporting adults with disabilities. Through the partnership, Project SEARCH provides participants with internships in departments across NECC’s campuses, including opportunities at the college’s Perfect Blend café, helping individuals develop practical job skills and prepare for meaningful employment.
McCarthy also played an instrumental role in strengthening NECC’s partnership with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, expanding educational opportunities for individuals involved in the county’s correctional system. The initiative demonstrates how community colleges can contribute to rehabilitation, economic mobility, and stronger communities.
His work has also extended to NECC Athletics, where he has helped support a program emphasizing both competitive achievement and academic success, creating opportunities for student-athletes to continue their education at four-year institutions.
Additional letters supporting McCarthy’s nomination highlighted his role in strengthening the partnership between NECC and the Municipal Police Training Committee, including efforts that enabled police academy training to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic and expanded training in accountability and intervention.
“Mike never loses sight of the human impact of the decisions we make here at NECC,” wrote Glenn in his nomination letter.
Glenn also praised McCarthy’s commitment to mentorship, community partnerships, and finding innovative ways to ensure that the college’s resources are used to improve lives.
Gagne Appointed to National Board
Gagne was selected in September to serve on CCBO’s Board of Directors as the representative for Region 8, encompassing New England, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania.
Her three-year term begins in January 2027.
Gagne’s appointment builds upon her previous recognition by CCBO. In 2023, she received the organization’s Emerging Professional Award, which recognizes individuals demonstrating strong potential for leadership in higher education business, finance, and administration.
“I’m looking forward to connecting with other community colleges and sharing strategies as we strive to deliver the best possible experience for our students,” said Gagne.
As a regional representative, Gagne will help advance CCBO’s mission of professional development, collaboration, and sharing effective practices among community college business officers nationwide.
Teixeira Participates in National Leadership Academy
Teixeira participated in CCBO’s Leadership Academy, a professional development program designed to prepare current and aspiring community college business officers for greater leadership responsibilities.
The two-year program is taught by experienced community college business officers from across the country and focuses on developing leadership skills, sharing effective practices, and addressing the evolving challenges facing community colleges.
“This was such a unique opportunity to learn from and connect with leaders from community colleges across the country,” said Teixeira. ” I walked away with new perspectives on leadership, greater confidence in myself, and valuable connections that I can bring back to my work at NECC.”
Teixeira has worked closely with McCarthy since 2021, supporting projects and initiatives within the college’s Administration and Finance division.
Together, the three employees’ accomplishments reflect Northern Essex’s commitment to developing leaders who understand that effective college operations go beyond budgets and facilities to support student success, strengthen community partnerships, and expand opportunities for the people and communities the college serves.
“All three of these individuals represent the best that NECC has to offer,” said Glenn. “Their accomplishments reflect the standard that NECC brings to our work every day, and their continued involvement allows them to bring even more innovative approaches back to the Merrimack Valley.”
About CCBO
Community College Business Officers (CCBO) is a national organization dedicated to professional development, collaboration, and innovation among community college operations and administrative services professionals. An affiliated council of the American Association of Community Colleges, CCBO provides continuing education, professional networking, and leadership development through its Leadership Academy, annual conference, webinars, and regional programming.
For more information, visit www.ccbo.org.
