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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – As the Commonwealth heads into one of its busiest political years in recent memory, Salem State University is proud to present its newly expanded Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board—a group of civic-minded elected and community leaders charged with helping the Institute keep its programming timely, relevant, and aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of society.
The board will play a central role in the Berry Institute of Politics’ strategic direction, student engagement priorities, and experiential learning opportunities going into the 2026 election year. Next year’s political calendar includes not only high-energy midterm elections, but also a potential wave of close to a dozen ballot initiatives for Massachusetts voters to settle.
“Students are eager for tangible, meaningful, and accessible pathways into public life, and the Berry Institute of Politics is here to meet that moment,” said Hannah Levine, assistant director of the Institute of Politics. “Our Advisory Board brings invaluable perspectives and leadership that guides our impactful programming and connects students to public service.”
Established in 2019, the Berry Institute of Politics has quickly become a statewide convener for democratic engagement. Its non-partisan programming ranges from debates and candidate forums to nationally recognized voter engagement initiatives. The institute regularly hosts policymakers, journalists, strategists, and advocates who shape public policy in Massachusetts and beyond. The IOP also supports students with career interests in politics and awards public service scholarships.
The IOP is named after Frederick E. Berry, a long-time political leader, champion for civic engagement and state senator representing the Second Essex District, which includes Salem State. The IOP’s programming is led by Levine and Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for Civic Engagement and Academic Strategic Support, in partnership with the Advisory Board.
University President John Keenan said the structure and breadth of the Advisory Board reflects the institute’s commitment to bringing students into authentic political spaces.
“The Berry IOP has become one of the university’s strongest engines for student engagement and civic leadership, and this Advisory Board strengthens that work at exactly the right time,” Keenan said. “These leaders help us keep a finger on the pulse of what the Commonwealth needs. Their insight ensures our students are not just learning about politics—they are participating in it, shaping it, and preparing to lead it.”
The 22-member board includes:
- State and municipal elected officials representing Salem and the broader region;
- Alumni working in government and public affairs;
- Former fellows of the Institute of Politics;
- Leaders from both the private and public sector; and
- Legacy members connected to the late Sen. Berry’s long civic influence.
Many of these members have engaged in IOP programs for years—serving on panels, guiding students through career pathways, or helping host candidate forums. Their formal role on the Advisory Board positions them as strategic partners in shaping the institute’s next chapter.
The board is co-led by two Boston-area experts in the civic engagement world: Vic DiGravio, president and CEO of Riverside Community Care, and Colleen McGlynn Moody, executive vice president of Womble Bond Dickson Government & Public Affairs.
“We are beyond excited to welcome the newest members of the Berry IOP Advisory Board,” said DiGravio. “Each brings an important perspective and expertise to our deliberations and most importantly, a true commitment to the work of the IOP, which is driven by Fred Berry's defining example of public service,” added McGlynn Moody.
Statements From Members
State Rep. Manny Cruz, 7th Essex District: “It is a tremendous privilege to have had my leadership journey shaped by my experience at Salem State University and to see the legacy of service continue with Berry Institute of Politics. I am excited to welcome my new colleagues on to the advisory board and thrilled to be working alongside the staff to continue to support the next generation of civil leaders in our Commonwealth. Salem State University is a vital partner in strengthening the health of our democracy, and the Berry Institute of Politics is the engine for cultivating the type of intergenerational leadership we need to solve our Commonwealth’s most pressing challenges.”
Denise Deschamps, friend of former Sen. Frederick Berry: “I was thrilled and honored to be invited to serve on the Berry IOP Advisory Board. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the life-altering potential of public policy and governance—how thoughtfully crafted policy and skillful leadership can improve lives now and for generations to come. My career has focused on affordable housing, economic development, and workforce development, and I’ve seen how policy choices translate into real-world impact. Over the last six years, the Institute of Politics has quietly—and yet very effectively—made a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of students, and I’m thrilled to be part of providing opportunities for students to actively engage in a thriving democracy.”
Al DiVirgilio ’64 ’66G, former mayor, City of Lynn: “We need young people to become more knowledgeable and more involved and invested in government, and the Berry Institute helps to fill a vacuum that the Kennedy School overlooks for students who are not as fortunate to go to Harvard, but just as important as them!”
Angel Donahue-Rodriguez ’12, assistant general manager for external affairs, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority: “Being part of the Berry IOP is an incredible honor. I look forward to working with my fellow board members to help students and members of the community show how important it is to be civically involved.”
State Rep. Jessica Giannino ’14, 16th Suffolk District: “Salem State shaped my path, and I’m honored to give back by serving on the Advisory Board of the Berry Institute of Politics. This work is vital to strengthening our institution and expanding opportunities for the next generation of public leaders. As a proud Viking and longtime advocate of our state universities, I’m excited to help elevate the voices of students who will drive Massachusetts forward.”
Tomás Gonzalez, political advocate and small business owner, and Spring 2024 IOP Fellow: “I am truly honored to serve as an advisory board member for the Berry IOP, and to be able to contribute at a time when civic leadership and public trust are more important than ever before. My experience working in government, advocacy, and community informs how I approach the board member role, and I am excited to support the Berry IOP’s continued growth as the state’s premiere university hub for civic leadership and public service.”
Alison King, award-winning political journalist, and Spring 2024 IOP Fellow: “Having served as a 2024 Spring Fellow at the Institute of Politics at Salem State University, it is a privilege to be a part of the IOP board. I have enjoyed sharing what I’ve learned about politics from my 35 years as a journalist with the Salem State students, and I’m now eager to contribute my insights, contacts, and knowledge with the board. I am especially excited to promote the mission of the IOP as it works to enforce a healthy democracy and inspire public service.”
State Sen. Joan Lovely ’06, 2nd Essex District: “It is an honor to serve on the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board and continue the long legacy of service Sen. Berry has left on the Second Essex district and across the Commonwealth. As a Salem State alumnus, I am proud of the work this Institute has done to be at the forefront of delivering high-quality education and enrichment experiences for the leaders of tomorrow, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside my fellow board members to ensure students are prepared and excited to be involved in civic service.”
Therese Murray, former state Senate president and senator to the Plymouth and Barnstable District, and president and CEO of MassIgnite: “Sen. Fred Berry was an amazing person that I had the privilege of working with for most of my time in the Senate. His vision for the Institute at Salem State University was something he spoke about many times. When you look at his accomplishments over his entire life and career, you are astounded! A man born with great intellect but physically differently advantaged, he was underrated by many. He was an outstanding senator for his district and for those all over the Commonwealth who are differently advantaged. I’m proud to be able to serve on the advisory board and am excited about the past and future fellows that will serve.”
Salem Mayor Dominick Pangallo: “Salem State University is such a vital part of the Salem community, and it’s my honor to serve on the University’s Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board. I appreciate the opportunity to bring my perspective as mayor of Salem to the IOP’s work and the overall mission of civic engagement that is so important to SSU. The IOP and the Center for Civic Engagement truly makes SSU a unique institution of public higher education in our Commonwealth, and having the chance to help shape the IOP’s efforts in support of that is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Jeevan Ramapriya, executive director, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment: “As a staffer to Sen. Steven A. Baddour (D-Methuen), our office had an amazing relationship with Sen. Fred Berry. He was a source of institutional history, procedure, mentorship, and of course many, many laughs. It was an honor then to work with him, and it is an honor now to carry on his tremendous legacy serving on the Berry IOP board.”
Heidi Riccio, superintendent-director, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District: “I am honored to serve on the Berry Institute of Politics board and to give back to an institution shaped by Senator Berry, whose leadership was instrumental in building Essex North Shore. I am excited to support the Institute’s continued impact on civic engagement and leadership.”
Dan Rivera, former mayor, City of Lawrence: “We are living in tumultuous political times. To serve on the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board is very important work, given that today we need Sen. Berry’s example in political leadership—now more than ever. But we also need for our institutions to be focused on the work of creating the most important part of a democracy: educated and active citizens.”
State Sen. Bruce Tarr, 1st Essex and Middlesex District: “The future of our democracy depends on the development of young leaders who value public service of all types, and who grasp the complexities of effective public policy and the collaborative efforts needed to integrate different perspectives into cohesive and meaningful government actions that achieve fair results. Sen. Berry led with those values, and the institute that bears his name builds on his legacy of working collaboratively with colleagues, including senators like me from across the aisle. I appreciate being engaged with the Institute to give students powerful exposure to real world issues and the leadership needed to address them.”
Full Advisory Board Membership
- Vic DiGravio (Co-Chair), president & CEO, Riverside Community Care
- Colleen McGlynn Moody (Co-Chair), Executive Vice President, Womble Bond Dickinson Government & Public Affairs
- State Representative Manny Cruz, 7th Essex District (Salem)
- State Senator Joan Lovely ’06, Second Essex District
- State Senator Bruce Tarr, First Essex and Middlesex
- State Representative Jessica Giannino ’14, 16th Suffolk District
- Mayor Dominick Pangallo, City of Salem
- Michael Corley ’22, constituent services for the City of Salem
- Angel Donahue-Rodriguez ’12, assistant general manager for External Affairs, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
- Tomás Gonzalez, political advocate and small business owner, and IOP Spring ’24 Fellow
- Alison King, award-winning political journalist, and IOP Spring ’24 Fellow
- Jeevan Ramapriya, executive director, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment
- Denise Deschamps, friend of former Sen. Frederick Berry
- Heidi Riccio, superintendent-director, Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School District
- Dan Rivera, former mayor, City of Lawrence
- Hannah Levine, assistant director, Berry Institute of Politics
- Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for Civic Engagement and Academic Strategic Support, Salem State University
Legacy Members
- Helen Corbett, political consultant
- Al DiVirgilio ’64 ’66G, former mayor, City of Lynn
- Michael Harrington, former U.S. congressman, 6th District; Owner, Hawthorne Hotel
- Therese Murray, former Senate president, Plymouth and Barnstable District; president & CEO, MassIgnite
- Arthur Bernard, attorney and consultant, TSK Associates