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The start of the academic year brings with it new faces to the Salem State University Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF) board of directors, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that promotes pride in the university and inspires philanthropy to invest in student success.
The newest additions have backgrounds and professional experience that complement the existing AAF board of directors, bringing balance and depth to key areas of fiduciary responsibility and governance.
Craig Goryl, CFA, of Wakefield, brings over 20 years of investment management experience to the AAF’s investment committee, where he will help shape strategies for managing the board’s financial assets. Craig is currently the chief investment officer of Cabot Wealth Management in Beverly and has volunteered for various local nonprofits, helping to enhance financial literacy within the community. “I am excited to contribute to Salem State’s important mission, and to work alongside so many talented, dedicated professionals on the AAF board.”
A graduate of the business administration program, Adam Lord ’08, CPA, CNAP, of Salem, has a strong affinity to the university and desire to advance the mission of the AAF. “Salem State is actually the first place that encouraged me to get involved. The community it gave me back then still serves me to this day.” Today, he is a certified public accountant at Henry & Co., CPAs in North Andover. His professional background led to his election as vice chair of the AAF’s audit and finance committee, where his experience will help the board maintain financial integrity and provide oversight on the AAF’s financial reporting. "As a certified public accountant with experience volunteering for local nonprofits, I’m excited to bring financial oversight to the AAF’s reporting process, enhancing our strong foundation for success that will benefit generations to come."
A double Viking, Judi Thomas ’08, ’13G, of North Reading, earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration from Salem State. She is currently the human resources director at Partners In Health in Boston, an organization that delivers health care across the globe to vulnerable populations. Judi has been elected to the board governance committee, where she will leverage her leadership experience to help develop strategies that further enhance the board’s effectiveness. “My parents and grandparents instilled in me the critical value of education. As one of the first individuals in my family to graduate from college, I know firsthand the power of opportunity and education. For these reasons, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to give back to the institution that shaped my journey.”
A longstanding advocate for Salem State and graduate of the master’s in social work program, Joseph Wamness ’00G, of Danvers, has been elected as an emeritus board member and will serve on the advancement committee. Currently a social worker at Element Care in Methuen, Joe immersed himself in alumni activities upon graduation, collaborating with the School of Social Work to establish and recruit volunteers for the Friends of Social Work affinity group while becoming an active member of the AAF. As a university volunteer for over 20 years, his dedication will help strengthen engagement strategies for fellow alumni and supporters of Salem State. “Through my work on the advancement committee, I aim to expand resources and opportunities to Salem State students, particularly because they work so hard to turn their dreams into reality. They deserve our advocacy and support.”
“We are proud to welcome an outstanding group of new board members to the AAF,” said Mandy Ray, executive director of the AAF and vice president of advancement. “Each of these individuals brings unique insights, experiences and a shared commitment to our mission of expanding access to inclusive and affordable education. Their collective leadership will strengthen our connection to the community and help us build a stronger future for the students we serve.”