10 Massachusetts Community Leaders Everyone Should Know About

Community leaders play a vital role in shaping and enriching the great state of Massachusetts. Their dedication and selflessness are paramount as they tirelessly work to give back and drive positive change on a local level and beyond.

Here in Massachusetts, we're lucky to have some remarkable folks whose contributions have left an indelible impact on the lives of those around them. Here are 10 community leaders making a difference in Massachusetts.

1. Boston: Michael Curry

Michael Curry, CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, received the 2021 Paul Revere Award at Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA)’s Spring Awards Breakfast for his leadership in reducing health inequities in Massachusetts. Curry previously worked at Blue Cross and Blue Shield and has been actively involved in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People at various levels. He serves on the City of Boston's COVID-19 Health Inequities Task Force and the MPHA's Task Force on Coronavirus & Equity. With a bachelor's from Macalester College and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from New England Law Boston, Curry has received numerous awards for his advocacy and leadership. (Massachusetts Public Health Association)

2. Cape Cod: Gov. Charlie Baker

Former Gov. Charlie Baker received an award recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to Cape Cod's civic and economic well-being. The JFK Hyannis Museum’s Leadership Award, established in 2015, acknowledges individuals who inspire others and advance the region's welfare. Baker's successful navigation through dynamic and challenging times, particularly during the global pandemic, earned him the respect and thanks of the foundation. Specific contributions included advancing offshore energy generation, investing in transportation improvements and supporting climate adaptation and resiliency planning. The Baker administration's work on the Blue Economy, arts and culture support, housing affordability and water quality protection were also highlighted. (Barnstable-Hyannis Patch)

3. Fitchburg: Francisco Ramos

Francisco Ramos, community organizer at NewVue Communities, was honored with the Ricanne Hadrian Award by the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations. The award recognizes his exceptional work in building economically and racially just communities through resident engagement. Ramos’s program model, the Community Stewards program, has made a significant impact, empowering community residents through topic-specific trainings and initiatives. His dedication and the efforts of the stewards have led to various successful projects, including festivals, murals, meals for homeless families, parent engagement, racial justice events and more. Ramos credits the stewards for their commitment to community development. (NewVue Communities)

4. Framingham: Joe Hudock

Joe Hudock of Keep Framingham Beautiful (KFB) was awarded the 2022 Litter Buster of the Year for his dedicated efforts in preventing and cleaning up litter in his community. He is known for his daily patrols along Route 126 in Framingham, where he picks up trash and inspires others to take on similar routes. Hudock’s positive impact extends beyond cleaning up trash; his visibility in the community has encouraged others to get involved in litter patrol activities. When he couldn't patrol his route, other KFB members stepped in to help. Hudock’s selfless commitment to the community earned him this well-deserved recognition. (Keep Massachusetts Beautiful)

5. North Adams: Jade Schnauber

Jade Schnauber, a passionate advocate for equity, was honored with the Samya Rose Stumo Youth Leadership Award at the 5th Annual Berkshire Nonprofit Awards. As an intern-turned-employee at Lever, Inc., she initiated the Inclusive Leadership Internship Preparation Program, providing college students from marginalized backgrounds with the tools to launch their careers. Schnauber’s social awareness, maturity and dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion have made a significant impact on the region. Schnauber’s exemplary work serves as an inspiration for young people to effect change. (The Berkshire Edge)

6. Revere: Debora Guimaraes

Debora Guimaraes, a Brazilian-American community leader and volunteer, was honored with the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers Manuel N. Coutinho Outstanding Volunteer Award. She is the founder of the Share Your Love Foundation, which provides educational programs to families in poverty in Brazil and supports Boston-area youth and their families in accessing post-secondary education. Despite facing challenges, including undocumented status, she persevered and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Master's Degree in Social Work. Guimaraes dedicated the award to the first-generation students she supports, the families in Brazil, the volunteers and donors of Share Your Love and her parents, husband and daughter Hannah, who inspire her work. (Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers)

7. Scituate: Maureen Kelly

The Walker organization presented the 2020 Distinguished Community Leadership Award to Maureen Kelly, EdD. Kelly served as a former member of Walker's Board of Directors, displaying dedication and commitment to the agency's mission through volunteerism, support and advocacy. She contributed to enhancing therapeutic art education in Walker's programs and received recognition as professor emeritus from Massachusetts College of Art and Design for her distinguished service there. (Needham Patch)

8. Springfield: Tiana Davis

Tiana Davis, a health promotion and policy alumna at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was honored by the Massachusetts Public Health Association (MPHA) with the Emerging Leader/Alfred Frechette Award. Davis was recognized during the 21st Annual MPHA Spring Awards Breakfast ceremony for her contributions to community health. Davis serves as the deputy public health commissioner for the City of Springfield and has over 15 years of experience in public health. Among her responsibilities is overseeing the Health Services for the Homeless Health Center, which provides comprehensive services in multiple counties. (University of Massachusetts Amherst)

9. Waltham: Jim Perry

Lt. James "Jim" Perry of the Waltham Fire Department received the 2023 Kevin M. Ritcey Award for Outstanding Public Service. The award, established in 2016 to honor Kevin Ritcey, recognized Perry for his extraordinary service to the City of Waltham and the community. During the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, Perry played a critical role, dedicating himself 24/7 to the public health and safety of the department and the city. City officials credit him with maintaining the department at full capacity during the pandemic. He is praised for his commitment to family, both at home and within the department and city. (Waltham Patch)

10. Worcester: Dave McMahon

Dave McMahon, co-executive director of Dismas House in Worcester, has been awarded the 2023 Renaissance Award by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. The award recognized his significant impact on the community through leadership, service and advocacy. McMahon's work at Dismas House, providing housing and support services to formerly incarcerated individuals, has been instrumental in helping them transition back into society. He has also been involved in various initiatives and partnerships addressing the needs of former offenders. The award comes with a cash prize of $5,000 and acknowledges his dedication to criminal justice reform and creating pathways to success for those reintegrating into society. (Greater Worcester Community Foundation)

Thank you to Massachusetts’s incredible community leaders for all you do!

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