Marie-Frances Rivera has been named President of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget), a non-partisan public policy research organization known for its analyses of the state budget and other policies that improve the lives of low- and moderate-income people in Massachusetts. Rivera, who was named Interim President last October following the departure of longtime president Noah Berger, assumed the permanent role after a unanimous vote of the MassBudget Board of Directors earlier this month.
"It's an honor to lead an organization that has become so indispensable to policy debates across the Commonwealth. I feel a deep responsibility to ensure all people have the information they need to help shape a Commonwealth where everyone can thrive - regardless of their race, gender, income, or zip code," said Rivera. "Massachusetts is a wealthy state and has the resources to make the investments needed to improve people's lives and our long-term, shared prosperity.
Rivera takes the helm at a time when the people of Massachusetts are debating about how to invest in the future of our state. MassBudget is poised to inform these discussions around issues like fully funding K-12 schools, revitalizing our aging transportation infrastructure, and providing services to those most in need. Under Rivera, the organization will continue to build bridges between community and grassroots leaders, the Legislature, issue advocates, and the business community to ensure state policy helps to achieve equitable outcomes.
Rivera, a native of New Bedford, Mass. and of Afro-Boricua descent, joined MassBudget in 2014. The daughter of an immigrant mother, she grew up in public housing, attended public schools, and deeply understands the crucial need to invest in the public good so children and families can thrive. Rivera began her career in her hometown of New Bedford, establishing and managing a direct-service organization serving low-income, young people. She later shifted to philanthropy, working at the Hyams Foundation, where she discovered the power of policy change and civic engagement to move the needle on racial and economic justice issues.
At MassBudget, Rivera has written on tax policy and other economic issues, and has advanced the organization's work around diversity, equity, and inclusion. She earned a master's degree in Law and Public Policy from Northeastern University and has a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Babson College.
"Marie-Frances has the passion and foresight to lead MassBudget and its talented team," said Carol Kamin, Chair of the MassBudget Board of Directors. "There's a growing urgency to address the unacceptable gaps in economic opportunity, education, health, and other measures of well-being across our Commonwealth. Marie-Frances has the ability to lead MassBudget as it develops fact-based analyses toward realizing a collective vision of improving the lives and life chances of all Massachusetts residents."
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