Episode 34: Dr. Melissa L. Gilliam, President of Boston University

Episode 39: Daniel F. Cence, CEO of Issues Management Group

In this episode, we sit down with Daniel F. Cence [https://issuesgroup.com/staff/daniel-f-cence/], CEO of Issues Management Group [https://issuesgroup.com/]. Dan reflects on his career in politics, public affairs, and strategic communications, sharing insights on building and leading successful consulting firms, navigating today’s rapidly changing media landscape, and advising both political and business clients. He also discusses Democratic messaging heading into the midterms, the evolving role of earned media and social media, and offers advice for young professionals interested in careers in politics and communications.

Episode 38: Antoinette Hays, PhD, RN, President of Regis College

In this episode, we sit down with Antoinette Hays [https://www.regiscollege.edu/about-regis/find-us/faculty-and-staff-directory/antoinette-hays], PhD, RN, President of Regis College [https://www.regiscollege.edu/]. Dr. Hays reflects on her remarkable 40-year career—from her early days in nursing to leading one of the region’s top institutions—and shares how those experiences have shaped her approach to higher education leadership. She highlights Regis’ growth under her tenure, including the expansion of its nationally recognized nursing program, innovative workforce development initiatives, and support for neurodiverse students, while also addressing challenges facing higher education and healthcare training. As she prepares to retire, Dr. Hays looks back on the accomplishments she’s most proud of and shares her perspective on the future of Regis and the next generation of leadership.

Episode 37: Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts

In this episode, we sit down with Maura Sullivan, CEO of The Arc of Massachusetts [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fthearcofmass.org%2F&data=05%7C02%7Calokken%40newenglandcouncil.com%7C1e24d92052134591cdd808de8b539253%7Cf3cad1fa59f447f1a2d0881028dfa0e6%7C0%7C0%7C639101388259863874%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=PSzCgjOuM7CVojAZZ0VOGdxJs%2FGBm%2BjxjoeLn%2Fh9xCI%3D&reserved=0]. Maura shares her journey to leadership and the experiences that drive her advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She highlights The Arc’s work—from programs like Operation House Call to expanding employment opportunities and supporting caregivers—and reflects on key policy challenges impacting the disability community, while emphasizing how we can all help advance inclusion and opportunity.

Episode 36: Alexis Steel, President of the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children

In this episode, we catch up with Alexis Steel [https://www.stmaryscenterma.org/alexis-president], President of the St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children [https://www.stmaryscenterma.org/]. Alexis reflects on her journey to leadership and the Center’s long-standing mission to support women and families across Boston. She shares how the Campaign for Women & Children is helping shape the organization’s next chapter, how today’s funding pressures are impacting human services, and what it meant to host a New England Council Fellow—all while highlighting how our community can continue to strengthen opportunities for those who need it most.

Episode 35: Christopher Pyne, Executive Vice President, Group Benefits, Unum Group

In this episode, we catch up with Christopher Pyne,Executive Vice President of Unum Group [https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Finvestors.unum.com%2Foverview%2Fdefault.aspx&data=05%7C02%7Calokken%40newenglandcouncil.com%7Cc96bb364bf524aa637ad08de590b0451%7Cf3cad1fa59f447f1a2d0881028dfa0e6%7C0%7C0%7C639046101020235299%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=dgJF7%2F3mG61ol5S2RzwEHJjj6%2FYRWXBUvbQNRx5zbio%3D&reserved=0]. Chrisreflects on his long career with Unum and shares insights into the wide rangeof services the company provides across New England and the country. We alsodiscuss how Unum is leveraging AI and emerging technologies to better supportcustomers and drive innovation.