We’re excited to welcome new faces to the Massachusetts Service Alliance! This month, we’re proud to introduce our newest team members and board leadership, whose experience and passion will help strengthen our community and advance our mission of service across Massachusetts. Their dedication ensures that we continue to support AmeriCorps members, Commonwealth Corps members, community partners, and the programs that make an impact statewide.
Looking ahead, conference season is just around the corner! We’re thrilled to announce our panel moderator for this year’s event, who will guide conversations on innovation, service, and collaboration. Plus, we’re highlighting an exciting partner opportunity: Answering the Call - a free, nonpartisan program from NPA that helps servant leaders decide whether politics is the next chapter of their service.
Continue reading below to learn more about these updates and how you can get involved!
Welcome to Our New Team Members!
We’re thrilled to welcome Jess, Devon, and Susan to the Massachusetts Service Alliance!
Jess brings over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, having worked across national service, higher education, and community-based organizations. An AmeriCorps alum herself, she centers collaboration, equity, and practical support for teams and partners, and is excited to help grow service and volunteerism across the Commonwealth.
Devon “Dev” Austrie brings a unique blend of finance expertise and creative energy. An Accounting & Finance professional pursuing his MBA at Bentley University, Dev has worked in the nonprofit sector since earning his BA in Economics from UMass Boston in 2016. He is also a professional musician and entrepreneur, performing nationally as “D-Sticks,” and looks forward to elevating MSA’s internal operations and financial strength.
Finally, we welcome Susan Cheesman, a longtime AmeriCorps leader with more than 30 years of experience across multiple state offices. A proud VISTA alum from Chelmsford, MA, Susan has served on several state commissions and now joins MSA to bring her national service expertise to our team.
We’re excited to have Jess, Devon, and Susan on board and can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make alongside our team and partners across Massachusetts!
Learn more about our team at www.mass-service.org/about-us/our-team.
Register Now: 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism
Tickets are now available for the 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism, the Commonwealth’s premier gathering for service leaders, nonprofits, and volunteers.
Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration as we celebrate the power of service across Massachusetts and explore ideas shaping the future of volunteerism in our communities.
If you haven’t registered yet, now is a great time to secure your spot and be part of the conversation!
For any questions please reach out to conference@mass-service.org.
Meet Our Conference Panel Moderator: Matt Shearer
We’re thrilled to announce that WBZ NewsRadio’s Matt Shearer (@reportermatt) will serve as the Panel Moderator for the 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism! Known for his dynamic storytelling, community-centered reporting, and ability to spotlight the people and moments that often go unnoticed, Matt brings energy, curiosity, and a genuine connection to communities across the Commonwealth.
As our Panel Moderator, Matt will guide meaningful conversations on the power of service, volunteerism, and community impact.
Join us for a day of inspiration, connection, and shared learning, and be part of the movement strengthening communities through service.
Our 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism Sponsors
We thank our generous sponsors for their support! Help us grow the Massachusetts volunteer sector by becoming a conference sponsor.
Your Community in 10 Words
As we prepare for the 2026 Massachusetts Conference on Volunteerism,
which will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester on May 21, we want to hear from you!
Share 10 words or fewer that describe your community and help us celebrate service across the Commonwealth.
Partner Opportunity - Answering the Call
Servant leaders – your next chapter of service starts here. Through nonpartisan, cohort-based programs and practical training, New Politics Academy helps leaders explore what’s next and prepares them to step into political leadership rooted in service.
Answering the Call is a free, nonpartisan program from NPA that helps servant leaders decide whether politics is the next chapter of their service.
Learn more and apply here by 3/31.
