Governor Maura Healey Designates Longtime Community Leader Chairperson of the Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees
President James Vander Hooven with Board of Trustee members Patricia Pistone, Oren Cohen, Claire Freda, Denise Gosselin, Rick Walton, and Patti Bergstrom. Members not pictured are Douglas Peterson and Irene Hernandez Guzman.
On August 15, 2024, Leominster’s Claire M. Freda presided over her first Board of Trustees meeting as Chairperson after her appointment to the position by Governor Maura Healey.
“I am very excited for Chairperson Freda and the College,” stated MWCC President James Vander Hooven. “I have enjoyed working with her on the board since her arrival. She has been a passionate advocate for our students and MWCC.”
Freda, currently the longest serving elected official in the City of Leominster, has served on the MWCC Board of Trustees since 2017. Her appointment came following the retirement of Robert Antonioni after nearly a decade of serving on the board, including seven years as Chairperson.
“I am deeply honored to accept this appointment as Chairperson of the MWCC Board of Trustees and appreciate Governor Healey’s trust in me. My commitment to the students and the mission of Mount Wachusett Community College has only grown stronger during my time on the Board,” stated Freda. “I look forward to continuing to advocate for our students and working with my fellow trustees to ensure the college’s continued success. I am also committed to making sure that our North Central Massachusetts students are aware of the dedicated faculty ready to help them prepare for their future.”
Freda has been associated with Frigoletto & Associates in Leominster for over 40 years as a licensed real estate appraiser and broker whose civic involvement stretches back decades. In addition to her service as a Leominster City Councilor, she has also served on the Leominster School Committee, Police Station Building Committee, four school building committees and the Committee on Housing. She is a member of the Blue Star Mothers, a Gold Star Wife, the DAV Auxiliary and a past member of the Rotary Club for over 30 years. Freda has also been a member of the North Worcester County Board of Realtors for over 40 years. She currently serves on the Massachusetts Municipal Association Board of Directors and the Massachusetts Municipal Councilors Association. Freda has also served on the Local Government Advisory Council and Massachusetts Municipal Association for 25 years.
The Mount Wachusett Community College Board of Trustees is comprised of an alumni, an elected student representative, and community business leaders who have demonstrated a deep level of commitment to the College. The Board meets bi-monthly throughout the school year. Meetings are open to the public and are broadcast via a live stream.
