Dr. John O’Donnell began his tenure as president of MassBay in August 2011. A strong proponent of community colleges, he views education – specifically community and technical colleges – as the way to advance students, businesses and communities.

During his career, he has taught psychology on the associate, baccalaureate, and graduate degree levels; he has practiced as a counseling and clinical psychologist; and he has held leadership positions in community/technical colleges. Previous positions include president of Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio, where he served from January 2004 – July 2011. During Dr. O’Donnell’s years at Stark State College, the institution experienced significant growth highlighted by substantial increases in enrollment, degrees awarded, minority access, community access through satellite campuses, and corporate partnerships. Through these achievements, under Dr. O’Donnell’s leadership, Stark State helped advance critical issues of local concern, including economic development, workforce development, educational attainment and social equity. 

Prior to his Presidency at Stark State College, Dr. O’Donnell held various leadership positions in higher education including at North Shore Community College in Massachusetts, as president of the regional campuses of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System and as commissioner and CEO of the New Hampshire Community Technical College System.
MassBay’s president describes himself as a community college professional whose own career was made possible through access to affordable education. He received a BA in history from Queens College of the City University of New York and his MEd and PhD from Boston College.

His wife, Ellen McGee O'Donnell, Esq., serves as a dean at a Massachusetts community college. They have been married for 30 years and have three adult children – Caitlin, Patrick and Shelagh.