MassBay Welcomes Two New Board of Trustee Members

MassBay Community College Board of Trustee members, Reyad Shah (left) and Karen S. Williams (right), November 2025 (Photo/MassBay Community College).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Liz Cooper
ecooper@massbay.edu

WELLESLEY HILLS, Mass. (December 1, 2025) — Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has appointed Reyad Shah of Framingham, MA and Karen S. Williams of Worcester, MA to the MassBay Board of Trustees.

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Shah, a 2014 MassBay graduate, earned an Associate of Arts in Early Education before completing a Bachelor of Science in Leadership & Organizational Studies at Northeastern University. Shah is the current President and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. Shah previously worked as the Executive Director for Downtown Framingham Inc., Manager of Secondary Out of School Time, as well as a Coordinator and Paraprofessional for Secondary Out of School Time in Framingham Public Schools. In addition to his work, Shah has served on the Department of Transitional Assistance Advisory Board since May 2023 and has volunteered his time as a coach of the MetroWest Flyers Basketball and MetroWest Travel Basketball teams, is a member of the MetroWest Care Connections Steering Committee, and provides grocery deliveries for Daniel’s Table.

“It’s an honor to serve on the Board of Trustees for MassBay Community College,” said Shah. “I am thrilled to lend my expertise, experience, and commitment to education. As an alum of MassBay, it's exciting and powerful to continue to be a part of the community that kickstarted my professional journey.”

Williams earned her master’s in social work from Boston University and her bachelor’s in therapeutic recreation and special populations from California State University at Chico. Williams is currently the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and New Business Development at Advocates, a nonprofit organization providing comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health or other life challenges. Williams previously worked as a Senior Director of Disability and Community Services at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Director of Women’s Protective Services at South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Program Administrator for the Kennedy-Donovan Center, Inc., and Rehabilitation Therapist at Gladman Psychiatric Health Facility. In addition to Williams’ work experience, she previously served on the Board of Directors for Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. from 2015-2017 and has served on the Board of Representatives for the American Network of Community Options and Resources since 2024. 

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“I am honored to be appointed to the MassBay Community College Board of Trustees,” said Williams. “I believe strongly in public higher education. I am hopeful my work, including knowledge of health and human services, can help the College continue to advance higher education in the state.”

Ilissa Povich, Chair of MassBay’s Board of Trustees said, “Both Reyad and Karen are dedicated to MassBay’s important mission and will provide valuable insights and perspectives to our Board.”

“I extend my thanks to Governor Healey for her appointment of Karen Williams and Reyad Shah to the MassBay Board,” said MassBay President David Podell. “And I thank both Trustee Williams and Trustee Shah for serving. MassBay depends on its trustees, all volunteers, to help us offer the best educational opportunities possible to prepare our students for their careers and further higher education.”

MassBay Community College is the most affordable higher education option in MetroWest Boston and is free to most Massachusetts residents without a bachelor’s degree. With more than 70 associate degree and certificate programs, along with comprehensive workforce and educational training, MassBay provides a wide range of courses with flexible day, evening, and weekend classes in Wellesley, Framingham, the Automotive Technology Center in Ashland, and online, in high-demand fields including health and life sciences, computer science, engineering, cybersecurity, business, and the humanities. MassBay students receive unparalleled value, with free one-on-one academic and social support services, compassionate and experienced faculty, and stackable credits that easily transfer to bachelor’s degree programs and that provide hands-on, workforce-ready skills. Health sciences, human services, early childhood education, and many general education programs are offered at the 65,000 square foot, state-of-the-art MassBay Framingham, which has served the community since January 2024. Founded in 1961, MassBay has been accredited by multiple governing bodies and remains dedicated to serving its diverse communities, fostering inclusiveness, and advancing equity for all.