Mission Critical

Mission Critical

Mission Critical is MassNonprofit News' podcast featuring local nonprofit leaders discussing their challenges in an era of crisis and rapid change for nonprofits. MassNonprofit News publisher George Donnelly leads the conversations with exceptional leaders who are adapting with resilience as they pursue their organizations' missions. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.

Episodes

Interview with International Institute of New England President and CEO Jeffrey Thielman

December 23, 2025 • 21 mins
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Interview with Mass Nonprofit Network CEO Jim Klocke

December 23, 2025 • 21 mins
Mass Nonprofit Network CEO Jim Klocke joins the podcast this week to discuss his organizations work over the past year and what's coming in 2026. 
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Interview with the New England Foundation for the Arts Executive Director Harold Steward

December 2, 2025 • 26 mins
NEFA Executive Director Harold Steward joins the show to discuss the state of arts in New England, and how NEFA is working to ensure fair, equitable access to grant money and projects to keep the arts alive.
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Interview with Montserrat College of Art President Brian Pellinen

December 2, 2025 • 18 mins
Brian Pellinen, President of Montserrat College of Art, joins the podcast to discuss the college's impact on the community, as well as some of its new programming to ensure students are well prepared for life beyond graduation.


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Interview with Sandra McCroom, CEO of Children's Services of Roxbury

November 18, 2025 • 23 mins
Sandra McCroom joins the show to discuss the imapct the Federal adminstration has had and how Children's Services of Roxbury has been meeting the moment. 
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Interview with Marty Martinez, CEO of United Way

November 18, 2025 • 23 mins
Marty Martinez, CEO of United Way, which has over 85 years of local impact in eastern Massachusetts, joins the podcast to discuss the organization's work, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities ahead.
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Interview with HopeHealth CEO and VP of Medical Staff

November 11, 2025 • 20 mins
On this episode of Mission Critical, George chats with Diana Franchitto, CEO of nonprofit HopeHealth Hospice, and Dr. Jennifer Ritzau, Vice President of the Medical Staff to learn more about how hospice has grown and evolved in New England over the years. 
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Interview with BlueHub Capital CEO Elyse Cherry

November 11, 2025 • 23 mins
Mission Critical's guest this week is the CEO of Blue Hub Capital,  a nonprofit community development financial institution working to build healthy communities where low-income people live and work. George and Elyse discuss the challenges facing New England and some of Blue Hub's most sucsesful programs and projects. 
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Interview with Kevin Martone, President and CEO, Bay Cove Human Services

October 30, 2025 • 18 mins
Bay Cove Human Services' President & CEO joins the podcast to discuss the work his organization is doing, the challenges they face, and the impact they have on the communities they serve.  
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Interview with Joyce Tavon, CEO of the Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance

October 14, 2025 • 22 mins
Mission Critical host George Donnelly talks with Joyce Tavon about the work she and the Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance are doing, how the current federal landscape is changing things, and what can be done here in Massachusetts to make an immediate impact. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners.  
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Interview with Lyndia Downie, President and Executive Director of the Pine Street Inn

October 14, 2025 • 22 mins
Mission Critical host George Donnelly connects with Lyndia Downie, President and Executive Director of the Pine Street Inn to discuss the group's comprehensive programs and services and its mission is to end homelessness by making a home and community a reality for all. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

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Interview with Sharon Scott-Chandler, President and CEO of ABCD

October 1, 2025 • 23 mins
Mission Critical host George Donnelly sits down with the President and CEO of ABCD, Action for Boston Community Development, Sharon Scott-Chandler to discuss the groups work and its impact throughout the city. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 
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Interview with Dr. Robert P. Franks, President and CEO of the Baker Center for Children and Families

October 1, 2025 • 20 mins
George Donnelly talks with Dr. Franks about the work of the Baker Center and how changes in federal funding and policies are making the Center's work more challenging, yet even more important. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 
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Interview with Lesli Suggs, President and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers

September 16, 2025 • 17 mins
Lesli Suggs is the President and CEO of the Home for the Little Wanderers, helping over 15,000 vulnerable children and youth each year through its community-based programming and residential care. Lesli joins Mission Critical to discuss the Home's work, from increasing community engagement to keep kids in their home, to improving mental health care access. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communic...
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Interview with Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket

September 16, 2025 • 23 mins
Dr. Noelle Trent is the President & CEO of the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket, focusing on connecting colonial and early African American history & culture in Boston and the larger New England area, from the abolition of slavery to current explorations of race and the struggle for human rights. Dr. Trent discusses some of the current work the museum is doing and the challenges that lie ahead. Mi...
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Interview with Chris White, CEO of Road to Responsibility

September 2, 2025 • 22 mins
Chris White is the CEO of Road to Responsibility, focused on providing the means, the opportunity, and the support necessary to allow citizens with disabilities to take their place as productive members of the community. Chris discusses some of the challenges facing Road to Responsibility in the new administration and how he and his workforce are meeting the moment. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs an...
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Interview with Jennifer Lemmerman, Chief Policy Officer of Project Bread

September 2, 2025 • 18 mins
Jennifer Lemmerman is the Chief Policy Officer of Project Bread, one of Massachusetts leading anti-hunger organizations. Jennifer and George connect about the organization’s mission and how it takes a radical approach to ending hunger throughout the state. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.
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Interview with Ken Bates, President and CEO of Open Sky Community Services

September 2, 2025 • 18 mins
Ken Bates is the President and CEO of Open Sky Community Services, focused on blending best practices with the power of community, to partner with individuals and families to see and live beyond perceived limitations. Ken dives into the challenges and uncertainty facing his organizations, with cuts to federal funding impacting the services desperately needed by people throughout the Commonwealth. Mission Critical is powered by Rask...
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