Rick Jakious- Chief Executive Officer
rjakious@massnonprofitnet.org | 617.330.1188 x310
Rick Jakious is the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network. Rick joined MNN in January 2012, succeeding former State Senator David Magnani. Prior to MNN, Rick played critical leadership roles over 13 years at City Year, Inc., helping to establish a program in Seattle, Washington; turn around its founding site in Boston, Massachusetts; and refresh its flagship national corporate sponsorship program. Between two “tours of idealism” with City Year, Rick served in several roles with U.S. Representative Brian Baird, including Northern District Director and manager of the Congressman’s successful 2004 campaign. Rick resides in Swampscott, Massachusetts with his wife, a middle school math teacher, and two young boys. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
Esther Hanig – Deputy Director
ehanig@massnonprofitnet.org | 617.330.1188 x240
Esther Hanig came to MNN in August 2010, bringing a wealth of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. She attended Indiana University, where she earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education. Most recently she served as the Assistant Vice President and Center Director at the Leventhal-Sidman Jewish Community Center where she revitalized this 12,000 member, multi-service organization. Before her tenure at Leventhal-Sidman, she was the Executive Director of the Allston-Brighton Healthy Boston Coalition, creating new program initiatives which she financed through an aggressive development campaign. She also served as Director of Public Policy and Child Nutrition Programs for Project Bread-The Walk for Hunger, where she worked closely with key legislators and public officials to create and implement a sucessful legislative campaign to combat childhood hunger in Massachusetts. Additionally, she worked as a legislative aide under Senators Michael Barrett and George Bachrach. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Tutoring Plus, Cambridge and Cambridge Neighborhood and Apartment Housing Services.
Alexandra Smith – Operations & Development Manager
asmith@massnonprofitnet.org | 617.330.1188 x280
Alexandra Smith joined MNN as the Operations and Development Manager in August 2012. She is responsible for managing sponsorships, operations, and affiliate membership. Most recently, she served as the Director of Administration for the Pan-Massachusetts Challenge, where she managed fundraising, sponsorship and event logistics. She also coordinates the PMC’s Pedal Partner Program, an inspiring way for cyclists to connect with pediatric oncology patients of the Jimmy Fund Clinic. Alexandra received a Bachelor of Arts from Saint Michael’s College, and she currently resides in Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood.
Kaitlin Henry – Communications & Marketing Manager VISTA
khenry@massnonprofitnet.org | 617.330.1188 x285
Kaitlin Henry is an Americorps VISTA volunteer, currently serving as the Communications & Marketing Manager at MNN. Kaitlin graduated from the University of Michigan in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Women’s Studies. During her time at U of M, she volunteered for a number of political campaigns, coordinating voter registration efforts and engaging with the community on behalf of local candidates. Kaitlin served as chair of a women’s issues committee in college, where she organized fundraising efforts for a women’s shelter and raised awareness for issues impacting women on campus and across the country. Prior to serving at MNN, she interned for American Friends Service Committee, communicating with incarcerated citizens in Michigan and advocating on their behalf to resolve grievances. Kaitlin is responsible for managing MNN’s communications online and in print, and increasing public awareness for the organization’s advocacy efforts.
Hillary Kovash – Membership & Events Manager VISTA
hkovash@massnonprofitnet.org | 617.330.1188 x281
Hillary Kovash, an Americorps VISTA volunteer, is currently serving as the Membership and Events Manager at MNN. Hillary graduated from UCLA in 2011 with a Bachelor of Arts in International Development and Environmental Studies. Hillary exhibited excellent organizational leadership skills and a commitment to community service during her time at UCLA, coordinating monthly free clinics in Moncolovia Rojas, Mexico; and tutored elementary aged children and their parents in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. After graduation, Hillary worked as an ILS instructor, teaching independent living skills to adults with developmental disabilities. Prior to serving at MNN, Hillary volunteered as a medical intake coordinator with the Downtown Women’s Center, a Los Angeles based nonprofit aiming to find supportive permanent housing and promote a healthy community for women. She has also taught English as a Foreign Language in Peru for economically disadvantaged communities. Hillary is responsible for managing MNN’s membership, planning the organization’s 10 annual events, and increasing public awareness.
Tony He – Public Policy Associate
Tony He joined MNN in February 2013 as the Public Policy Associate. Tony graduated from Johns Hopkins University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. In college, Tony worked closely with the American Cancer Society to host fundraisers and awareness campaigns. Prior to joining MNN, Tony worked as a data consultant to provide economic research and statistical modeling for companies and government agencies. In his spare time, Tony volunteers with a group of pro bono economic analysts to help nonprofit organizations evaluate their social impact through data analysis, literature review, and survey design.
Rebecca Sanders – Membership Associate
Rebecca Sanders is a senior at Brandeis University studying psychology and French, and she is currently the Membership and Events Associate at MNN. At Brandeis, she plans and runs Afternoon Enrichment, a mentoring program that brings middle school students to Brandeis for group activities and tutoring. Rebecca currently volunteers at the French Cultural Center of Boston, assisting in French language classes, and working to develop a summer camp for middle school students. Rebecca spent a semester in Paris, France, where she studied psychology and helped teach English to French middle school students. Rebecca has volunteered in a Waltham elementary school for three years helping 2nd and 4th graders in reading, writing, and math. Rebecca is responsible for helping to manage MNN’s membership.
Nithyaa Venkataramani – Public Policy Associate
nvenkataramani@massnonprofitnet.org
Nithyaa Venkataramani joined MNN in January 2013 as the Public Policy Associate. She is a senior at Tufts University majoring in international relations and minoring in economics. Nithyaa has worked with the US Department of Commerce’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship identifying best practices in entrepreneurship and economic development at 140 American universities and colleges and has spearheaded efforts of the BUILD Program for Sustainable Development’s work in rural south India in facilitating the implementation of infrastructure and programming to improve educational opportunities, health and sanitation, and entrepreneurship development. She is also a member of this year’s Education for Public Inquiry and International Citizenship (EPIIC) class on global health and security, and mentors first year students engaged in launching social ventures through the Compass Fellowship. Nithyaa is responsible for campaign and legislative efforts to strengthen the nonprofit sector.