The mission of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) is to advance equitable policy solutions that create an inclusive, thriving Commonwealth.
“We are pleased to announce that the MassBudget Board of Directors has welcomed new members, as well as the designation of new Organizational Partner seats. These individuals and organizations’ expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to advance racially and economically just policies in the Commonwealth”, says Board President, Alexandra Piñeros-Shields. “Our Board is stronger and more connected to the communities most impacted by policy decisions in our state thanks to these new members and partner organizations,” she continues, “and their diverse perspectives and deep community roots will ensure our work reflects the voices of those most impacted by our mission.”
Joining the Board of Directors are:
Dr. Gerardo Gauthier-Zayas, Jr. has spent more than two decades transforming the nonprofit, healthcare, and higher education sectors. Driven by a profound dedication to service and social justice, he partners with leaders and organizations to design client-centered service models, strengthen employee development, and build sustainable, impactful programs. An architect of transformative change, Dr. Gauthier-Zayas blends leadership coaching, business strategy, systemic equity infrastructure, and tailored workforce development solutions. He mentors leaders in creating innovative delivery models that honor both client needs and community priorities, helping organizations find measurable value in their services through a health-focused community engagement approach. As an educator and entrepreneur, he inspires students and professionals alike to lead with purpose, equity, and vision, integrating research, practice, and a deep understanding of community dynamics to spark lasting change. His experience includes healthcare and higher education accreditation reviews, executive coaching, and organizational strategy consulting. Dr. Gauthier-Zayas holds a BS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University, an MBA in Healthcare from Plymouth State University, and a Doctorate from New England College.
Homes for All (Organizational Partner seat), is a statewide coalition of grassroots organizations working to ensure that everyone has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing. By bringing together tenants, community groups, and advocates, the coalition fights displacement, advances tenant protections, and builds the power of those most impacted by the housing crisis to shape policies that put people before profit. Homes for All envisions a Commonwealth where housing is recognized as a human right and communities can thrive without fear of eviction or displacement.
Homes for All will be represented on the MassBudget Board of Directors by Carolyn Chou, who serves as the organization’s Director, where she leads statewide campaigns to strengthen tenant rights and expand housing justice. Carolyn brings to her work a deep commitment to community-led solutions and coalition building, ensuring that those most affected by housing inequities are at the center of decision-making. Before joining Homes for All, she co-directed the Asian American Resource Workshop (AARW) in Boston, where she supported organizing for immigrant rights, youth leadership, and cultural equity. Carolyn holds a bachelor’s in sociology from Harvard University.
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (Organizational Partner seat), is a statewide nonprofit poverty law and policy center whose mission is to advance economic, racial, and social justice for people and communities with low incomes. MLRI provides advocacy, impact litigation, and policy leadership on critical issues such as housing, healthcare, employment, family law, and public benefits. By addressing systemic barriers and strengthening the safety net, MLRI works to ensure that all Massachusetts residents—especially the most vulnerable—have the resources, protections, and opportunities they need to thrive.
MLRI will be represented on the MassBudget Board of Directors by Mark Martinez, who joined MLRI in 2022 as a Staff Attorney in the Housing Unit. Prior to joining MLRI, he served three years as Legal Counsel and Budget Director to State Senator Patricia D. Jehlen. In this role, he focused primarily on policy related to labor, criminal legal reform, the environment and housing. He worked on passing legislation to prevent evictions as well as to create and preserve affordable housing through a tenant’s right of first refusal and a transfer fee. Also while at the State House, Mark co-founded Beacon BLOC, a collective of staffers organizing around making cultural and institutional changes on Beacon Hill to better recruit, retain, and support staffers of color. Mark got his Bachelor’s Degree from Western New England University and his J.D. from Northeastern University.
Nellie Mae Education Foundation (Organizational Partner seat), works to ensure every young person in New England can access excellent, rigorous, and relevant educational experiences that affirm their individuality and prepare them to thrive in school, community, and careers of the future.
The Foundation will be represented on the MassBudget Board of Directors by Dr. Gisele C. Shorter, the Foundation’s third President and CEO. A lifelong advocate for equity in education, Dr. Shorter believes that an equitable society begins with an equitable education system. Over the past 15 years, she has directed large-scale community initiatives, research, and policy strategies to advance justice and opportunity, with a particular focus on Black and Brown youth. She previously served as Director of the National Education Strategy at the Raikes Foundation and is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at NYU Steinhardt. Dr. Shorter holds an Ed.D. from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s from Long Island University, and a bachelor’s from Amherst College. She is also a Pahara Aspen Fellow and active member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
We are excited to see the positive impact these new members will have on our work and look forward to their active participation in shaping the future of MassBudget.
