Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs
Today Mass Cultural Council announces the appointment of Vinny deMacedo, Plymouth resident, former state legislator, and senior public higher education official, as a member of the Agency’s governing body.
DeMacedo was appointed to the Council by Governor Maura Healey on November 4, 2025. His three-year term will expire on February 24, 2028.
“I am delighted to welcome Vinny deMacedo to the Mass Cultural Council. Vinny brings an impressive blend of leadership, passion for community, and a deep belief in the power of culture to make Massachusetts stronger. We will be stronger from the insight and energy he will bring to the Council’s work,” said Marc Carroll, Chair, Mass Cultural Council.
The Mass Cultural Council is an independent state agency charged with fostering the Commonwealth’s vibrant cultural sector through a wide portfolio of grants, services, and cross sector partnerships, thereby elevating a rich cultural life for all residents and visitors to Massachusetts. The Agency is governed by a 19-member board of private citizens, collectively referred to as “the Council.”
As directed by state law, Council members are appointed by the Governor and have demonstrated scholarship or creativity in, or distinguished service to, the arts, humanities, interpretative sciences, or local arts. Council members serve staggered, three-year terms and reside in every region of the Commonwealth.
“On behalf of the staff team, I am thrilled to welcome Vinny deMacedo to the Mass Cultural Council,” said Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “Vinny’s deep experience in public service, higher education, and community leadership will be invaluable as we continue our work to strengthen and celebrate creativity across the Commonwealth.”
“It’s a privilege to be appointed to the Mass Cultural Council. Massachusetts has an extraordinary cultural ecosystem that supports not just artists and institutions, but the vitality of every city and town,” said deMacedo. “I’m eager to work alongside my fellow Council members to ensure that creativity continues to thrive and that all residents share in its benefits.”
About Vinny deMacedo
Vinny deMacedo serves as Special Advisor to the President of Bridgewater State University (BSU). He joined the President’s office in 2019, after a 21-year career serving his constituents in the Massachusetts Legislature. A proud Cape Verdean, he spent 16 years in the House of Representatives and another five years in the Massachusetts Senate.
That experience has served him well in his BSU role, where Vinny has facilitated collaboration between the University and federal and state officials. Vinny works as a liaison to regional municipalities and the business community and actively seeks and secures grants for the University.
A small business owner, he operates RWA Mobil Station in Cedarville. He is a member of the Cedarville and Sagamore Business Association and the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.