Mass Humanities is thrilled to welcome Jillian Morgan to its staff as the humanities council’s new Director of Development. An expert in cultivating philanthropy in the nonprofit space, Morgan will lead fundraising and donor relations for the organization. Her hire comes at a pivotal time, with the National Endowment for the Humanities facing continued pressure from the federal government.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jillian to our team,” said Brian Boyles, executive director of Mass Humanities. “Her unique expertise and her long commitment to the Valley will be invaluable as we deepen our partnerships in the region and continue to steward our resources to impact the entire commonwealth.”
Morgan previously served as the Director of Development at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts from 2022-2026, where she brought in $7M in annual donations. She also supported a $30 million capital campaign for FBWM, as well as oversaw the annual March for the Food Bank with Monte Belmonte, which raised over $900k this year.
“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to be part of Mass Humanities’ mission,” said Morgan. “The humanities have the power to connect us, challenge us, and move us toward a more equitable future. It doesn’t just enrich our own lives; it lays the groundwork for lasting civic engagement and social change. I’m ready to get to work.”
Morgan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MBA in Entrepreneurial Thinking and Innovative Practices from Bay Path University.
Her interest in the humanities stems from her experience on stage as a child, where she was inspired by the power of performance to tell stories and foster a sense of belonging. That passion for storytelling continues today, she said, in the form of improv classes.