FITCHBURG — The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, a leading philanthropic organization serving 33 cities and towns, has announced the appointment of Peter Stanton to its board of directors.
A celebrated business leader, media veteran and champion of the Central Massachusetts community for more than four decades, foundation representatives said that Stanton’s appointment reflects the Community Foundation’s continued commitment to its regional roots and accelerating its philanthropic impact in 2026 and beyond.
A voice for the region
Stanton, publisher emeritus of the Worcester Business Journal, spent 46 years bringing the stories of Central Massachusetts businesses, leaders and communities to life. Serving as publisher and CEO of the Worcester Business Journal and co-owner of its parent company, New England Business Media, he built WBJ into the one of the region’s most trusted source for business news covering the companies, entrepreneurs and civic forces that define Central Massachusetts.
“Peter is exactly the kind of leader who strengthens a board like ours with his knowledge and commitment to our community,” said Stephen J. Adams, president of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. “He has spent decades championing businesses, people, and the potential of this important region in our Commonwealth. That depth of knowledge and genuine care for the communities we serve will be an extraordinary asset as we continue to drive lasting impact across the region.”
A record of community involvement
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Stanton has long channeled his energy and resources into the region he calls home. He has served on the board of 90.5 WICN Public Radio, a Central Massachusetts jazz station, as well as the RFK Community Alliance, The Worcester Economics Club, Seven Hills Foundation, Worcester Regional Research Bureau, and has been active in preserving and restoring the historic Bullfinch Church in Lancaster. He is also co-founder of Worcester Homecoming. His board service across sectors spanning education, public media and civic revitalization speaks directly to the breadth of perspective he will bring to the Community Foundation.
“I have watched this region grow, go through struggles, and rise back stronger for as long as I can remember,” said Stanton. “The Community Foundation has been one of the quiet engines behind so much of that resilience. It connects generosity with need and turns individual giving into lasting community good. It’s an honor to join this board and to serve alongside leaders who care so deeply about the people and places that make this region special.”
Building momentum
Foundation representatives said that Stanton joins a board of directors whose members bring exceptional depth of knowledge across business, law, finance, education and the nonprofit sector — all united by a genuine commitment to the communities they serve. They said his arrival comes at a milestone moment: the Community Foundation recently surpassed $115 million in charitable assets and has distributed more than $100 million in grants and scholarships to strengthen nonprofits, students and community initiatives across the region. With strategic initiatives underway, including a landmark five-year, $500,000 commitment to the College Affordable initiative to bring free financial aid advising to every high school in North Central Massachusetts, the foundation is moving with purpose into its next chapter.
“As we enter our next chapter, having a leader of Peter’s stature and credibility on our board is a tremendous advantage,” said Board Chair Will Aubuchon. “He understands the full landscape of this region with its challenges, opportunities, and above all, the people. That understanding is precisely what we believe drives great philanthropy.”
A 1979 Holy Cross graduate and father of two, Stanton is also a beekeeper, runner and artist who lives in historic Lancaster with his wife, Stephanie.
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is the leading community foundation in the 33-community region, managing charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses and other non-profit organizations.
The foundation partners with individuals, families, businesses and organizations to turn generosity into lasting impact connecting charitable resources with the needs and opportunities that shape our region’s future. It stewards more than $115 million in charitable assets and has distributed over $100 million in grants and scholarships to support local nonprofits, students and community initiatives. The foundation provides flexible giving options that enable individuals, families, businesses and nonprofit organizations to achieve their charitable goals and create lasting community benefits.
Visit www.cfncm.org for more information and follow CFNCM on LinkedIn and Facebook.
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