Mission Critical

Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Andrea Wolfe, President & CEO of Mass Insight, a valued partner to schools, districts, and state education agencies, joins the podcast to discuss the state of education and Mass Insight's latest projects and priorities. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Corey Yarbrough, Executive Director of 826 Boston joins the podcast to discuss the group's work in the Boston area. 826 Boston is a nonprofit writing, tutoring, and publishing organization where students in grades K-12 and beyond can share their stories, amplify their voices, and develop as leaders in school and in life.Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Dr. Bonnie Bertolaet, Executive Director of the Science Club for Girls joins the podcast to discuss the work the organziation is doing and its goals for the future. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Amy Schectman, CEO of 2Life Communities, joins George to discuss the state of play around elder care across Massachusetts and the exciting projects 2Life has in the works. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

International Institute of New England President and CEO Jeffrey Thielman joins the podcast this week. Mission Critical is prodcued by Rasky Partners. 

Mass Nonprofit Network CEO Jim Klocke joins the podcast this week to discuss his organizations work over the past year and what's coming in 2026. 

NEFA Executive Director Harold Steward joins the show to discuss the state of arts in New England, and how NEFA is working to ensure fair, equitable access to grant money and projects to keep the arts alive. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Brian Pellinen, President of Montserrat College of Art, joins the podcast to discuss the college's impact on the community, as well as some of its new programming to ensure students are well prepared for life beyond graduation.

Sandra McCroom joins the show to discuss the imapct the Federal adminstration has had and how Children's Services of Roxbury has been meeting the moment. 

Marty Martinez, CEO of United Way, which has over 85 years of local impact in eastern Massachusetts, joins the podcast to discuss the organization's work, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities ahead.

On this episode of Mission Critical, George chats with Diana Franchitto, CEO of nonprofit HopeHealth Hospice, and Dr. Jennifer Ritzau, Vice President of the Medical Staff to learn more about how hospice has grown and evolved in New England over the years. 

Mission Critical's guest this week is the CEO of Blue Hub Capital,  a nonprofit community development financial institution working to build healthy communities where low-income people live and work. George and Elyse discuss the challenges facing New England and some of Blue Hub's most sucsesful programs and projects. 

Bay Cove Human Services' President & CEO joins the podcast to discuss the work his organization is doing, the challenges they face, and the impact they have on the communities they serve.  

Mission Critical host George Donnelly talks with Joyce Tavon about the work she and the Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance are doing, how the current federal landscape is changing things, and what can be done here in Massachusetts to make an immediate impact. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners.  

Mission Critical host George Donnelly connects with Lyndia Downie, President and Executive Director of the Pine Street Inn to discuss the group's comprehensive programs and services and its mission is to end homelessness by making a home and community a reality for all. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Mission Critical host George Donnelly sits down with the President and CEO of ABCD, Action for Boston Community Development, Sharon Scott-Chandler to discuss the groups work and its impact throughout the city. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

George Donnelly talks with Dr. Franks about the work of the Baker Center and how changes in federal funding and policies are making the Center's work more challenging, yet even more important. Mission Critical is produced by Rasky Partners. 

Lesli Suggs is the President and CEO of the Home for the Little Wanderers, helping over 15,000 vulnerable children and youth each year through its community-based programming and residential care. Lesli joins Mission Critical to discuss the Home's work, from increasing community engagement to keep kids in their home, to improving mental health care access. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.

Dr. Noelle Trent is the President & CEO of the Museum of African American History | Boston & Nantucket, focusing on connecting colonial and early African American history & culture in Boston and the larger New England area, from the abolition of slavery to current explorations of race and the struggle for human rights. Dr. Trent discusses some of the current work the museum is doing and the challenges that lie ahead. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C. 

Chris White is the CEO of Road to Responsibility, focused on providing the means, the opportunity, and the support necessary to allow citizens with disabilities to take their place as productive members of the community. Chris discusses some of the challenges facing Road to Responsibility in the new administration and how he and his workforce are meeting the moment. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.

Jennifer Lemmerman is the Chief Policy Officer of Project Bread, one of Massachusetts leading anti-hunger organizations. Jennifer and George connect about the organization’s mission and how it takes a radical approach to ending hunger throughout the state. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.

Ken Bates is the President and CEO of Open Sky Community Services, focused on blending best practices with the power of community, to partner with individuals and families to see and live beyond perceived limitations. Ken dives into the challenges and uncertainty facing his organizations, with cuts to federal funding impacting the services desperately needed by people throughout the Commonwealth. Mission Critical is powered by Rasky Partners, a public affairs and communications firm based in Boston and D.C.