FITCHBURG, MASS. — MAY 4, 2026 

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM), the region’s leading philanthropic organization serving its 33 cities and towns, today 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, Peter’s appointment reflects the Community Foundation’s continued commitment to deepening its regional roots and accelerating its philanthropic impact in 2026 and beyond.

A Voice for the Region 

Peter Stanton, now Publisher Emeritus of the Worcester Business Journal (WBJ), 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, Stanton built WBJ into 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 Deep Community Investment

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, Central Massachusetts’s beloved jazz station, as well as the RFK Community Alliance, The Worcester Economics Club, Seven Hills Foundation, Massachusetts Research Bureau, The Perkins School in Lancaster, 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

Peter Stanton joins a distinguished 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 33 communities they serve. His arrival comes at a pivotal 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.”

Peter is a graduate of the College of the Holy Cross and has been a tireless presence across the region’s civic, cultural, and nonprofit landscape. He retired in January 2026.  A 1979 Holy Cross grad and father of two, Peter is a beekeeper, runner and artist who lives in historic Lancaster with his wife Stephanie.

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.

Please visit www.cfncm.org for more information and follow CFNCM on LinkedIn and Facebook.