Jennifer Borislow, the new chair of the NECC Board of Trustees

Jennifer A. Borislow, founding principal of Borislow Insurance of Methuen, was recently named chairwoman to the Northern Essex Community College Board of Trustees by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

“As a trustee, Jennifer has proven to be thoughtful and a creative thinker. Her connections to our community and her business acumen will serve us well,” said Lane Glenn, NECC President.

A member of the trustees since 2017, she replaces Jeff Linehan, who was appointed to the board in 2010 and has served as chair since 2015.

“Jeff is dedicated to this college and our students and he has been an excellent trustee chair. We will miss his leadership,” said Glenn.

Borislow, a lifelong resident of Methuen, is a nationally recognized expert, author, speaker, and thought leader on employee benefits, insurance, and related business strategies. She is the chief executive officer and strategic coach of the organization. For more than 38 years she has helped business owners, executives, and professionals develop a clear, strategic vision for their organizations that leverages employee benefits, risk management, and more. Her specialty is working with educational organizations.

As chair, Borislow’s priorities will include strategic planning for 2021-2024; a review of the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accreditation process, board self-assessment, and meeting with each trustee and cabinet member to learn more about their role and commitment to the college.

“My focus will be on bringing strong listening and communication skills,” said Borislow.

Although her mother attended Northern Essex, Borislow admits that before joining the board she was a “casual observer/supporter of the community college experience.”

“Not having attended a community college myself, I was unaware of the numerous advantages of the amazing education it offers, both in learning and value. Over the past three years, I have gained so much appreciation and knowledge for every aspect of Northern Essex life- from the tremendous leadership of President Lane Glenn and his very talented cabinet, to the faculty, staff and students. NECC is a very special place.”

Borislow has been involved in a number of industry organizations and been active on several local boards including the Merrimack Valley YMCA Board of Trustees and Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, NH. She has co-authored several books including “Bend the Healthcare Trend”, which clarifies consumer-driven health and wellness plans that help employers empower employees to control health care costs; and written “Inspire to Act” and “Inspire to Act for Kids”, collections of stories that help others to embrace the power of kindness, and “If I Had Only Known”, a guidebook that offers guidance and help prepare to make informed choices related to the death of a loved one.

A graduate of Dickinson College she earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Political Science in 1982. She lives in Methuen with her husband Michael. They have two daughters Jessica and Lauren and a son-in-law Joshua Dollinger.

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers approximately 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth.  Each year, 6,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,000 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley.  For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.