For 20 years, Peter Twichell has worked to remove barriers to success for young people and their families in the U.S. and abroad.  Now, as the new Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations at Northern Essex Community College, he uses his vast experience to help improve access to education closer to home.

“Interestingly, the people I meet 20 minutes from my home have the same passion and interests as people I’ve met around the world,” remarks Twichell. “And many of the same challenges.”

Peter Twichell, Associate Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations

In this role, Twichell serves as a link between the college, private foundations, and corporations. He identifies opportunities for financial support through grants or corporate or foundation giving to fund critical programs and initiatives. Right now, Twichell sees a lot of potential for growth with workforce development programs.

“Workforce development, as a training issue, needs to be a cross-sector partnership involving the private sector, government, and local nonprofits. I see Northern Essex on the forefront of this as we’re so connected to the local community and can be more responsive to local business needs,” he says.

Supporting young people in pursuing their potential has been a common thread in Twichell’s previous roles. He spent much of his career working for the YouthBuild organization. YouthBuild creates national and global partnerships to develop training programs for young people. More recently, he was the Program Director for The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, which awards grants to youth-serving organizations that help vulnerable young people successfully transition to independent adulthood. Twichell says that through these experiences, he understands what it’s like to both seek and award grant funding.

Twichell has enjoyed connecting with students, faculty, and the local business community since he began his new role at the college about two months ago. He’s looking forward to strengthening those bonds and working to support programs that benefit all the communities the college serves.

“We’re at an interesting time for community colleges, and I’m impressed by the tremendous support for our work on both the local and state levels.”

Twichell holds a master’s degree in international management. He lives in Newburyport, MA, with his wife and family.

Grant awards and funds raised go to various initiatives at Northern Essex, including program funding, scholarships, and faculty support. To learn more about Corporate and Foundation Relations at Northern Essex, visit the webpage.

About Northern Essex
Northern Essex Community College, the first Federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution in New England, is an education leader for the Merrimack Valley. Through a supportive learning environment and cultural inclusion, NECC embraces all identities and inspires initiative and excellence through top-notch, affordable certificate and associate degree programs online and at campuses in Haverhill and Lawrence. NECC offers many bachelor’s degree transfer options, workforce development, and community education classes and hosts the NECC Police Academy, MassHire Merrimack Valley, and Gallaudet University’s Regional Center for the deaf and hard of hearing. Visit Northern Essex online at www.necc.mass.edu.