Irene and her husband, George, were leaders in the support and promotion of cultural, educational, human service and religious organizations throughout Hampden County.
Having spent some of her childhood in an orphanage, Irene believed that those with resources have a responsibility to give back to their community. The foundation was established to formalize Irene's generosity.
Today, The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation continues to provide grant opportunities to nonprofit organizations working throughout Hampden County in keeping with the family's legacy. The Foundation and the Davis family continue to partner with local and statewide organizations to better serve the communities throughout Hampden County. Their hope is for this spirit of helping others and sharing resources to continue for generations to come.
Executive Director, Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation
Paul Belsito is the Executive Director of the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, assuming the role in 2020 to steer the Foundation's strategic direction, oversee administration, and spearhead new funding initiatives. With a background in leadership, Paul actively represents the Foundation in the community and has held key positions on various boards and commissions throughout his career. Prior to joining the Foundation Paul served as President of The Hanover Insurance Group Foundation and oversaw corporate community relations. Currently, he serves on the Board of Educare Springfield, the board of advisors for the Massachusetts Business Alliance for Education, and the board of directors for the Mass Alliance for Early College. Additionally, Paul contributes his expertise to the Board of the Western Mass Economic Development Council. Recognized for his contributions, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker appointed Paul to the Board of Early Education and Care in August 2021, where he assumed the role of Chair in December 2022. Paul is a graduate of Assumption University, holding both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in business administration.
Grants Manager
Meredith Kent serves as the Grants Manager for the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation. She joined the Foundation in May 2022 and spent most of her professional career in education and nonprofit sectors. Her background in the non-profit sector focused on grants management, relationship management and strategic thinking and planning. Before joining the Foundation, Meredith was the Director of High School Placement and Graduate Support at the Nativity School of Worcester. Additionally, she is trained as an Executive Function Skills Coach. She is an active member of the Northborough Education Foundation, and volunteers weekly as a coach with Rock Steady Boxing, a fitness program designed to help individuals fight back against Parkinson’s Disease. Meredith holds a Master's Degree in Education from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education and obtained her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, School of Education and Public Policy.
Executive Administrator
Gina Pioggia is the Executive Administrator for the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation. In this capacity, Gina plays a key role in advancing the Foundation's strategic goals. With over 10 years of experience in various educational settings, Gina brings a wealth of expertise in classroom management, training coordination, and office management, positioning her well to contribute significantly to the Foundation's success. Her most recent role was as a teacher for grades 3-5 at Martin Luther King Charter School of Excellence in Springfield. Gina is equipped with a Master's Degree in Education/Elementary Education from UMASS – Amherst.
Director of Strategic Learning and Evaluation
Kiley O’Meara, the Director of Strategic Learning and Evaluation for the Foundation, joined are team in January 2024. Kiley is an accomplished professional in philanthropy and education, and most recently served as a Senior Researcher for philanthropic initiatives at Stanford University. Specializing in improving education for low-income youth, Kiley has conducted pivotal research on initiatives supported by major foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Kiley's diverse career spans roles such as Director of Policy and Research at GreatSchools, Program Officer at The Stupski Foundation, and Policy Director at The Hewlett-Annenberg Challenge. Her commitment to education extends to early in her career when she was a TK-12 educator. Holding a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Middlebury College, Kiley actively contributes to her community, serving in leadership roles at The Ethel Walker School's Parent's Association and the Harvard Alumnae Association, and volunteering at Healing Meals in Simsbury, CT.
Laurel Ferretti
Stephen A. Davis
Drew Davis
Jane Davis-Kusek
John H. Davis (Emeritus)
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