One of fifteen community colleges under the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education,
North Shore Community College operates independently with all programs, services,
and resources managed through one administrative organization.
Executive Staff
William A. Heineman, Ed.D.,
President
Dr. William A. Heineman became North Shore Community College’s fifth President on July 6, 2021. He previously held the position of Provost at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill/Lawrence, Massachusetts. He has worked in the Massachusetts Community College system for 25 years as faculty (both DCE and Day), administrator, and held executive leadership positions of Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs and Vice President of Academic Affairs. His work has always focused on improving the experience of students and innovation in education. He has notable accomplishments in academic program development, competency-based education, online learning, open educational resources, community partnerships, designing holistic approaches to student success, and managing people and resources.
Dr. Heineman has played a leadership role and participated in an array of educational and community organizations. He served as a board member of both the National Council of Instructional Administrators and the Teaching Academic Survival and Success Conference. He serves as an accreditation site visitor for the New England Commission of Higher Education and chaired the Massachusetts Community College Chief Academic Officers council.
Dr. Heineman earned his EdD from the University of Massachusetts Boston where his dissertation research focused on the use of data in decision making about online distance education in community colleges. He holds a Master’s in Public Policy degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a BA in History from the University of Rochester. He participated in the Aspen Presidential Fellowship for Community College Leadership, the American Association of Community Colleges Future Leaders Institute, and the Massachusetts Community College Leadership Academy.
Bill and his wife Linda have two adult daughters, and enjoy travel and the beach.
Dr. Kathryn Nielsen
Senior Executive Officer, President's Office
Dr. Kathryn Nielsen is North Shore Community College’s first senior executive officer, President's Office. In this position, Dr. Nielsen promotes synergy and coordination of college operations and manages the daily operations of the President’s Office, including the alumni, external and public relations, marketing communications, and planning, research and resources functions at NSCC. She also coordinates the President’s Cabinet and chairs the new Community Relations Team. Dr. Nielsen comes to NSCC as a leader in higher education with over 20 years as a researcher, college administrator, teacher, and speaker. Dr. Nielsen most recently held the position of associate vice president and served as the founding director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at Merrimack College. She earned her Ph.D. in Educational Studies, Adult and Transformative Learning from Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in education and social policy.
Dr. Christian Bednar
Provost/Chief Academic Officer (CAO)
Chris has been an integral part of NSCC since 2007 as an adjunct and then a full-time faculty member, Assistant Dean, Dean, and in the last nine months, the Interim Assistant Provost/CAO. He brings with him a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to academic excellence. Chris earned a B.A. in English from Saint Anselm College, a M.A.T. in English from Boston University and a M.A. in English from UMass Boston. In 2021, he completed his Ph.D. at UMass Boston with his dissertation, Navigating Whiteness: A Critical Discourse Analysis of White Community College Faculty, White Identity, and the Discursive Positioning of Students of Color. He is especially interested in the application of critical studies to community college structures, policies, and practices. Given the persistent equity gaps in academic outcomes for students of color at NSCC, this background will be particularly important to Chris as he leads the work to eliminate those gaps. Dr. Bednar resides in Salem with his wife, Jennifer, and three children: Annie, Jack, and Tyler. He and his family love sports (a bit too much), music, Halloween, and spending time with friends.
Janice Forsstrom
Vice President, Administration & Finance
Janice Forsstrom joined North Shore Community College in 1975 and has held progressive positions in the administration for 45 years. She was appointed to the current position of Vice President for Administration and Finance/CFO in 2000, and previously held College positions of Grants Officer, Comptroller, and Dean of Finance, as well as experience overseeing Human Resources, Institutional Research/Strategic Planning, and Student Financial Services. In her current role, Jan leads the areas of Finance and Budget, Campus Capital Planning and Facilities/Public Safety, and Information Systems/Administrative Technology. She is responsible for the development of the institution’s annual budget and financial plan, including allocation of fiscal resources, for overall fiscal and compliance accountability, and the progress of the Facilities Master Plan and College Technology Plan. She has served her community as a volunteer Board Director on the North Shore Technical Council. Ms. Forsstrom has participated on numerous NECHE (New England Commission of Higher Education) accreditation visitation teams, and contributed to finance and technology articles and presentations. She holds an undergraduate degree from Regis College and an M.A. from Boston University.
Nikki Pelonia
Chief Diversity and Equity Officer (CDEO)
As the college’s first CDEO, Nikki Pelonia works to promote an environment free of discrimination and biases through advocacy, education, and the development and implementation of programs and campaigns designed to enhance the success, retention, and personal development of NSCC’s diverse community. The CDEO serves as the College’s Affirmative Action Officer and Title IX Coordinator ensuring compliance with The College’s Policy on Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Pelonia is a first-generation immigrant born in Olongapo, Philippines and was raised in Southeast San Diego, CA. A community college attendee himself, Nikki also has a M.A. in Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management from SIT Graduate Institute, and a B.A. in Philosophy and Religion, cum laude, from San Francisco State University.
Loyce Brown
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Loyce Brown has dedicated over twenty years of her professional career to the field of human resources working in manufacturing, health care, non-profit, and higher education. Loyce understands that community colleges are one of the cornerstones of healthy and thriving communities. In 2022, Loyce earned a doctorate in Community College leadership from Ferris State University to further support her commitment to community colleges. Loyce also holds a master degree in instructional design, a bachelor degree in psychology, and a master-level certificate in Human Resource Development from Florida State University. In keeping with her family's tradition, Loyce is a consummate public servant. She has served as a Board Member of the Power of Dad, a non-profit organization developed and dedicated to assisting young men without a positive male role model, and for Child and Family Services, a local sexual assault advocacy center. Loyce also volunteers her time and talents to deliver educational and motivational talks and trainings to many local non-profit groups and organizations. In her personal time, Loyce enjoys jigsaw puzzles, creating mandalas, and reading self-help books.
Jennifer James Price
Assistant Vice President of Strategic Employer Relations
Jennifer James Price is an accomplished and innovative public policy leader and management executive with a proven track record of shaping and implementing transformative strategies across business, workforce, and education systems. With over two decades of experience, Jennifer has consistently demonstrated expertise in building cross-system collaborations, leading program and resource development, and formulating impactful public policies. Jennifer holds a Master of Science in City Planning from MIT and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. Jennifer combines academic rigor with a deep passion for social impact. She has served on several boards, including the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the Melrose Emergency Fund, Brighter Boston, and currently serves as a Board member for the Department of Early Education and Care, further contributing to her dedication to public service and community development.