SALEM – Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, was recently named to the newly expanded Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics Advisory Board at Salem State University.
The advisory board constitutes a group of civic-minded elected and community leaders charged with helping the institute keep its programming timely, relevant, and aligned with the rapidly evolving needs of society, according to a Salem State spokesperson.
‘The future of our democracy depends on the development of young leaders who value public service of all types, and who grasp the complexities of effective public policy and the collaborative efforts needed to integrate different perspectives into cohesive and meaningful government actions that achieve fair results,’ Tarr said.
Tarr went on to say he appreciated being engaged with the institute to “give students powerful exposure to real world issues and the leadership needed to address them.”
The board will play a central role in the Berry Institute of Politics’ strategic direction, student engagement priorities, and experiential learning opportunities going into the 2026 election year. Next year’s political calendar includes not only high-energy midterm elections, but also a potential wave of close to a dozen ballot initiatives for Massachusetts voters to settle.
“Students are eager for tangible, meaningful, and accessible pathways into public life, and the Berry Institute of Politics is here to meet that moment,” said Hannah Levine, assistant director of the Berry Institute of Politics. “Our advisory board brings invaluable perspectives and leadership that guides our impactful programming and connects students to public service.”
Established in 2019, the Berry Institute of Politics has quickly become a statewide convener for democratic engagement. Its non-partisan programming ranges from debates and candidate forums to nationally recognized voter engagement initiatives. The institute regularly hosts policymakers, journalists, strategists, and advocates who shape public policy in Massachusetts and beyond. The IOP also supports students with career interests in politics and awards public service scholarships.
The IOP is named after Frederick E. Berry, a long-time political leader, champion for civic engagement and state senator representing the Second Essex District, which includes Salem State. The IOP’s programming is led by Levine and Cynthia Lynch, assistant vice provost for civic engagement and academic strategic support, in partnership with the advisory board.
University President John Keenan said the structure and breadth of the advisory board reflects the institute’s commitment to bringing students into authentic political spaces.
“The Berry IOP has become one of the university’s strongest engines for student engagement and civic leadership, and this Advisory Board strengthens that work at exactly the right time,” Keenan said. “These leaders help us keep a finger on the pulse of what the Commonwealth needs. Their insight ensures our students are not just learning about politics—they are participating in it, shaping it, and preparing to lead it.”
The board is co-led by two Boston-area experts in the civic engagement world – Vic DiGravio, president and CEO of Riverside Community Care; and Colleen McGlynn Moody, executive vice president of Womble Bond Dickson Government & Public Affairs.
“We are beyond excited to welcome the newest members of the Berry IOP Advisory Board,” said DiGravio.