Mary Z. Connaughton Joins Pioneer Institute as Director of Administration and Finance
Mary Z. Connaughton Joins Pioneer Institute as Director of Administration and Finance
Prominent think tank welcomes former CFO of Massachusetts State Lottery,
MassTurnpike Board Member, and 2010 Auditor candidate
BOSTON, MA – Pioneer Institute announced today that Mary Z. Connaughton will become the organization’s new Director of Administration and Finance on June 27th.
“We are really pleased to see Mary join the Pioneer team. She brings the organization a positive outlook, energy, and a wealth of fiscal and managerial expertise,” said Jim Stergios, executive director of Pioneer Institute. “With her past focus on government reform, ethics and transparency, she will enhance the work we do in those areas and help us raise the ‘game level’ of Massachusetts state and
local governments.”
Connaughton will oversee the Institute’s accounting, finance, human resources, and business operations; serve as Clerk and Assistant Treasurer; and collaborate on projects related to government efficiency, ethics and transparency. She steps into a role being vacated by Peter Begley, who served Pioneer well during his five-year tenure but is relocating out of state. In hiring for the position, Pioneer was seeking a proven professional who demonstrates integrity and leadership skills, and is highly
organized and mission?driven.
“I have long respected Pioneer’s work in facilitating sound public policy,” said Connaughton. “Pioneer enjoys a reputation of excellence and I am thrilled to bring both my private sector and public sector experience to contribute to its mission. I can’t think of a better opportunity and simply cannot wait to begin.”
Connaughton is leaving her position as a Partner with Ascentage Group, where she worked to help emerging technology companies in all aspects of their financial operations. Prior to her 2010 campaign for state Auditor, she also taught accounting at Framingham State University. Her prior professional experience also includes being an Audit Senior Manager at Ernst & Young in Boston.
As a member of the Massachusetts Turnpike board, she was an outspoken advocate for toll payers and greater transparency. Her public service includes positions as Chief Financial Officer at the Massachusetts State Lottery, member of the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct, and vice-chair of the Town of Framingham Finance Committee. She is a certified public accountant,
and holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance in addition to undergraduate degrees in Accounting and English.
“The quality of the people on staff and supporting Pioneer is what makes this organization unique,” said Stergios. “We thank Peter Begley for his exceptional work. And we welcome Mary Connaughton on board, ready to benefit from her expertise in government reform.”
