Pioneer Institute Welcomes New Board Members

Pioneer Institute is delighted to welcome Sara Johnson and Andrew Davis to our Board of Directors. Their respective backgrounds in business development and the assessment of business opportunities, and enthusiastic support of Pioneer’s mission will be crucial to the success of the Institute’s ambitious Pioneer2024 strategic plan.

“Pioneer Institute’s role in serving as a thought leader and catalyst for positive public policy change in Massachusetts is only possible because of the caliber of individuals that choose to volunteer their time and energy to its efforts,” said Board Chair Adam Portnoy. “Sara Johnson and Andrew Davis are outstanding additions to our Board and will contribute to Pioneer’s work towards improving the quality of life for all Massachusetts citizens.”

We proudly present our new members:

Sara Johnson is Executive Director, Global Economics with IHS Markit, which provides economic forecasts of over 200 countries. In this role, she helps clients assess worldwide business opportunities and risks. She co-authors the Global Executive Summary, manages the Executive Strategy Council, and presents the economic outlook to international conferences. She was previously North American Research Director with Standard & Poor’s DRI and Managing Director of Global Macroeconomics with Global Insight, predecessors of IHS Markit Economics and Country Risk. She holds a B.A. degree in economics and mathematics from Wellesley College and an M.A. in economics from Harvard University with concentrations in finance and macroeconomic theory. She has advised three Massachusetts governors on public policy and economic development, is immediate past president of The Boston Economic Club, vice chair of Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ Board of Economic Advisors, and a member of the American Economic Association. She resides in Wellesley, Massachusetts, where she has served on the town’s Board of Selectmen, Board of Library Trustees, Advisory (Finance) Committee, and Town Meeting. She currently serves on the Board of Advisors of Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

Andrew Davis is co-founder and Managing Partner at Overall Capital Partners, a private equity fund which invests in market leading businesses. Before founding Overall Capital, Mr. Davis was with the Harvard Management Company. He began his career at Emerson Electric. Mr. Davis received his BA from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public & International Affairs, and also holds an MBA from Harvard Business School. Mr. Davis is married with children and lives in Boston. Mr. Davis served on the Pioneer board from 2014 – 2019.

Three members of Pioneer Institute’s Board of Directors have completed their terms: David Boit, Alfred Houston, and Gary Kearney.

“I am excited to have the chance in the coming years to work closely with Sara and Andrew, and we are all so grateful to David, Al and Gary for their service,” said Jim Stergios. “Each of these individuals was a leader on the Board, each serving as the chair of a committee and sharing their impressive strategic thinking with their fellow directors and with me.”

“What makes Pioneer Institute such a great organization to be involved with is the caliber of its board. David, Al and Gary bring their enthusiasm, financial acumen and policy insights to the table. Their dedication to Pioneer’s mission of advancing prosperity and a vibrant civic life throughout the state was exemplary,” said Mary Connaughton, Director of Finance and Administration.

The Pioneer Board recently established a Life Director position for individuals who have shown extraordinary generosity and dedication to the Institute in terms of philanthropic contributions and leadership. While serving as non-voting members, Life Directors will remain fully engaged in the Institute’s work.

About Pioneer

Pioneer’s mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond.

Pioneer’s vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent.

Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise.