District leaders are recognized for service to their communities and the profession
Karen Crebase, M.A.S.S. President during the current school year, recently honored four colleagues with 2026 M.A.S.S. President’s Awards:
- Peter Dillon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Berkshire Hills Regional School District
- Amy McKinstry, Superintendent, Northbridge Public Schools
- Denise Pigeon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Nashoba Valley Technical High School
- Thea Stovell Herndon, Ed.D., Superintendent, Randolph Public Schools
Ms. Crebase, who is Superintendent of Hopedale Public Schools, thanked and congratulated the district leaders for service to their communities, leadership in the association, and advancement of the profession.
“These four district leaders consistently demonstrate the integrity, courage, creativity, skill, and commitment to students and families that are essential to success as a Superintendent,” said Ms. Crebase. “They hold themselves to the highest standards and devote time and expertise to support their colleagues across the Commonwealth. On behalf of M.A.S.S., it is my honor to recognize the very deserving recipients of these awards.”
She delivered the following remarks about the award winners at the M.A.S.S. Spring Meeting on May 21.
Dr. Peter Dillon
Superintendent, Berkshire Hills Regional School District
Dr. Peter Dillon has served as Superintendent of the Berkshire Hills Regional School District since 2009. From 2016 to 2023, he also served as part-time Superintendent for the Shaker Mountain School Union and the Richmond Public Schools. Prior to his 17-year tenure in Berkshire Hills, Peter served as Executive Director of Policy for the New York City Department of Education and Principal of the Heritage School, a collaboration between the New York City Public Schools and Teachers College, Columbia University.
Peter’s career reflects a deep and consistent commitment to service, leadership, and educational equity. A former Peace Corps Volunteer and current National Peace Corps Association Board Member, he has dedicated himself to supporting both local communities and broader educational initiatives. Within M.A.S.S., Peter served for three years as President of the Berkshire County Superintendent Roundtable, has been a member of the M.A.S.S. Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (REDI) Standing Committee since its inception in 2020, and has also served as a mentor and facilitator for the M.A.S.S. Superintendent Support Network (MSSN).
Peter is widely regarded as a transformative and student-centered leader. Among his many accomplishments, he successfully led a community effort that resulted in a 78% approval vote for a $152 million new high school. He also championed the de-leveling of 9th and 10th grade courses to replace traditional tracking systems and significantly expanded student participation and success in Advanced Placement coursework, increasing AP pass rates to 95%.
Throughout his career, Peter has provided thoughtful leadership and steadfast support to colleagues across the Commonwealth. His humility, intellect, strong core values, and unwavering belief in the importance of belonging and inclusivity for every student serve as a model for educational leaders everywhere.
Amy McKinstry
Superintendent, Northbridge Public Schools
Amy McKinstry has served as Superintendent of Schools for the Northbridge Public Schools since April 2019, following five years as the district’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. Prior to her work in Northbridge, Amy held several leadership roles in the Southbridge Public Schools, including ELA teacher, Grades 7–12 ELA Curriculum Coordinator, Middle School Principal, and Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.
In addition to her outstanding district leadership, Amy has made significant contributions to M.A.S.S., her colleagues, and statewide education policy. She currently serves in her third consecutive year as President of the Worcester County Roundtable, represents the Roundtable on the M.A.S.S. Executive Committee, and is a member of the M.A.S.S. Graduation Think Tank. Amy also played a major role in the development and editing of the new M.A.S.S. Vision, Mission, and Values, and has served as a consultant and facilitator for DESE’s Planning for Success strategic planning model. She has presented at numerous M.A.S.S. events and consistently volunteers her expertise in support of educational leadership and policy initiatives across the Commonwealth. Most recently, Amy was elected M.A.S.S. Vice President and will serve as an officer of the association for the next four years.
Amy is widely respected as a thoughtful and supportive colleague, a champion for children, and a trusted educational leader whose influence continues to shape both M.A.S.S. and public education in Massachusetts. Her collaborative spirit, professionalism, and commitment to service have earned the admiration and respect of colleagues across the Commonwealth.
Dr. Denise Pigeon
Superintendent, Nashoba Valley Technical High School
Dr. Denise Pigeon has served as Superintendent of Nashoba Valley Technical High School since February 2016. Her dedication to Nashoba Valley Tech spans more than two decades, having begun her service to the district in 2005. During that time, Denise served for five years as Director of Curriculum and Grants and six years as Principal before becoming Superintendent.
In addition to her outstanding leadership at Nashoba Valley Tech, Denise has provided extraordinary service and support to her colleagues through both M.A.S.S. and the Massachusetts Association of Vocational Administrators (MAVA). She is widely respected for her intellect, vision, and tireless work ethic.
Denise has served as an officer of MAVA for the past five years and is currently the Association’s Past President. She also previously served as President of the Merrimack Valley Superintendents Roundtable and currently serves as a Board Member of Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools (MARS). In addition, Denise served multiple years on the M.A.S.S. Executive Committee and continues to play a key role on the K–12 Graduation Council, advising the Governor’s appointed council on the future of Massachusetts graduation requirements.
Denise’s selfless commitment to major educational issues has had a significant impact at the state and local levels. Her leadership has helped shape important policy discussions while also providing valued collegial support to superintendents and educational leaders across the Commonwealth.
Dr. Thea Stovell Herndon
Superintendent, Randolph Public Schools
Dr. Thea Stovell Herndon is in her eighth year as the Superintendent of the Randolph Public Schools, a role she has held with distinction since 2018. Over a 35-year career devoted to children and young adults, including 22 years in public education, she has emerged as a deeply reflective and strategic leader in the Commonwealth. Before her appointment as Superintendent, Thea served the Randolph community as the Principal of Randolph Community Middle School and as the Founding Principal of AIM Academy.
Thea has consistently used her platform to champion equity and literacy. Under her leadership, the Randolph Public Schools implemented a Literacy Action Plan that has seen remarkable success, with the district being recognized by state leaders for its commitment to evidence-based reading programs. Her “labor of love”—the opening of the new North Randolph Elementary School—perfectly encapsulates her mission to bring joy back to learning through innovative spaces like a STEAM lab and a second-floor slide leading to the principal’s office.
Thea’s influence extends far beyond the borders of Randolph. She serves as the M.A.S.S. representative on Governor Maura Healey’s Massachusetts Statewide K-12 Graduation Council, helping to shape the future of graduation requirements for all students in the Commonwealth. Within M.A.S.S., she is a mentor and leader, serving as a Superintendent Facilitator for the inaugural cohort of the M.A.S.S. Superintendent Support Network (MSSN) and remaining active in the Women’s Educational Leadership Network (WELN).
Beyond her professional achievements, Thea is a passionate advocate for community and connection. She founded the Sisters Together Actively Reading (S.T.A.R.) book club and serves on the board for the Annual Louise Herndon Prom Princess, providing memorable experiences for local youth. Driven by her own experiences as a METCO student, Thea remains steadfast in her belief that a student’s geographic location should never dictate the quality of their education.
M.A.S.S. commends Thea for her visionary leadership, her dedication to student success, and her unwavering commitment to the Randolph community.