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The Salem State Alumni Association and Foundation, Inc. (AAF) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of several new members to its board of directors, bringing knowledge in law, higher education, finance, social work, nonprofit leadership, and student representation to the board.

The new members’ combined perspectives will strengthen the board’s efforts to support the university and to expand opportunities for current and future students. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, the AAF promotes pride in the university and inspires philanthropy that directly supports student success.

Proud Salem State alumnus Alexander Booker ’14, of Washington, D.C., a nonprofit lawyer and managing partner at CommonLight Legal LLP, joins the AAF’s governance committee. A committed board volunteer, Booker is a former member of the AAF and has spoken to undergraduate classes about employment law and his experience as a former employee of the U.S. Department of Education. While earning his bachelor’s degree in political science at Salem State, Booker experienced a personal and professional transformation that shaped his career path.

“I went from being a line cook to a legislative staffer, and Salem State made it possible,” Booker said. “I’m honored to step back onto the board and help my alma mater navigate and thrive during this time of unprecedented challenge for higher education.”

Christopher Corrente ’10, '12G, of Malden, is a proud Salem State alumnus and committed board volunteer, having previously served on the board from 2014-2022, including six years in a vice president role. He currently works as the assistant director of college-based advising at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, where he leads advising and retention initiatives for engineering students. Corrente will serve on the advancement committee, bringing his deep experience in higher education and long-standing dedication to strengthening opportunities for Salem State students.

“Salem State played a pivotal role in my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue giving back to a university that has shaped so much of who I am,” Corrente said.

Daniel Vassallo, of Peabody, brings extensive financial and operational expertise to his role on the AAF’s audit and finance committee. Vassallo is the corporate controller at GraVoc Associates, where he manages accounting operations and financial reporting for the Peabody-based technology consulting company. A proud community volunteer, he is active in the Rotary Club of Peabody, the Peabody Education Foundation, Friends of Colby Cross-Country, and serves weekly as a driver for No Child Goes Hungry in Peabody.

“I believe strongly in the value of pursuing knowledge,” Vassallo said, “and I’m inspired by Salem State University and the AAF’s values around community engagement and civic leadership.”

Proud Salem State alumna, Hope Watt-Bucci ’96G, PhD, MSW, LICSW, of Manchester-by-the-Sea, brings extensive experience in social work, advocacy and community leadership to the AAF’s advancement committee. A United States Army Active-Duty Veteran, she is the founder and President of North Shore Pride, Inc., an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to education and advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community on the greater North Shore, and founded the Rainbow Coalition to support emerging Pride organizations across the North Shore. Her long history of community service, teaching and nonprofit leadership reflects a deep commitment to access, opportunity and equity, values she credits to her time at Salem State.

“I am honored to return in service to a university that gave so much to me,” Watt-Bucci said, “and I look forward to helping advance its mission of opportunity for all.” 

Justin Young, of South Portland, Maine, returns to the AAF board to serve on the investment committee. He leads corporate venture capital efforts at Unum Group, supporting early-stage startups shaping the future of families, work and longevity. Young previously chaired the AAF’s strategic planning committee and served on the investment committee, earning the Jacob S. Segal President’s Award for his leadership and dedication. He also serves on the Board of Maine Venture Fund and mentors in Northeastern University’s Roux Institute Future of Healthcare Founder Residency.

“Salem State has been an important part of my personal and professional journey,” Young said. “I look forward to continuing to advance its mission and help steward the university’s resources responsibly for years to come.” 

A nursing major entering her senior year, Yvonne Holden ’26, of South Hadley, has been appointed as the student director on the AAF board. For the past three years, she has worked in Salem State’s advancement office, where she developed a strong connection to the alumni community and a passion for philanthropy.

“Through my work with advancement, I’ve seen firsthand how much our alumni care about the university and its students,” Holden said. “I’m honored to represent the student perspective and to help strengthen that connection between students and alumni.”

In addition to her studies, Holden has completed clinical rotations at several Massachusetts hospitals and remains active in community service through Special Olympics.

“We look forward to the energy and insight these new members bring to the AAF,” said Mandy Ray, executive director of the AAF and vice president of advancement. “Their dedication to Salem State and enthusiasm for our mission energizes our work to empower students and strengthen the university’s leadership within the community.”