STCC hires Denise Hurst as VP

The Springfield Technical Community College named its first ever vice president of advancement and external affairs.

STCC President John B. Cook announced the appointment of Denise Hurst, of Springfield, in a campus-wide email on Nov. 7.

Since 2009, Hurst has served as an elected member of the Springfield School Committee. She is a member of numerous boards, including the Women's Fund of Western Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women.

Describing the new position, Cook said the vice president will "provide comprehensive leadership for institution-sustaining efforts, including fundraising in partnership with the STCC Foundation, building and sustaining governmental relations, and overseeing branding, marketing and strategic communications."

"[Hurst] brings a unique combination of heart, intellect and professionalism to a similarly unique institution which serves as the only technical community college in Massachusetts," Cook said.

With a career defined by community engagement, Hurst has been a policymaker and legislative advocate at the local, state and federal levels. Hurst's path began as a social worker and clinician, ultimately rising to area director within the state Department of Mental Health. More recently, Hurst was appointed by State Treasurer Deb Goldberg as regional manager of the Massachusetts State Lottery in Western Massachusetts, an office with a budget that approaches $90 million.

Frank Quigley, president of the STCC Foundation, said, "The Foundation Board is pleased to welcome Denise Hurst to Springfield Technical Community College. She has strong roots in Springfield, and we are confident that her leadership on the Springfield School Committee will be an asset to enhance and support the mission of the foundation. We look forward to working with her."

State Rep. Bud L. Williams (D-Springfield) congratulated STCC on the selection of Hurst as vice president. "The college has made a wonderful choice," Williams said. "Denise Hurst is as talented and as capable as they come. I look forward to working with her closely. STCC is a gem for the city of Springfield."

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Hurst also earned a master's degree from Springfield Collegeand has taught as an adjunct at both Cambridge College and Holyoke Community College. She and her husband, Justin Hurst, live in Springfield with their two sons. Hurst begins Dec. 3 at STCC.