Our Guiding Principles
Community
We believe that we are interdependent and this makes each of us stronger.
Opportunity
NECAT’s founding principle is that everyone deserves to live a life of purpose—there is inherent ability to succeed in everyone.
Transformation
The combination of inspiration, skills training, emotional support and a compassionate environment motivates our students to make the changes they need to reach their personal goals.
Respect
We meet our students where they are in their personal journey, with no judgement on past or personal circumstances, and partner with them in getting to where they’d like to be.
Joy
Happiness is important to the way we live and work.

The History of NECAT
The New England Center for Arts and Technology - NECAT - opened its doors to Greater Boston in September 2013. An ambitious vision developed over a four year period by Founder and Chairman, Maarten Hemsley, NECAT represents a nonprofit collaboration between public and private partners.
Meet Our Staff
Our Board of Directors

Maarten Hemsley (NECAT Founder, Board Chair & President) is a semi-retired financial executive with many years experience managing public companies.

Kino Billon is a Director, District Executive at Santander Bank, NA in Boston North/New England Area.

Courtney Brooke Bell is Director of Healthcare Operations at Boston Healthcare for the Homeless. A seasoned healthcare professional, she is also a certified yoga instructor and originally hails from Chicago.

Jennifer Corcoran is a Project Director for Joseph J. Corcoran Company and volunteers with many organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Dorchester and Charlestown Lacrosse & Learning Center.

Sāsha Coleman is a 2017 graduate of NECAT. Raised in the restaurant industry, she worked the line at SRV before becoming a co-owner of Tanám. She is now a Food Stylist and Freelance Chef.

Reverend Dana Gonsal is Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dorchester, President/CEO of The Classic Shoe Shine Corporation and a vital community advocate.

Rebecca Hemsleyis Director of Marketing & Advertising at South Coast Almanac LLC, and serves as President for the Foundation for Wareham Education.

T. Nicolas John is Deputy Director of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau. He began his career working in Massachusetts government and legislative affairs in 2010 where he served in many capacities until 2017. He also served as a Member on the state's LGBTQ Youth Commission from 2012-2021.

Joanne Massaro had a lengthy career in public service, culminating in the position of Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Boston.

Michael Rothschild is a principal of Abbott Investments and President of the Newmarket Business Association.

Dan Scully is recently retired as President and CEO of Hotel California Tequila. His work prior to the sprits business, was in such diverse fields as hotel management, media management, and consulting.

William (Bill) Strickland (Honorary Board Member) is founder and CEO of Manchester Bidwell, and is the inspiration for NECAT.
Financial Reports
We are committed to providing clear, timely information on our finances, programs and impact on the community. Click the button below to view our financial reports.
2022 Annual ReportA New Program on the Horizon
NECAT has been working closely with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department to implement a program for individuals still incarcerated at South Bay Prison. The program provides technical skills and emotional and career readiness support, helping participants move directly into career-ladder culinary employment upon release. Our goal is to reduce recidivism rates and help launch stable futures for the formerly incarcerated in our community.

Our Funders
We want to thank the following donors who have provided critical support to NECAT. As a nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of our community and supporters in helping us achieve our mission.
See all fundersWe thank the following donors who have provided critical support to NECAT.
Gifts of $50,000 and Above
- Anonymous
- The Boston Foundation
- Commonwealth Corporation
- Encore Boston Harbor
- Executive Office of Housing and Econ Dev, Commonwealth of MA
- Mabel Louise Riley Foundation
- Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development, City of Boston
- The Shirley & Jim Marten Foundation
- The State Street Foundation
Gifts of $25,000 to $49,999
- Cummings Foundation
- The Rowland Foundation
Gifts of $10,000 to $24,999
- East Boston Savings Bank Foundation
- Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
- The Jacques Pépin Foundation
- Jane & Charles Kusek
- Carolyn Loiselle
Gifts of $1,000 to $9,999
- Robert & Jeannette Baker
- Berkshire Bank Foundation
- Beacon Hill Charity Circle
- Cherbec Advancement Foundation
- Dedham Savings Community Foundation
- Larry Finman
- Emerson Foster
- Rebecca Hemsley
- Maarten & Mavis Hemsley
- Joanne Massaro
- Moses Kimball Memorial Fund
- Sharon & Ron Nunes
- The Paul & Edith Babson Foundation
- People’s United Community Foundation of Eastern MA
- Erin K Higgins & Douglas Rosner
- Tina Aronson & Koby Rotstein
- Santander Bank Foundation
- Bill Sheehan
- David Steadman & Sharon Ruatto-Steadman
- Kate & Ben Taylor
- Walmart Foundation
- Whole Foods Market Community Engagement
- Judith Zink
Gifts of $250 to $999
- Margarita Barresi
- Amy Berkeley
- Marlissa Briggett
- Daniel Brody
- Cathryn Cated
- Joan Christel
- Susan Clarke
- Joey & Stephen Cuzzi
- Marian Davenport
- Kevin & Bevette Davis
- Karl & Joann Kunz
- Andrea Loew
- Lynne Massicott
- Kim Tuyet Nguygen
- Sharon Nolan
- Marie Piraino
- Diane Pizzotti
- Sandrine Rossi
- Doug Shaw
- Alison Stevens
- _____
*This list is inclusive of all gifts made to NECAT since January 2021.
If you’d like to join our community of supporters, we welcome you to check out our donation options!
Donate Contact UsContact Us

Feed your guests;
feed your soul.
Make NECAT your main ingredient when planning your next corporate or private party, meeting or team building workshop. Our talented chefs will work with you to create a tailored menu and customized experience. Together with our beautiful facility and important organizational mission, it is sure to be an event that you and your guests will remember for years to come.
Careers at NECAT
NECAT is currently seeking a development and marketing associate. Click the link below for more information.
Volunteer at NECAT
NECAT strongly believes in the valuable role that volunteers play in furthering the development of our students and the overall mission of the Center. NECAT welcomes volunteer tutors (particularly math), counselors, social workers, guest speakers, mentors, internship placements, and job opportunities.