Our Staff
William H. Guenther
President
Bill founded Mass Insight Education in 1997. Mass Insight organizes partnerships of states, districts, schools, business and universities with two high-impact goals: using Advanced Placement® as a lever to attain excellence in math and science achievement and to transform 6-12 school culture, and the successful turnaround of consistently under-performing public schools. Bill has led Mass Insight’s work in three areas: (1) Research—as co-author of The Turnaround Challenge (2007) which has received national attention and is credited with shaping state and district strategies on turnaround of chronically underperforming schools; (2) Performance-based partnerships—Bill and Mass Insight have organized research-based initiatives incorporating comprehensive services, including staff and leadership development programs and consulting for states, school districts and schools; (3) Policy facilitation and communication—Bill and Mass Insight have served as advocates, conveners and catalysts for education policymaking. Mass Insight’s national work grew from its successful campaigns and field work that contributed to the success of Massachusetts education reform.
Bill is also president and founder (1989) of Mass Insight Global Partnerships, a Boston-based consulting and research firm that shapes talent- and innovation-based economic development strategies, builds strategic alliances between higher education, industry, and government within the Commonwealth, and seeks opportunities to connect Massachusetts’ assets to the global economy with a special focus on building US-China leadership networks.
Bill, a graduate of Harvard College and the New York University Law School, lives in Beverly with his wife and two children. Previously, he served as chairman of the Salem Redevelopment Authority.
Deborah J. Abbott, CPA
Business Manager
Deb Abbott is responsible for all financial aspects of the organizations including budgeting, reporting, and projecting cash flows. She has more than 19 years of experience in accounting, the majority of it with not-for-profit organizations. Prior to joining Mass Insight, she was the Controller for a privately-held rare coins and collectibles business for almost 2 years. Before that, she was the Controller for BWH Anesthesia Foundation, Inc. for 6 years. Deb has her B.S. in accounting from Bryant College and an M.B.A. with a concentration in finance from Clark University.
Toby Danforth
Director, Human Resources
Toby manages all aspects of Human Resources for Mass Insight including: recruiting, performance management, organizational development and staff development. He is a career Human Resources manager with broad based experience working in professional services firms, banking, software, and consulting. Throughout his career, Toby has recruited staff at all levels from CEO to support staff. Most recently he was Global Staffing Manager for Oxfam America. Toby has Masters Degrees from Teachers College Columbia University, American University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Norwich University. Toby has two children and one grandchild; he and his wife live in Marblehead, MA.
Joanna Manikas
Vice President, Business and Information Systems
Joanna Manikas is responsible for information and office systems. She has over 25 years of experience in project management, information technology, print and electronic design, and operations. Prior to joining Mass Insight, Joanna was a business integration project manager at CMGI where she developed toolkits and cross-functional systems to assimilate newly acquired companies into the corporate organization. She has a B.S. from Babson College.
Carol Relph
Executive Assistant
Carol Relph provides administrative and operational support to Mass Insight's president, Bill Guenther. Prior to joining Mass Insight, Carol was a Corporate Event Planner for over 25 years, most recently with Progress Software where she planned their domestic and international events.
Melanie Winklosky
Vice President of Foundation Development & Operations
Melanie Winklosky joined Mass Insight in 2007 and is responsible for foundation and public development for the Mass Math + Science Initiative. Melanie also coordinates operational and human resource planning for Mass Insight. Formerly the Chief of Staff for the Massachusetts Department of Education, Melanie spent thirteen years working on state policies and programs to support and improve public education. Melanie holds a B.A. in Psychology from St. Vincent College and an M.A. in Human Development from Boston College.
Please click here to see the staff of the Mass Math & Science Initiative.
Please click here to see the staff of the School Turnaround Group.