McCarthy Joins Northern Essex Staff as Vice President

Michael McCarthy of Middleton has been named vice president of administration and finance at Northern Essex Community College (NECC).

McCarthy, currently chief executive officer of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, joins the college staff July 11. He was approved by the college’s board of trustees at its June 1 meeting.

“Mike’s background is a perfect fit for this very important position at the college,” said NECC President Lane Glenn. “While Mike has extensive experience working in the public sector in Massachusetts, he is new to higher education, which I see as a plus since he’ll bring a new and different perspective to the college.”

A member of the president’s cabinet, the vice president of administration and finance provides leadership for finance, budgeting, purchasing, accounting and reporting systems; facilities and maintenance; safety and security; auxiliary services; and more. A native of Newburyport, McCarthy is familiar with Northern Essex, and his father, a retired Newburyport police officer is a graduate.

“Northern Essex Community College offers real value, providing opportunities for locals who want a college degree,” he said.  I’ve seen a lot of energy and positive thinking at Northern Essex, and I’m looking forward to being a part of that,” McCarthy said.

As chief executive officer for the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, McCarthy is currently second in command of an organization with 10 locations, more than 650 full-time employees, more than 200 contracted vendors and an operating budget of more than $75 million. He has a bachelor’s in Political Science from Tufts University and a master’s in Administration from Boston College. He has worked at the Essex County Sheriff’s Department since 2000 and previously served as assistant budget director and chief financial officer.