The Cliff & Susan Rucker Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Massachusetts. In alignment with the goals of Rucker Investments, our aim for grant-making is to make a transformative impact on the greater community.
We welcome requests that address but do not need to be limited to the following areas:
Grants will be considered for tax-exempt organizations that meet the requirements of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.
Grant requests are accepted year-round. Requests are reviewed and awarded on a quarterly basis. Please apply by completing the grant request form.
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Marketing Coordinator
Miranda, a Cape Cod native now based in Boston, is a dynamic marketing professional with a passion for innovative strategies and creative design. She earned her degree in Marketing from Curry College. Currently, Miranda embraces the challenge of managing diverse portfolios and crafting forward-thinking marketing strategies that drive brand growth. Outside of work, Miranda enjoys theater and long, outdoor walks.
Real Estate Analyst
Jessica Rucker holds the position of Senior Business Analyst at Rucker Investments. She has extensive experience in credit analysis from her tenure at Loomis Sales in the Boston office. She assists on commercial real estate transactions. She graduated from Bentley University with a dual degree in Economics and Finance in 2018. Jess lives in New York City, New York with her dog Marley.
Co-Founder
Susan Rucker is a proud mother of 5 children and plays a pivotal role as the interior designer, front-office manager, and administrator for various entities under the Rucker Investments umbrella. Prior to working for Rucker Investments, she held a position at Verizon Wireless as an advertising manager. She grew up in Somerville, Massachusetts. Susan currently lives in Danvers, Massachusetts and spends summer in Wells, Maine.
Senior Advisor
Mark Blaisdell is a seasoned financial expert, currently serving as Senior Advisor at Rucker Investments. With a rich background in finance, Mark has accumulated a wealth of experience that spans various aspects of the industry. Prior to his role at Rucker Investments, he excelled as a Senior Advisor and Chief Financial Officer at NFS Leasing.
Mark’s journey in finance began at the University of Lowell. His extensive knowledge and experience continue to drive the company’s success, making him an integral part of the team.
Vice President of Finance
Jen Barys is the Vice President of Finance at Rucker Investments, where she plays a pivotal role in managing the company’s financial operations. Jen earned her degree from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst. Her educational background is
complemented by over seven years of experience in public accounting, during which she honed her financial expertise and analytical skills.
As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Jen brings a meticulous and detail-oriented approach to her role, ensuring the financial health and integrity of Rucker Investments. She continues to drive the company’s financial strategies and success, positioning Rucker Investments for continued growth and prosperity. Jen currently lives in Saugus with her fiancé and dog named Luke.
Vice President & General Counsel
Joseph Morales is the Vice President and General Counsel at Rucker Investments, where he plays a pivotal role in ensuring legal compliance and providing invaluable legal counsel to the company. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law, solidifying his legal expertise and commitment to excellence. Joe currently lives in Maine with his wife and children.
Corporate Controller
Patrick Mackey holds a pivotal role as a professional in the legal and business realms, making significant contributions as part of the Rucker Investments team. Armed with a JD from Suffolk University Law School and a MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Patrick brings a unique blend of legal expertise and business acumen to the company.
Senior Accountant
Stephen Cangemi is a seasoned financial professional, serving as the Senior Accountant at Rucker Investments. With over a decade of dedicated experience in the field of accounting, Stephen brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He graduated from Salem State
University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a specialization in accounting, laying the foundation for his successful career. Stephen’s commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to his craft make him an integral part of the team, contributing significantly to Rucker Investments’ financial stability and success.
Director of Facilities
Stephen Quist is the dedicated Director of Facilities at Rucker Investments, overseeing the management and maintenance of a diverse portfolio of properties, including residential, commercial, and industrial assets across New England. With a deep understanding of facility management and a strong commitment to ensuring the functionality and safety of these properties, Stephen plays a crucial role in the company’s operations.
Stephen’s extensive experience in facility management, combined with his exceptional organizational skills, makes him the ideal leader for this multifaceted role. His attention to detail and ability to navigate the unique challenges of different property types contribute to the overall success of Rucker Investments. Stephen’s unwavering dedication to maintaining and improving these properties reflects his commitment to excellence, ensuring they remain valuable assets for both the company and the communities they serve.
Private Equity Analyst
Jacob Rucker is a business analyst specializing in private equity deals with a focus on the manufacturing industry, capital markets investing and trading, and commercial real estate transactions. With expertise in these areas, he plays a crucial role in facilitating successful business transactions and investments. He graduated from Northeastern University in 2023 with a BSBA in Business Administration and a minor in Spanish. Prior to his role as a
business analyst at Rucker Investments, he held a position as a Private Wealth Management Co-Op at Goldman Sachs in their Boston office. Jacob lives in Danvers, Massachusetts, and enjoys playing pickup soccer and morning ice plunges.
Director of Accounting
Abigail Barys, originally from Central Massachusetts and currently residing in Saugus, has built a solid foundation in the field of accounting. After earning her degree in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Abigail gained valuable experience working as an Assurance Manager at RSM.
Now working at Rucker, Abigail appreciates the diverse range of industries and entities within the company’s portfolio.
Outside of her professional life, Abigail enjoys hiking the White Mountains in New Hampshire, staying active, attending concerts and music festivals, and traveling. Fun fact: Abigail has been skydiving on four continents. Abigail is always seeking new experiences and challenges!
Business Development Professional
Josh Rucker holds the position as a junior business analyst at Rucker Investments. He graduated from Curry College in 2020 with a degree in psychology. Alongside his role at Rucker Investments, Josh is Collateral Specialist at NFS Leasing, Inc. At NFS, he is responsible for analyzing equipment as part of our credit underwriting process and supporting off-lease equipment sales. Prior to accepting this role, Mr. Rucker served in the warehouse,
learning about the types of collateral utilized at NFS Leasing. Josh lives in Worcester, Massachusetts, and can often be found at Worcester Railers games.
Junior Business Analyst
Staff Accountant
Logistics Support
Associate General Counsel
Daniel serves as Rucker Investments’ Associate General Counsel, where he advises on issues ranging from compliance and regulatory matters to investments and acquisitions. Prior to joining Rucker, Daniel was a corporate attorney in private practice, where he advised business clients on transactional matters related to mergers and acquisitions, private equity and venture capital transactions, fund formation, structuring issues, contract drafting, and corporate governance.
Daniel attended UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude and served as Chief Articles Editor for UNH Law Review. Prior to attending law school, he played professional ice hockey in France after graduating from Saint Michael’s College, magna cum laude, where he was a member of the school’s ice hockey team and admitted to Phi Beta Kappa. While at St. Mike’s, he also co-founded Hope Happens Here, a 501(c)(3) that promotes mental-health awareness and wellness, particularly amongst student-athletes. Daniel lives in Windham, New Hampshire, with his wife, and can often be founding hiking in the White Mountains on the weekends.
Executive Assistant
Megan Martin is the Executive Assistant at Rucker Investments, where she plays an important role in supporting the company’s leadership team and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. With her unwavering dedication, exceptional organizational skills, and keen attention to detail, Megan is the driving force that keeps the company’s administrative processes finely tuned.
Senior Advisor
30+ Years of Industrial Automation, Operations and Supply Chain Experience with Start Up Companies and Fortune 25 Companies. Market Exposure in Consumer Products, Food Processing, Injection Molding and Metals. Rich has been involved in making the better mousetrap and pushing cutting edge technologies and manufacturing to the limits.
Mr. Nornhold resides in Pennsylvania, with his two children and holds a BS in Engineering degree from Temple University. He enjoys hiking, skiing and spending free time outside and holds a Black Belt in White Dragon Pai Lum Kung Fu and is involved in numerous civic and community organizations.
VP of Special Projects
Stephanie Ramey was named president of the Worcester Railers HC on May 11, 2020, bringing with her more than fifteen years of sales, marketing and business experience. Ramey is a tremendous supporter of the City of Worcester and has been a key-player in the economic development of the region. Prior to her work with the Railers, she served as the Executive Director of Discover Central Massachusetts. Under her leadership, the tourism bureau launched a variety of comprehensive marketing campaigns promoting the Central Mass. region as a premiere event and leisure destination.
Ramey has been an active contributor to the Worcester Economic Development Coordinating Council and has been involved in the creation and execution of the city’s cultural plan. As VP of Special Projects, Ramey oversees the startup incubator in the City of Worcester and helps facilitate programs to grow the infrastructure to develop our companies and people for the future.
Stephanie graduated from Worcester State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Media Studies.
Founder
Cliff Rucker is the Founder and Chairman of NFS Leasing, Inc. a privately-held leader in equipment finance across the U.S and Canada. Mr. Rucker is the Principal owner of Porzia Properties, a diversified real estate holding company with retail, industrial, residential, and office properties.
Mr. Rucker is the owner and governor of the Worcester Railers Hockey Club, a minor league (ECHL) professional hockey team as well as owns several hospitality and entertainment venues including the Worcester Palladium, Off The Rails Music Venue & Restaurant, the Fidelity Bank Worcester Ice Arena, and The District Wood Fired Kitchen.
Mr. Rucker owns Rucker Investments, a private equity firm. Holdings include a broad and diversified portfolio in targeted sectors including private equity, real estate, sports, entertainment, and hospitality.
Mr. Rucker was the Founder and CEO of NEXL, a national provider of IT services and outsourcing. Mr. Rucker oversaw the successful sale of NEXL to publicly traded NASDAQ Company MTM Technologies in 2005.
Mr. Rucker resides in Massachusetts’ North Shore with his wife and five children. Mr. Rucker holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Tufts University and has been involved in numerous philanthropic endeavors throughout his career.