Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a top-ranked university with seven undergraduate degree programs focusing on science, engineering, technology, math, and business that blend academics and experiential learning, proudly announces that Director of Advancement Michelle Badger has been selected as a 2021 “40 Under 40” award winner by Cape & Plymouth Business.

The awards spotlight the region’s top young business leaders who excel in their industry and show dynamic leadership. This program, now in its 12th year, honors distinguished businesspeople under the age of 40 who have made a mark in the region at an extraordinarily young age.

A long-time and civically active resident of Plymouth, Badger has been with Massachusetts Maritime Academy for nine years, but has been working in the fundraising field since she graduated college.  At the Academy, she has established the first-ever cadet philanthropy program and the highly successful Giving Days at the Academy.

Badger is also an active member of the Plymouth community.  She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Plymouth School Committee, of which she has been a member since 2011, and additionally currently volunteers with the Plymouth Fragment Society (board member), DreamRide Plymouth LLC (board member), Pilgrim Area Collaborative, and Plymouth No Place for Hate Committee.  She is an alumna of Sweet Briar College, and also serves as their class agent and class co-president, Boston Area Alumnae Club Chair, and Class Leadership 2000s Decade Co-Chair. 

More than 150 nominations for the “40 Under 40” awards were received this year according to Cape & Plymouth Business Media Publisher and CEO Dale Shadbegian, adding, “The 2021 class best exemplifies an entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to community service and potential to positively contribute to the future of the region.”

All “40 Under 40” honorees will be celebrated at a special event Thursday, September 30, at the Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis.

“Michelle is a proven leader through her work in her community and within the Massachusetts Maritime Academy campus,” said Rear Admiral Francis X. McDonald, USMS, president of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy.  “We are very proud of her recognition as one of Cape & Plymouth Business’s ’40 Under 40.’  It is well deserved.”