Anne F. Ackerley, senior advisor at BlackRock, to deliver Nichols College commencement address
Lefebvre to receive honorary degree
Dudley, Mass.– Nichols College has announced that Anne F. Ackerley, a senior advisor to the retirement business at BlackRock, will give the commencement address at the 2025 commencement exercises, which will take place Saturday, May 3, at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.
“Nichols College is honored to welcome Anne Ackerley as we celebrate the remarkable achievements of the class of 2025. Her leadership, dedication to service and commitment to empowering others embody the values we strive to instill in our graduates,” says Nichols College President Bill Pieczynski. “As she shares her insights and experiences, we know her words will inspire our students to embrace the future with confidence, purpose and a passion for making a difference. We look forward to commemorating this milestone with her and our Nichols community.”
Previously, Ackerley led BlackRock’s U.S. Retirement Group, overseeing $1.7 trillion for more than 40 million investors. Under her leadership, BlackRock became the No. 2 defined contribution provider in the U.S. She also pioneered LifePath Paycheck™, now the fastest growing lifetime income target date solution in 401(k) plans.
Since joining BlackRock in 2000, Ackerley has held several leadership positions, played a key role in the firm’s growth into the world’s largest asset manager, and co-founded its Women’s Network and Financial Inclusion Network. She began her career in investment banking at Merrill Lynch.
A recognized expert in retirement readiness and women’s leadership, Ackerley has been named to Barron’s “100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance” for five consecutive years and received a lifetime achievement award from Pensions & Investments.
Ackerley serves on Northwestern Mutual’s Board of Trustees and advises organizations like the Aspen Institute Forum on Retirement Savings and the World Economic Forum’s Longevity Economy Steering Group. She is also a trustee of the Mosaic Mental Health Association.
Ackerley earned a B.A. in economics from Harvard College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She will receive an Honorary Doctorate in Business Administration at Nichols College’s May commencement ceremony.
John Lefebvre, who will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, is a retired accountant and controller with more than 42 years of experience, including 20 years as controller for Inner-Tite Corp. in Holden, Massachusetts.
A dedicated community leader, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Webster/Dudley Boys & Girls Club for 52 years, including two terms as president. A strong advocate for youth sports, he has been a longtime member of the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials and recently received the Presidential Award for his contributions. Lefebvre is also active in the Webster Lake Association’s water quality testing team.
Born and raised in Webster, Massachusetts, he earned a B.S. in business administration (1975) and MBA (1978) from Nichols College.
(Pictured in story header photo: Anne F. Ackerley, senior advisor at BlackRock.)
About Nichols College
Nichols College has earned business accreditation from the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the longest serving global accrediting body for business schools and the largest business education network connecting learners, educators, and businesses worldwide. Founded in 1815, Nichols College transforms today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders through a dynamic, career-focused business and professional education. Nichols offers real-world learning focused on professional depth – combined with vibrant living, competitive athletics, and an unmatched alumni advantage – equipping students to exceed their own expectations. To learn more about Nichols College, visit www.nichols.edu.
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