North Andover real estate investor Joseph Pelich has joined the Northern Essex Community College Foundation Board.

WHAV reported Wednesday, Sept. 23, that Pelich was one of three new members appointed to the board. The foundation, incorporated in 1972, raises money for student scholarships, equipment and faculty development at the Merrimack Valley community college. Board members serve multi-year terms.

Pelich, described in the announcement as president of Cyrus Holding Corporation, is a real estate investor and developer. He holds an accounting degree from Merrimack College and a master's degree in finance from Harvard University. He also serves as president of the Ridgewood Cemetery Board of Trustees and previously sat on the Merrimack Valley YMCA Board of Managers.

"I believe community colleges are among the most important institutions shaping Massachusetts' future," Pelich said in a statement.

He said his decision to join the board reflects a belief that directing time and resources toward community colleges strengthens employers, industries and the state's long-term economic competitiveness.

Two other members joined alongside Pelich. Jonathan Machado, a senior vice president and commercial lending manager at Rockland Trust, grew up in Lawrence and has served on the board of Lawrence Community Works. He lives in Melrose. Karen Murphy, chief banking officer at River Run, the parent company of Newburyport Bank, Pentucket Bank and Rollstone Bank and Trust, lives in Windham, N.H. She also leads the Windham High School Athletic Boosters and coordinates Champions Basketball Club, which serves children with special needs.

Residents interested in supporting the foundation can contact Allison Dolan-Wilson, vice president of institutional advancement and executive director of the NECC Foundation, at 978-556-3624.