Assumption Announces Academic VP, CEO of MBI as Newest Board Members

Assumption University has announced that James Krukones, Ph.D., associate academic vice president at John Carroll University, and Jon Weaver ’06, G’17, president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives, were recently elected to its Board of Trustees. The University expressed its appreciation to board members Laure C. Aubuchon and Matthew Doyle ’98 who completed their terms of service in May.

In addition to the fiduciary responsibility of upholding and advancing the mission of the University, Trustees also make meaningful contributions through their overall governance of the institution. 

“The Assumption Board of Trustees is comprised of a group of individuals who have excelled in a number of fields who use their respective expertise to help guide the direction of the institution,” said Board of Trustees Chairman Francis J. Bedard, Esq., CPA ’81. “We are pleased to welcome Jim and Jon to this esteemed group; their knowledge and leadership skills will be an invaluable addition to the Board as we embark on this new journey as a University and begin writing a new chapter in Assumption’s 116-year history. I would also like to express my gratitude to Laure Aubuchon and Matthew Doyle for their years of service, as they have had a meaningful impact on the students, staff, and faculty of Assumption during their time on the Board.”

James Krukones, Ph.D.
Professor Krukones is a professor of history and associate academic vice president at John Carroll University in University Heights, OH. As associate academic vice president, a role he assumed in July 2001, Prof. Krukones  assists faculty and the provost on a number of administrative and personnel issues, and serves on several campus committees, including the University Committee on Educational Policies, Dean’s Committee, University Strategic Planning Group, Academic Affairs Committee (Board of Directors), Distinguished Faculty Award selection committee, Institutional Review Board, Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, and  select search committees; acts as EEO coordinator for faculty and helps prepare the University’s annual Affirmative Action Plan; oversees the Center for Service and Social Action and the Office of Sponsored Programs; chairs the Committee on Research and Service; supervises the week-long student and faculty research showcase; and organizes scholarly gatherings .

Prof. Krukones joined John Carroll’s Department of History in 1988, and over the next 24 years held the titles of assistant professor and associate professor before being promoted to full professor in 2012; he also served as chair of the department from 1993-2001. Prof. Krukones, specializes in Russian/Soviet and modern European history; Western civilization; and history and film. He is the author of a number of publications and book reviews and has engaged in research projects on Russia and Eastern Europe, with several projects in progress.

He received his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in Chicago and both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Jon Weaver ’06, G’17
Weaver is the president and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), a private, non-profit economic development organization that promotes the life and health sciences across Massachusetts as an economic development advocate and early stage business incubator. As an economic development advocate, MBI supported the development of the Worcester Biomanufacturing Park, Gateway Park, and Redstone Center. MBI operates three life and health science business incubators throughout Worcester that provide cost-effective laboratory space, shared equipment, environmental health and safety support, and business assistance. Founded in 1985, MBI has graduated over 95 life science companies that employ over 800 in the regional economy.

Weaver received his bachelor’s degree in 2006 and his M.B.A. in 2017 from Assumption. He previously served as vice president of real estate at MassDevelopment and senior project manager at the Worcester Business Development Corporation. Prior to assuming the role of president & CEO, Weaver served as the Chief Operating Officer of MBI for three years. He is a board member of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau and an alumni advisor to the Worcester Student Government Association. He actively supports several other organizations and was a former member of the Planning Board and Economic Development Committee in the Town of Auburn.

He resides in Fiskdale with his wife Kathleen “Katie” (DiBuono) Weaver ’08, G’16 and their three children.