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2026 Annual Town Election: Candidate list, bios

by | May 14, 2026 | Featured: News, News

Following is a list of the positions and candidates that will appear on the May 18 Annual Town Election ballot. Polls will be open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. at Hopkinton Middle School’s Brown Gym.

Also included are responses (from those who chose to participate) to our questionnaire asking for background information and a statement about why the candidate decided to run. Click here for more about the candidates.

CONTESTED SEATS

Board of Health (1 seat, 3-year term)
Nasiba Mannan (incumbent)
Dimitry Zuckerman

Nasiba Mannan

Nasiba Mannan

Nasiba Mannan

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Health care regulation and compliance executive
Education: M.S. (nutrition), MPH, MBA candidate
Years lived in Hopkinton: 14
Governmental experience: Board of Health (chair), Veterans Celebrations Committee, Cultural Council
Additional volunteer/service experience: Metrowest Women’s Commission, Massachusetts National Organization for Women (Mass NOW), Massachusetts Women’s Fund
General statement: I am running for reelection to the Board of Health because this is a critical moment for local public health. Over the past three years, the Health Department has successfully navigated funding challenges, staffing transitions and evolving public health demands while continuing to deliver essential services that protect our community daily.
Public health is the work that keeps Hopkinton safe behind the scenes — ensuring safe restaurants, sanitary housing, properly built septic and well systems, healthy schools and rapid responses to emerging health concerns. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, including oversight of the modernization of the department operations through the first phase of digitization of the property records, expanding vaccination efforts, adding sharps disposal units, installing air-quality monitors and adopting the Nicotine-Free Generation regulation.
But there is still important work ahead. As public health faces growing responsibilities and uncertain funding, my priority is to strengthen how the Health Department communicates with residents. Clear, timely, and accessible information about health alerts, disease prevention, environmental concerns and wellness resources are essential. I will advocate for dedicated communications support to ensure residents receive consistent updates that help them make informed decisions.
With my background in health care regulation and compliance, and more than a decade of volunteer service in town government, I bring both experience and a deep commitment to evidence-based, equitable public health leadership. Hopkinton has been our family’s home for over a decade, and it would be an honor to continue serving our town at this important time for public health.

Dimitry Zuckerman

Dimitry Zuckerman

Dimitry Zuckerman

Party affiliation: NA
Occupation: Electrical and  computer engineering
Education: B.S. Electrical and computer engineering
Years lived in Hopkinton: 6
Governmental experience: NA
Additional volunteer/service experience:
General statement: 
I am seeking to serve on the Hopkinton Board of Health at this time because our community is at an important point where growth, environmental stewardship and public health must be carefully balanced. As development continues and pressures on local resources increase, I believe it is critical to bring a practical, solutions-oriented approach to protecting the health of residents today while safeguarding the town for the future.
One of my primary concerns is environmental health, particularly water quality and pollution prevention. Clean water is fundamental to public health, and I am interested in supporting stronger monitoring, transparent reporting and proactive measures to address potential contamination risks. This includes evaluating how residential, agricultural and commercial activities impact groundwater and surface water, and ensuring that policies reflect both scientific evidence and long-term sustainability.
I also bring a background in engineering and IT, which I believe can add meaningful value to the board’s work. There are opportunities to modernize health-related processes — whether through better data tracking, improved communication systems or more efficient permitting and inspection workflows. By leveraging technology, we can make public health efforts more responsive, data-driven and accessible to residents.
At its core, my goal is to contribute practical expertise and a collaborative mindset to help Hopkinton maintain a healthy environment, strengthen public trust and ensure that our local systems are prepared to meet both current and emerging health challenges.

School Committee (2 seats, 3-year term)
Kyla McSweeney (incumbent)
Sandra Irwin
Sravana Krishna

Kyla McSweeney

Kyla McSweeney

Kyla McSweeney

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Director of district and community-based partnerships, Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care
Education: B.A. in early childhood education, Wheelock College; M.S. in leadership and policy in early education and care, Wheelock College; J.D., Suffolk University School of Law
Years lived in Hopkinton: 19
Governmental experience: Hopkinton School Committee chair 1 year, member 1 year; Hopkinton Cemetery Commission chair 2 years, secretary 1 year, member 1 year; Center School Council 2 years; Marathon School Council 2 years
Additional volunteer/service experience: Lucy’s Legacy Foundation member since 2018 (chair for 4 years) ; Wheelock College Board of Corporation ; Wheelock College Alumni Association
General statement: My name is Kyla McSweeney, and I am running for reelection to the Hopkinton School Committee.
My work on the School Committee has included:
— Co-chairing the Superintendent Search Committee, which resulted in the hiring of Superintendent Evan Bishop;
— Helping to set the agenda for School Committee meetings, which has resulted in the inclusion of various speakers;
— Serving on the director of student services search and participating in interviews for the CFO and Hopkinton High School principal positions;
— Soliciting feedback from diverse members of the community to assist the School Committee in voting on the school calendar;
— Organizing a workshop on evaluating the superintendent;
— Working closely with Superintendent Bishop on issues the schools are facing, providing input and thoughtful dialogue;
— Participating in an exercise hosted by the I Love U Guys Foundation in collaboration with Hopkinton Police and Fire Departments to increase our capacity to keep Hopkinton Schools safe.
I truly embrace the motto of the Hopkinton Public Schools: All means All. I show up to support the dedicated educators, administrators and staff of HPS. I attend a variety of school and community events that represent the diversity of our community.
I hope to continue my time on the Hopkinton School Committee to further ensure that Hopkinton schools retain their excellence, which I believe is a result of supporting and investing in our educators, communicating and involving families, and inspiring the curiosity and innovation of our students.

Sandra Irwin

Sandra Irwin

Sandra Irwin

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Senior marketing manager for North America at Weleda, a global skin care company
Education: B.S. in communication studies from New York University; certificate in digital marketing from New York University School of Professional Studies
Years lived in Hopkinton: 3.5
Governmental experience: While I’ve never run for public office before, professionally, my work closely mirrors the responsibilities of the School Committee: I lead strategic planning, manage complex budgets and align diverse teams around shared priorities. I translate broad goals into clear, actionable plans, with a focus on the responsible use of resources and thoughtful, accountable decision-making.
Additional volunteer/service experience: Member of Hopkinton Moms Group, class parent at Elmwood, Marathon and Hopkins schools throughout the years, leader of North America Charitable Giving group at Weleda, leader of North America Sustainability Committee at Weleda, seasonal volunteer at Project Just Because, participant in previous fundraiser for Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, previous volunteer with New England Donor Services, previous volunteer with New York Cares
General statement: I’m running for School Committee because I believe deeply in the power of public education — and in the responsibility of a school community to thoughtfully guide and evolve our schools to meet the changing needs of our town and its students.
I grew up in Massachusetts public schools and saw firsthand the slow decline that happens when communities fall short in supporting schools — extracurricular programs cut meant fewer opportunities for students, and larger class sizes resulted in worse educational outcomes and challenges retaining great educators. That perspective stayed with me, and when my family returned to Massachusetts three years ago, we chose Hopkinton for its strong schools and vibrant community.
As a parent of three young children — two in Hopkinton Public Schools and one in preschool — and an active volunteer in the classroom and local community groups, I see how School Committee decisions impact students and families daily. Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their strengths and succeed in their own way, and we as a community can equip them to do so.
Strong public schools are essential not just for families but for the entire community. If elected, my focus will be on ensuring every student feels supported to prepare them for a wide range of futures, modeling the values we foster in the hallways as a liaison to the community, and helping balance a path forward for responsible growth and strong schools.

Sravana Krishna

Sravan Krishna

Sravan Krishna

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Senior technology executive
Education: M.S. in computer science
Years lived in Hopkinton: 3
Governmental experience: Member of Design Review Board, Zoning Advisory Committee and Economic Development Advisory Board
Additional volunteer/service experience: Treasurer of Friends of SEPAC
General statement: My family moved to Hopkinton for one reason: the schools. I want to make them even better, and I have what it takes.
With a master’s degree in computer science and 27 years as a senior technology executive, I bring strategic leadership, AI expertise and real budget experience. I have served on the Zoning Advisory Committee, Design Review Board, Economic Development Advisory Board and Friends of SEPAC. The work came first. The campaign came second.
I have studied proven pathways in medical and business from other districts. With my AI expertise, I can extend that to an AI pathway, too, all built here, powered by our community: parents as mentors, businesses as potential sponsors, families as the driving force.
Compliance is the floor, not the ceiling. Every special needs child deserves a strengths-based pathway that identifies what they are brilliant at and builds their journey forward, including the same pathways as every other child.
Public schools are not competitive marketplaces. When a child misses the cut, the answer is a roadmap, not a dead end. We owe them the emotional foundation to keep going. Doing your best today is enough. The outcomes will come.
Inclusion is not a buzzword for me. I was in the streets, on the record, covered by the BBC, MSNBC, Washington Post and many others. Hopkinton’s student population is 32% Asian, with zero representation on this committee.
In Hopkinton, we know substance serves schools better than style alone. I would be honored to earn your vote.

UNCONTESTED SEATS

Select Board (1 seat, 3-year term)
Amy Ritterbusch (incumbent)

Amy Ritterbusch

Amy Ritterbusch

Amy Ritterbusch

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Software and web analyst, Wellesley Public Schools
Education: B.A., UMass Amherst
Years lived in Hopkinton: 21
Governmental experience: Select Board (6 years), Commission on Disability (2 years), Planning Board (3 years), Historic District Commission (9 years), Hopkins School Council (2 years), Elmwood School Council (2 years)
Additional volunteer/service experience: eHop founding member and current board member (19 years), Boy Scout Troop 1, Girl Scout Troop 65040, Cub Scout Pack 26, HPTA
General statement: I am running for a third term on the Hopkinton Select Board. I am a hard worker, I do my research and I have a long history of involvement with the town and schools. Given the ongoing budget challenges, there is a need for stability, calm and experience on the Select Board. I work hard to understand the issues and articulate them to the public. I try to reach out to residents from all parts of town — lifelong residents and newcomers — to hear their questions and concerns.
My husband, Tim, and I have lived in Hopkinton for 21 years. We own an antique home in the center of Hopkinton and enjoy walking in the downtown area. Our three children are HHS graduates (2018, 2020 and 2023), and at home we enjoy the company of our sweet orange cat, Cheerio. I have held many volunteer roles in town over the years. At the moment I am serving on the Select Board, the Historic District Commission and the Commission on Disability. I am a founding member of eHop and have served as an eHop board member since 2007.
It is important to have Select Board members who are knowledgeable, informed and actively engaged with the issues and the residents. My communications background, technical ability and research skills are a good complement to the skill sets of the other board members. I work hard to stay on top of the issues in town, and I bring that knowledge to the Select Board.

Board of Assessors (1 seat, 3-year term)
Adam Munroe (incumbent)

Board of Library Trustees (2 seats, 3-year term)
Warren Carter (incumbent)
Jessica McCaffrey (incumbent)

Cemetery Commission (1 seat, 3-year term)
Regina Miloslavsky

Commissioners of Trust Funds (1 seat, 3-year term)
Regina Miloslavsky

Regina Miloslavsky

Regina Miloslavsky

Regina Miloslavsky

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Emergency medicine physician assistant and owner/principal speech-language pathologist (Miloslavsky Speech Services)
Education: Ed.D., executive leadership and learning (in progress, expected graduation May 2027), Vanderbilt University; M.S., physician assistant studies, MGH Institute of Health Professions; M.S. speech-language pathology, Boston University; M.S., education, University of Southern Maine; B.A.,
English, University of Southern Maine
Years lived in Hopkinton: 10
Governmental experience: Chair (elected), Hopkinton Board of Health (2021–24)
Additional volunteer/service experience: PA officer for justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI), MGH Institute of Health Professions (2021-present); medical volunteer, Boston Marathon (2000-26); speech-language pathology mentorship and student supervision through private practice;
Hopkinton Middle school ski club chaperone
General statement: I am running to continue serving the Hopkinton community with a focus on public health, evidence-based decision-making and accessible, equitable care. My professional background spans both acute medical care as a physician assistant and my longstanding clinical practice as a speech-language pathologist, giving me a broad perspective on health care delivery across the lifespan.
During my time as chair of the Hopkinton Board of Health, I worked to support policies and initiatives that protect community health, strengthen communication between residents and public health leadership, and ensure that decisions are grounded in data and best practices.
I am particularly interested in addressing ongoing town’s overall preparedness and access to services for all residents, including vulnerable populations. My experience in town leadership as well as emergency medicine settings has reinforced the importance of prevention, early intervention and clear patient education.
In addition, my longstanding volunteer work with the Boston Marathon medical team and my commitment to mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration reflect my belief in service and community engagement. I am running to bring continued, steady and informed leadership to support the health and well-being of Hopkinton residents.

Constable (1 seat, 3-year term)
No official candidates

Housing Authority (1 seat, 5-year term)
John Morris (incumbent)

Parks & Recreation Commission (2 seats, 3-year term)
Bradbury Fenn
Lynn Taylor

Brad Fenn

Brad Fenn

Brad Fenn

Party affiliation:
 Democrat
Occupation
: Retired in 2024 after a career in banking technology
Education: B.A. in mathematics, Bates College
Years lived in Hopkinton:
 35
Governmental experience: Poll worker
Additional volunteer/service experience: Hopkinton Youth Soccer, president, referee coordinator, referee, coach
 (all in past); EARTH Limited (Southwick’s Zoo), board member and volunteer (current); WorthWild Africa, volunteer (current); Marlborough Food Pantry, volunteer (past)
General statement: After my retirement in 2024, I am looking to give back to the community where I have lived for 35 years and raised my two daughters. With my years of involvement with local youth sports and being an outdoor enthusiast, I see the Parks & Rec Commission as a natural fit for me. I wish to continue the good coordination of the director and the programs team with the commission itself. I am also volunteering my time with two valuable animal conservation nonprofits.

Lynn Taylor

Lynn Taylor

Lynn Taylor

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Retired
Education: B.A. in communications
Years lived in Hopkinton: 14
Governmental experience:
Additional volunteer/service experience: Scouting America in Needham, den leader for Cub Scouts 6 years (Pack 8), assistant scoutmaster and troop committee member 2 years (Troop 13); Riverside Early Intervention PAC leader (developed lecture series featuring renowned speakers at no cost to parents or agency; created fundraising events to benefit agency); developed a lecture series through Needham Parks & Rec to educate residents on local government and services; Hopkinton Garden Club; Hopkinton Historical Society
General statement: In February, our Select Board and Parks & Rec Commission voted unanimously to appoint me as an interim Parks & Rec Commissioner. I am running to continue in that same seat.
Throughout my adult life, I have always been deeply involved in community advocacy, program development and volunteer leadership, with a consistent focus on including those of all ages and abilities, providing education and strengthening community connections. When originally moving to Hopkinton a dozen years ago, my time was devoted to my children. Now that they have launched, I can focus more of my time and energy on our community.
As a board member of the Garden Club, I have worked collaboratively with town departments on beautification projects, seasonal decorations and class instruction at our Senior Center. As an active member of the Historical Society, I volunteered to help transcribe our handwritten 18th-century town records — fascinating. At Hopkinton Family Day, you’ll always find me implementing children’s activities, like pumpkin decorating — so much fun!
I have worked closely with municipal officials, state legislators and nonprofit organizations to design and deliver programs that educated residents and expanded access to services. Professionally in the tech industry, I was responsible for relationship-building, needs assessment and implementing large-scale projects. Those skills translate well to Parks & Recreation.
If elected, I will continue to bring a collaborative, thoughtful approach to meet the needs of Hopkinton’s growing community and enhance our quality of life. I ask for your support and vote.
See you around town!

Planning Board (2 seats, 5-year term)
Robert Benson (incumbent)
Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson

Brian Johnson

Party affiliation: Democrat
Occupation: Cyber risk manager
Education: B.S., computer science
Years lived in Hopkinton: 5
Governmental experience: A dedicated Town Meeting participant, this will be my first experience holding an elected position.
Additional volunteer/service experience: While our child was in the Natick school system, I was a parent chaperone for the Natick robotics team. I also was a puppeteer for the Kids on the Block program to teach elementary school children about issues such as bullying, disabilities and mental health.
General statement: Hopkinton is the first town I have lived in where the form of government is Open Town Meeting, and I think that is something special in this day and age. Participating in Town Meeting over the past few years has led me to want to do more.
I believe a key issue for the town moving forward is town revenue. Like each of us, Hopkinton will be facing rising costs and upcoming expenses for things that we really need. Currently, over 80% of the town’s revenue comes from residential real estate taxes, and nobody wants to keep asking Hopkinton residents to pay more. Like almost every town, Hopkinton’s next largest source of revenue is commercial taxes. This leads to the question, “How do we increase commercial interest in Hopkinton while preserving all the elements and values that make Hopkinton such a wonderful place to live?” The Planning Board is one of the areas of town government in a position to address this difficult issue.

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