Read the bios for MFI’s directors below.
Michael King is a devoted follower of Jesus who believes that being salt and light means advancing the Gospel and upholding Biblical truth in both private and public life. He shares the conviction of America’s founders that Bible-based morality is essential to the survival of a free and civil society.
As President of Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI), Michael leads the organization’s mission to advocate for righteousness in the public square. He works closely with pastors, educators, and community leaders to protect children in education and to uphold core societal pillars such as life, marriage, and religious liberty. Michael is also dedicated to strengthening strategic partnerships with both state and national organizations to advance MFI’s initiatives and equip Christians to engage effectively in civic life.
His background includes leadership in church-based family ministry and Christian education, having served as both a Family Ministries Director and the principal of a K–12 Christian school. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Messiah College and a master’s degree in Christian leadership from Liberty University.
Kent Scott is driven by a commitment to serve Jesus Christ through excellence in leadership, integrity, and purpose across his professional and ministry work. Known for his dedication to Biblical truth, he seeks to continually grow in his faith while equipping others to do the same.
As Chief Operating Officer at Massachusetts Family Institute (MFI), Kent brings more than 30 years of private sector experience in business development, with a focus on client relations, strategic growth, and marketing. His background also includes roles in municipal government and nonprofit leadership, where he developed strong operational and organizational management skills.
Kent is deeply committed to the sanctity of life, traditional family values, parental rights, and religious liberty. He uses his professional expertise to strengthen MFI’s mission, support effective engagement with constituents, and ensure that the organization’s programs and events make a lasting impact in communities across Massachusetts.
Jess Richardson is a devoted Christian with a passion for advocacy and public policy, especially as it relates to the sanctity of human life and the protection of children in our public educational system. She believes that being salt and light in today’s culture means not being afraid to speak up, and as Robert Sirico once said, “…we must be ruthless with ideas and gentle with people.”
Over the last 20+ years Jess has been a full-time homemaker, a private school classroom aide, a church ministry leader, a municipal school board member, and an employee of her local library. Each of these roles have given her a unique perspective on the challenges faced by families today and the importance of parental involvement, both in public life and in the home. She believes that equipping busy parents with the resources they need to advocate for their own children is of paramount importance. She is thrilled to join with MFI on this critical mission.
Sam Whiting is a committed Christian attorney who shares MFI’s mission to defend life, religious liberty, and foundational freedoms. As General Counsel at Massachusetts Family Institute, Sam oversees legal strategy and handles all legal matters impacting the organization. He also serves as counsel for the Massachusetts Liberty Legal Center, MFI’s legal initiative focused on protecting constitutional rights in the Commonwealth.
Before joining MFI, Sam earned a degree in history from Grove City College and a law degree from George Mason University’s Antonin Scalia Law School, where he was named an Alliance Defending Freedom Blackstone Fellow. He previously practiced civil litigation at a regional law firm in New England. Sam is passionate about using his legal expertise to support churches, families, and individuals in advancing Biblical truth and safeguarding religious freedom in Massachusetts.
