Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1015970
20 Worcester Business Journal | August 20, 2018 | wbjournal.com F O C U S 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Before Harris was tapped to lead MEDC in 2016, Marlborough had success attracting major corporate campuses like GE Healthcare Life Sciences and Quest Diagnostics. Harris' task, however, was more complex: Turn the city from a drive-in, drive-out corporate office park into a thriving destination where people can live, work and play. Under her guidance, MEDC created a small business financial incentive program, leading to 13 companies opening and growing, taking up 90,000 square feet of space, retaining 48 jobs and creating 214 new ones. During her tenure, Marlborough added the $160-million, 475,000-square-foot Apex Center of New England retail, hotel and entertainment complex, and MEDC launched a Zagster bikeshare program. She's kept the corporate wins going, too, landing the Northeast headquarters for Whole Foods Market. Harris sits on the boards of the 495/MetroWest Partnership, the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce and the MetroWest Economic Research Center. To address the city's housing and transportation issues, Harris led the city to create a special-permit checklist for developers. – G.W. From judge Kate Sharry: "Meredith is a power player in the development and success of the economic growth in our area. I can't wait to see what she does next." What TV character is most like you? Leslie Knope from "Parks and Recreation." She is the ultimate optimist. Who is responsible for your success? My husband, Mike, encourages me every day to be my best self and celebrates even the smallest accomplishments. Meredith Harris, 30 Executive director Marlborough Economic Development Corp. Lives: Marlborough Birthplace: Norwood but grew up in Norton Colleges: UMass Dartmouth, UMass Boston In high school, McDonough already knew what he wanted to be when he grew up – a tax accountant. While still in high school, he founded a landscaping company with a close friend. They sold the company before heading off to college, but McDonough often reflects on it as his most rewarding business venture. After graduating from Syracuse, McDonough joined PricewaterhouseCoopers' client services group in 2001 to obtain experience to start his own firm. After getting his certified public accountant license while at PwC, he launched his practice in 2006 and grew it enough to bring aboard two former PwC colleagues, including wife Leah McDonough. Now, the three partners serve small local businesses and families. McDonough serves as a trustee of the Millbury Savings Bank and as a member of the Worcester Estate & Business Planning Council. He volunteers as a coach in his hometown for Grafton Youth Soccer, Grafton Youth Basketball and Grafton Little League. He has new aspirations to start a nonprofit, and if his history is any indicator, that organization should become a reality. – Z.C. From judge Kate Sharry: "With his entrepreneurial spirit starting in high school, Mike has used his talents to grow a successful firm and give back to the youth in his community." What will be the title and tagline of the movie about your life? "The Disappearing Tax Dad: Missing for three months every year but comes back stronger every April" What is the best advice you've ever gotten? My wife Leah tells me to "stay in the present." I tend to dream a bit, so she makes sure I enjoy life along the way. Michael P. McDonough, CPA, 39 Partner McDonough, McDonough & Corsini, LLP, Sutton Lives: Grafton Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Syracuse University Photo taken at Apex Entertainment in Marlborough.