Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 19, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 13 2 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Timothy P. Murray Then: Worcester City Councilor and attorney for Tattan, Leonard & Murray, Worcester Now: President & CEO at The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce Murray has been at the center of the Greater Worcester economy for nearly two decades. Shortly after he was selected at a 40 Under Forty, Murray became mayor of Worcester, where he spearheaded the CitySquare project, which became the largest redevelopment effort in the city's modern history. From the mayor's office Murray made the leap to Massachusett lieutenant governor, joining then Gov. Deval Patrick in leading the commonwealth. In 2013, Murray returned home to lead the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, where he has been the region's foremost business advocate. He was a key figure in convincing Cliff Rucker to found the minor league hockey team Worcester Railers in the city and in the talks leading to the Pawtucket Red Sox agreeing to move the team to Worcester for the 2021 season, with the construction of the $101-million ballpark inside an overall $240-million redevelopment of the Canal District. – Z.C. Your proudest accomplishment? Our two daughters What did 40 Under Forty mean to you? It was nice to be recognized for my work on the council and in the community. What advice do you have for this year's winners? Be a pro-active listener. Class of 2002 Vongphadky has grown QCC's partnerships with community organizations and agencies in the Greater Worcester through its Future Focus Program, such as reconnecting with the Worcester County House of Corrections, reaching out to people looking for educational opportunities where they might not normally find any. Vongphadky, who grew up going to Worcester Public Schools, started advancing at a young age, attending the Bruce Wells Scholars Upward Bound program at Clark University and interning at the Latino Education Institute while in high school. She got her MBA in nonprofit leadership from Assumption College, while in between starting her career as program coordinator at ASPIRA of Massachusetts, a Southbridge agency advocating for the underserved, including Latino students. She then joined QCC in 2016, providing support services for adult students joining QCC from adult basic English programs. Vongphadky has a passion for running and has raised money through nonprofit races like 5K's for HMEA's Autism Resource Central in Worcester and the Center for Hope, a Southbridge nonprofit helping those with developmental disabilities. In June, she ran a race in Ontario to raise money for the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. – G.W. What one meal could you eat for the rest of your life? Pastelón (Puerto Rican plantain lasagna) with white rice and white beans Why do you live in Central Mass.? Central Mass is home. It is affordable and provides opportunities for young professionals. What is the highest compliment anyone could give you? If you want something done right, then you want Gilmarie by your side. Gilmarie Antoniette Vongphakdy, 31 Coordinator of the Future Focus Program and adjunct faculty Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester Residence: Southbridge Birthplace: Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico Colleges: Boston College & Assumption College 2002 2019 Lismarie, We love everything about you. Thank you for always going above and beyond and your continuous commitment to our clients and our community. C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S O N B E I N G N A M E D 4 0 U N D E R 4 0 ! WE'VE GOT YOU! 888.599.2265 | southbridgecu.com You're doing it. It's going great. And you're ready to turn your small business into a not-so-small business. That's where our wide variety of fi nancing options come in. Ready to grow? Member FDIC Member DIF GREAT AT BUILDING THINGS. INCLUDING A GROWING BUSINESS. IF THIS IS YOU, THEN THIS IS YOUR BANK. Visit web5.com or call 800.696.9401 WEBSTER • DUDLEY • OXFORD • AUBURN • WORCESTER • SHREWSBURY NMLS #523049

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