Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 17, 2020 | Worcester Business Journal 25 After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Matros joined the fire department, fell in love with fire service, and has committed his life to it ever since. Not only has Matros continued to serve his community as a firefighter in Sudbury and EMS front line worker, but he started Red Line Gear Cleaning, a company keeping firefighters safe by cleaning their uniforms and equipment, which helps to reduce the rate of cancer among firefighters. His cleaning company has helped clean fire stations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Matros additionally founded the Hero's Cup Foundation to raise money for first responders. Through his leadership, the Hero's Cup Foundation's hockey tournament raises more than $1 million dollars per year, includes 110 teams, attracts players and fans from 27 states and three countries, and is expanding to Nashville and Tampa this year. Matros previously partnered with the Boston Bruins, helping to add $500,000 to their yearly charitable giving to first responders. He has more than 20 certifications in fire service and sits on three National Fire Protection Association committees. Matros ran the Boston Marathon five times and devotes himself to the community not just through fire service, but also through coaching youth basketball and hockey and charitable giving towards mental health, cancer prevention, and line-of-duty death support. - D.B. What is the first thing you'll do after the pandemic is over? Get the foundation strong and have an event, so we can continue to help. What are you proudest of? My kids, every day they amaze me. Watching them grow into young adults is my proudest accomplishment. Michael Matros, 35 Firefighter with Sudbury Fire Department; executive director of Hero's Cup Foundation; president & founder of Redline First Responder Gear Cleaning, in Marlborough Residence: Marlborough Birthplace: Fairfax, Va. Colleges: Nichols College, Anna Maria College, Pro Center for Medics, Massachusetts Firefighting Academy Mathews helps lead the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center's three Worcester Public School care centers, giving her an opportunity to meet with countless students and help make sure they're receiving regular care. She might watch as a newborn grows into a toddler and into school age, or, when she's not in one of the schools, follow along as a patient works to get his or her diabetes under control or develop a healthy walking habit. Those are critical parts of the health center's mission as a place where many of the region's disadvantaged residents turn for care. Mathews, a UMass Medical School graduate — she was the recipient of the Academic and Leadership Achievement Award when she graduated — began working at Kennedy in 2012 as a registered nurse before developing dual roles. When she's not caring for patients as a nurse practitioner, Mathews puts on her assistant medical director hat and helps the center's administrative functions. In that role, she is Kennedy's family nurse practitioner residency director as the center welcomed its first class of nurse practitioner residents this summer. She's also helped lead Kennedy's efforts during the coronavirus pandemic to keep services going, including through telehealth appointments. - G.W. Abigail Mathews, 37 Family nurse practitioner & assistant medical director Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, in Worcester Residence: Boylston Birthplace: Duxbury Colleges: Bates College, UMass Medical School Graduate School of Nursing Muise's career with Hanover Insurance has spanned some 17 years, marked by impressive leaps made at a speedy pace. Joining the company's underwriting training program in 2003, Muise began his career in the Massachusetts middle market. After two years, he was promoted to a more specialized position in The Hanover's marine market, where he helped provide insurance policies with special coverage. Shortly thereafter, Muise was promoted once again, this time as the head of the nationwide marine advantage unit, which operates out of an Illinois office and serves 75% of its commercial lines agents for marine-related accounts. Muise continued ascending within the company, eventually returning to Worcester as a marine manager, then marine regional underwriting director. He eventually landed a position as assistant vice president of marine underwriting in 2018. This past December, he was promoted to chief underwriting officer for the marine department and is now on the leadership team of the 4,300-employee, $5-billion public company. When he's not ascending the ranks at The Hanover, he coaches his children's soccer, basketball and baseball teams, and supports the United Way of Central Massachusetts. He is driven by his dedication to The Hanover's values, including collaboration, accountability, respect and empowerment. - M.B. Favorite Central Mass. restaurant? With three kids, we don't get many opportunities to go out as a couple, but when we do, we really love the food and atmosphere at Willy's Steakhouse Grill. What was your hardest career achievement? Making the transition from an individual contributor to managing others. I had to develop new skills to successfully lead the team. Whose career do you want to emulate? My father. He has successfully led First Citizens Federal Credit Union in Fairhaven, while giving back his time to the Southeast Massachusetts community. Jason Muise, 39 Chief underwriting officer, marine The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc., in Worcester Residence: Holden Birthplace: Hanson College: Assumption University What four people would you pick as year-long travel companions? Amelia Earhart, to hear about what really happened, and she's awesome. My great grandmother, to learn about her immigration experience. Janis Joplin, for a great soundtrack. My best bud from college, we travel well together. Who is most responsible for your success? My spouse has always supported my work. He fed me and financially carried our household when I was in grad school. He keeps our home comfortable. His reliable co-parenting has allowed me to pursue my career goals. What will the statue they eventually build of you say? She was kind and helped me feel better. Matros' children Teaghan and Jake Muise's children (from left) Wyatt, Lyla and Everly Mathews' daughter Jody 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y

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