Worcester Business Journal

18 Worcester Business Journal | August 16, 2021 | wbjournal.com Since becoming a volunteer with the Boys & Girls Club eight years ago, Fowling has climbed the ranks and made history as the first woman, and woman of color, to hold the 128-year-old club's director of operations position. She oversees three locations in the city, serving several hundred youths every year. Her work was first noticed when she was a part-time education instructor and more kids began participating in the homework support program and seeing report card improvements. She gradually took on greater leadership positions where she developed a community and college volunteer program. Leading by example, Fowling has never stopped being a mentor for youth, especially young women. Over the past five years she has been instrumental in having 100% of the club's high school seniors graduate on time, and attend college. Beyond the Boys & Girls Club, she has volunteered building a playground in Plumley Village, providing meals and toiletries to disadvantaged individuals in the community, and supporting two daycares. - Profile written by Katherine Hamilton What movie character would you like to be? Nala from the Lion King. Nala was a force to be reckoned with. From her confidence and curiosity as a young cub to her leadership and fearless nature as an adult lioness, she commanded the attention of all. What life goal will you accomplish in the next 10 years? I will see my firstborn son graduate high school and my youngest son become a rising high school senior. My family will own property, to leave a legacy for our sons to have something to build upon and lift the burden of financial strain. I will have raised leaders within our agency to do great things. Joanne M. Fowling, 36 Director of operations Boys & Girls Club of Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester College: Northeastern University 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y The Strand theater, in Clinton (Special thanks to Rob Nierintz) Before joining FLEXcon, McDonough spent two years working as a public defender in Worcester County, during which he ran undefeated in trials. Now, however, his work life looks a little different. Instead of arguing in court, he's helped grow FLEXcon's medical skin contact adhesive business profits by 173% in the course of a single fiscal year, largely by reworking collateral, negotiating with customers, making connections with end users, and working on process improvements. Most recently, he helped lead the company's COVID response team, which helped keep the Spencer business open and its onsite employees safe during a tenuous time. Part of McDonough's role includes making presentations to local schools in the areas of STEM, material science, and biomimicry through microstructures. Volunteering educational support – whether individually or through FLEXcon – is something he is particularly proud to take part in. FLEXcon President and CEO Lavon Winkler said one of the main purposes in his role is preparing McDonough to one day take over the $300-million company. Given his track record already outside of his family's business, the 65-year-old company seems poised for another generation of success. - Profile written by Monica Benevides What decade would you time travel to? 2050s - I would love to know my kids at my current age and the world they are in (without me aging). Why do you live in Central Mass.? I was born and raised here. It just feels like home. Plus, you can't beat the sports teams! When a statue eventually gets built of you, what will the plaque say? Either "What problem are you trying to solve, and how will you know when you solved it?" or "When you're right… you're right!" Shaun McDonough, 35 Executive vice president of purpose, people, & process FLEXcon Co., Inc., in Westborough Residence: Spencer Birthplace: Worcester Colleges: Trinity College, Northeastern University School of Law PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR

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