Worcester Business Journal

24 Worcester Business Journal | August 22, 2022 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Starting a new job is hard work, but taking charge of Worcester's pub- lic library system in the middle of a pandemic seems unfathom- able. That is what Homer did, and he did so with great success and grace. WPL has more than 100 staff members working at six branches. Its main branch on Salem Street was undergoing a $13-million renovation, its first in 20 years when Homer took his position. The library remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic, and staff dealt with peo- ple unwilling to take precautions against the virus. Homer stood by his staff, while helping to coordinate vaccine clinics at the library, increasing access to underserved communities. Libraries have increasingly become a political target, with politicians and activists calling for the banning of books. Meanwhile, the city leans heavily on libraries to provide not only access to information, but for a place to go when temperatures become dangerous. Homer meets these challenges gladly. He has overseen new programs to reach out to the community, like the library's annual block party, and a fundraiser this past May that transformed the library into a mini-golf course. - T.D. What four people would you take on a 10-year, deep-space mission? A motley crew of my husband Matt, Dolly Parton, LaVar Burton and Ms. Frizzle, who would naturally be our captain. Who is most responsible for the person you are today? When I reflect on the privileges I have and have not fought for, I think of heroes like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. What person would you like to meet in the next 15 years? The current Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, who continues to push boundaries and challenges us all to address inequities in access to information. Jason Homer, 35 Executive director Worcester Public Library Residence: Marlborough Birthplace: Stoughton Colleges: Simmons University, Stonehill College Kneeland joined WRRB after graduating from Assumption in 2016. In the past six years, he rose through the ranks from research intern to program associate, to his current title of director of programs and operations. Crucially, he served as the bureau's officer in charge for seven months, leading the organization while its board of directors underwent an executive director search process. Kneeland is responsible for increasing the bureau's sponsorship revenue by 35% since 2018, identifying new untapped revenue sources, managing a technology upgrade to redesign the WRRB's website, incorporating new data tools for external and internal use, and overhauling all hardware. Externally, he has rep- resented the WRRB in several community initiatives and managed significant public information events, including the candidate debate series and the 2018 State of the City. He helped organize the bureau's largest and most successful annual meeting to date, which featured Dr. Francis Collins, the now-former director of the National Institutes of Health. Kneeland is regular participant in the Alzheimer's Association's Walk to End Alzheimer's in memory of his grandmother. - L.F. What Central Mass. historical figure do you most admire? Abby Kelley Foster What is one key to business success most people don't know about? Listening – every- one has something valuable to add. When do you want to retire? When I feel ready. Eric Kneeland, 28 Director of programs & operations Worcester Regional Research Bureau, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Portland, Maine College: Assumption University PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR Photo shoot at Worcester Public Library (special thanks to Jason Homer)

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