Worcester Business Journal

26 Worcester Business Journal | August 22, 2022 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y When Breton started in banking, she didn't know how to complete a de- posit ticket, let alone open an account. But by taking notes and reading every manual, policy, and procedure her credit union had to offer, she established herself as an irreplaceable employee (her positive attitude and self-motivated nature helped, too). Breton became a branch manager in 2013, after just five years in banking, and has received successive promotions over the years, which have moved her to other locations with varied asset sizes and staffing. This year, she was promoted to vice president - retail director, where she oversees four branch managers and their locations. As a woman in the financial industry – where her bosses were all men – Breton had a desire to connect with more female young professionals. That's how she got involved with the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce Wom- en's Success Network, where she was able to meet women from all different paths of life and professions. She gives back to the community through her work at the $474-million Millbury Federal Credit Union, specifically through the Trunk or Treat event, where employees transform their vehicles into crazy themed displays, as they distribute treats to children. - L.F. What movie encapsulates your personality? "Britta- ny Runs a Marathon" Growing up, I was never an athlete and loathed activity, but I'm now training for my fourth half marathon. What Central Mass. historical figure do you most admire? Clara Barton – What she accomplished as a woman in the 1800's is extraordinary, all fueled by a passion to help others. When do you want to retire? Financially, my goal is to retire when I'm 63; however, I do love my job, so I can definitely picture myself extending that timeline. Alise Breton, 37 Vice president – retail director Millbury Federal Credit Union, in Millbury Residence: Dudley Birthplace: Worcester College: Worcester State University While working as an Amateur Athletic Union basketball coach, Brown noticed there were lots of kids who wanted to learn how to play, but couldn't afford to join. So he started helping them out, teaching kids the basics of basketball at no cost, on his own time. This is what led to the launch of Go Hard or Stay Home, a program Brown created teaching kids basketball, as well as respect, confidence, team- work, and helping others. Go Hard or Stay Home started three years ago with just five kids, eventually growing to 30 kids per session. Brown had about 1,000 kids sign up in the first year, and now he has thousands of children from Greater Worcester participating. To Brown, it's about more than just basketball; it's also about showing the kids they're not alone, and understanding where they've come from, what they're doing now, and what they want to do in the future. Brown, who was born with profound hearing loss in his left ear, and severe hearing loss in his right, attended Clarke School for Hearing & Speech in Northampton for eight years before transferring to Holy Name Central Catholic Junior Senior High School in Worcester. Brown played three varsity sports and was inducted into Holy Name's hall of fame this spring. - L.F. What is the best location in Central Mass.? DCU Center. It was where I got to play in front of thousands for my high school for basketball, as back-to-back state finalists. What keys to business success do most people not know? Sacrifices, commitment, and communication Ryan Brown, 34 Transportation industry analyst, systems safety and engineering division, Federal Railroad Administration grants management team support Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, U.S. Department of Transportation, in Cambridge Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Worcester College: Worcester Polytechnic Institute PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR Photo shoot at Old Sturbridge Village (special thanks to Christine Freitas and James Donahue)

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