Worcester Business Journal

34 Worcester Business Journal | August 22, 2022 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y As the co-founder of Ascend, a lithium-ion battery recycling company, Gratz is helping to establish Central Massachusetts as a player in the battery eco-space. When he was a post-doctoral fellow at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Gratz helped develop the battery recycling technology that led to his company, while working in the laboratory of Professor Yan Wang. It was there he invented the hydro-to-cathode process, which enables his company to recover 98% of the critical metals in used lithium-ion batteries and manufacturing scrap. He is a frequent speaker at electric vehicle battery industry events, and was invited to participate in a U.S. Depart- ment of Energy program aiming to accelerate the de- velopment of a robust and secure domestic supply chain for lithium-based batteries. By helping develop a domestic EV battery manufacturing infrastructure, Gratz is helping to combat climate change and ensuring America's energy independence. Ascend, which employs nearly 100 people in Worcester and Westborough, has raised more than $170 million in funding. The company has been granted three patents, with 12 more in the process. In his free time, Gratz enjoys rock climbing. - L.F. What will Central Mass. be like in 10 years? Hopefully, not that much different, as I love Central Mass. Maybe a few more BBQ joints. What is the key to your success? Being stubborn but knowing my limitations When do you want to retire? Too young to think about that Eric Gratz, 39 Chief technology officer Ascend Elements, in Westborough and Worcester Residence: Stow Birthplace: St. Paul, Minn. College: Worcester Polytechnic Institute While many people see the problem of homelessness abstractly as a quality of life issue in Worcester, Lacroix has devoted herself tirelessly to helping the people who are experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health. At Open Sky, Lacroix oversees 16 programs serving more than 800 individuals with complex needs in Worcester County. She was hired into the Aggressive Treatment and Relapse Prevention program at Open Sky in 2016, and helped design the Homelessness Prevention Program which, with ATARP, has housed more than 120 people over the past three years. Because the populations Lacroix helps often find themselves involved with the criminal justice system, she was uniquely qualified to work with the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to develop behavioral health and de-escalation training for first responders. She is the chair of the Worcester City Manager's Task Force for Sustaining Housing First Solutions. While overseeing programs, Lacroix doesn't lose touch with the people she serves. She is pursuing a master's degree in social work at Simmons University in Boston and using the opportunity to intern with Open Sky's outpatient clinic and provide one-on-one therapy to clients. - T.D. What movie best encapsulates your personality? "The Lion King" – experiencing loss, redemption, and leadership What is the best location in Central Mass? Boynton Park and Cas- cades Park – perfect for walking your dog and getting exercise What is most responsible for the person you are today? My family not being able to access much-needed services, and I don't want other families to have to experience that. Outside of your career and family, what has been your marquee life ex- perience? Opening a charcuterie business, 2 Gouda Girls, with my best friend Taylor Lacroix, 31 Senior division director of community services Open Sky Community Services, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Birthplace: Concord, N.H. Colleges: Roger Williams University, Simmons University School of Social Work PHOTO/ERIKA SIDOR Photo shoot at Old Stone Church in West Boylston

• Cover