Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1525505
40 UNDER FORTY | 2024 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 19, 2024 23 Robert Wooley is the chief operating officer of Apple Rehab, managing 20 skilled nursing facilities, 2,500 employees and 1,600 residents. At age 26, he co-founded Nurses at Home, a home health agency, serving around 100 seniors daily. Wooley started his career working full-time in senior care while a full-time student at UConn. He later became one of the youngest administrators of a skilled nursing facility in Connecticut, quickly growing to be a regional Sheri Yuschak, vice president and controller at Goodroot, boasts over 15 years in finance, steering all accounting operations and risk mitigation for the company and its affiliates. She has successfully integrated financial protocols post-merger, transitioning entities to public status within a month. In addition to her role at Goodroot, she serves as treasurer for the Connecticut Technology Council. Her leadership has directly supported entrepre- neurial growth and sustained financial health across multiple business sectors. Tom Wood, CPA, is an assurance man- ager at Whittlesey, overseeing audit and advisory engagements for nonprofits and foundations. He started his career at Whittlesey as an intern and joined full- time after completing his master's degree. Wood is a key player in the firm's nonprofit business development and thought leadership initiatives. He helps clients identify funding sources, nav- igate regulations, improve operations and plan leadership transitions. He is a operator and recognized nationally as a future leader of long-term care. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest professional accomplishment was leading on the front lines as an administrator throughout the pandemic. Supporting residents, family members and my team during this challenging time was a profound experience that contributed significantly to my profes- sional and personal growth. How are you involved in the community? I am a co-founder and volunteer for Senior Care Young Professionals (SCYP), a group that aims to draw young professionals to the senior care sector and facilitate meaningful connections among peers to reduce burnout. What do you like to do outside of work? I was recently blessed with the birth of a daughter, so most of my free time goes there! But when I do get a chance, I love to spend some quiet time fishing and golfing. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Lead operations of one of the largest skilled nursing companies in Connecticut. • Co-founded a home health agency that reached profitability in 12 months. • Was formally recognized as a "Future Leader of Long-term Care in America." What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My most significant professional achieve- ment is receiving Goodroot's Mentorship Award. Recognized through peer and lead- ership nominations, this accolade affirms my daily impact as a role model in finance and my commitment to fostering success across our community of businesses. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • I helped lead an efficient merger of a private company into a public corpora- tion within a month, cutting the close cycle by 10 days and establishing robust accounting policies. • I developed and standardized financial, human resources and business processes across numerous Goodroot affiliates, setting benchmarks now adopted as templates by our expanding network. • I earned two promotions in three years, gaining recognition through the mentor- ship award at Goodroot and the emerging executive award at Hubbell Inc. How are you involved in the community? I am a member of the Connecticut Technology Council's (CTC) executive com- mittee, a nonprofit that harbors technology businesses by creating a platform for sharing ideas and resources and granting scholar- ships. I play an active role in managing the finances for all of CTC's activities, including the annual Women of Innovation Awards. valuable contributor to staff develop- ment and training, a formal and informal coach to dozens of individuals, and is a member of the interview committee and the firm's leadership program. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I took over scheduling early in my career, initially managing it through a manual Excel workbook. As the firm grew, I helped to transition to a more powerful scheduling software, recognizing the need for a more robust solution. This software automated many manual tasks, reduced scheduling conflicts and allowed for better resource allocation. Consequently, the firm saw significant improvements in efficiency, timely project completion and overall client satisfaction. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • I have become a trusted advisor to countless nonprofit organizations. I am actively involved with my clients and community and work tirelessly to help my clients meet their strategic goals and further their mission. • I have helped to grow the nonprofit niche by presenting various webinars for the firm. • I have mentored and coached numerous team members in their careers. Goodroot is proud to congratulate On being honored as one of Hartford Business Journal's 40 Under 40! Sheri Yuschak VP, Controller goodrootinc.com Thomas Wood AGE: 39 COMPANY: Whittlesey PC TITLE: Assurance Manager NO. OF YEARS WITH CURRENT COMPANY: 20 WHERE I LIVE: Avon WHERE I WORK: Hartford COLLEGE: Bentley University HIGHEST DEGREE: Master's in Accounting, Bentley University Robert Wooley AGE: 29 COMPANY: Apple Rehab TITLE: Chief Operating Officer NO. OF YEARS WITH CURRENT COMPANY: 4 WHERE I LIVE: Simsbury WHERE I WORK: Avon COLLEGE: UConn HIGHEST DEGREE: Bachelor's and Graduate Certificate in Health Care Management, UConn Sheri Yuschak AGE: 36 COMPANY: Goodroot LLC TITLE: Vice President and Controller NO. OF YEARS WITH CURRENT COMPANY: 4 WHERE I LIVE: Bristol WHERE I WORK: Collinsville COLLEGE: Western Connecticut State University HIGHEST DEGREE: Bachelor's in Business Management, WCSU