Worcester Business Journal

4 Worcester Business Journal | March 24, 2025 | wbjournal.com I N B R I E F Direct control expansion "This expansion is a big win for our audience readers navigating constant change in the tech channel and our technology vendor partners ready to make meaningful, lasting connections with solution providers in the Australia and New Zealand IT channel market." Matt Yorke, CEO of The Channel Co., on the Westborough- based media, event, and marketing company assuming direct publication control of CRN Australia, a media outlet serving Australia and New Zealand Incoming president "Anna Maria's mission to educate students to become ethical leaders and community- oriented professionals resonates profoundly with me as an individual and my passion for higher education." Sean Ryan, on being named the new incoming president of Anna Maria College in Paxton, succeeding long-time leader Mary Lou Retelle when she retires at the end of the academic year Starting commercial banking "I'm excited to lead a team who shares a deep commitment to our members and community. We are ready to support businesses for the next 111 years and beyond." Deb Larsen on her promotion to becoming the first chief commercial banking officer at Littleton-based Workers Credit Union MICA KANNER-MASCOLO WBJ Staff Writer F ollowing the lead of universi- ties and research institutions nationwide, UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester is implementing immediate and upcoming cuts to hiring, spend- ing, and employment in response to the President Donald Trump Adminis- tration's attempts to cap funding from the National Institutes of Health. e Trump Adminis- tration's proposed 15% cap to NIH funding for indirect costs would result in a loss of $40 to $50 million annually for UMass Chan, said a March 11 internal memo from the university's leadership, including Chancellor Dr. Michael Collins. Although a feder- al judge temporarily blocked the Trump Ad- ministration's attempt to cut funding by issuing a nationwide preliminary injunction in February, the memo said that ruling is unlikely to rep- resent the final outcome. "ese proposed policy changes require us to reduce spending immediately to address the very real and immediate impacts UMass Chan freezes hiring, plans layoffs in preparation for NIH funding cuts bargaining agreements," said the memo. UMass Chan has more than 6,500 employees, including more than 4,000 in Central Massachusetts, making it the fih largest employer in the region, according to data provided to the WBJ Research Department. Employee access to non-essential expenses has been cut off until further notice, as UMass Chan has suspend- ed discretionary spending including those for conferences, consultants and contractors, travel, food and events, and memberships, dues, and subscriptions. "rough this uncertain time, be assured that executive leaders are in close communication and working through these challenges with de- partment chairs and other leaders across our organization, while also continuing to advocate for the lifesaving and life-enhancing benefits that we know biomedical research offers people across the common- wealth and around the world. Together, we remain committed to advancing our mission," said the memo. UMass Chan's plan comes on the heels of both Harvard University in Cambridge and the University of Pennsyl- vania implementing immediate hiring freezes in early March. Other schools who have halted their hiring efforts include Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Colum- bia University's medical school in New York, and Stanford University in California. W created. While we wish there was a straightforward way to insulate our campus from these actions, the only prudent and responsible path forward is to act now," said the memo. As a result, the university has im- mediately paused all hiring, including for faculty, grant-funded positions, and summer internships until further notice. Only UMass Chan's ForHealth Consulting entity will not be affected by the freeze. Employee promotions and raises are on hold, including the school's up- coming annual July 1 salary increase program. Furthermore, UMass Chan said job security will soon be an issue for employees. "Targeted furloughs and layoffs are, unfortunately, going to be necessary and are currently being discussed with the leaders of academic and administrative departments. e university will engage in any bargaining obligations where necessary with our bargaining units in advance of any material changes to our UMass Chan Medical School has more than 6,500 employees, including more than 4,000 at its main campus in Worcester.

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