Worcester Business Journal

36 Worcester Business Journal | May 19, 2025 | wbjournal.com Christine Cassidy Chief communications officer Fallon Health, in Worcester Residence: Lancaster Christine Cassidy makes a daily mark on Worcester and the larger community as Fallon Health's chief com- munications officer. A major local employer, Fallon's marketing, advertising, public relations, strategic communications, and philanthropic giving are under Christine's watchful eye and steady guidance. Her work has earned both industry and community acco- lades along the way, including an Emmy. She has stepped up time and again as a community volunteer to lead. In 2015 and 2016, Christine was the chair of the Worcester Women's Leadership Con- ference, an annual sold-out event bringing women professionals at all stages of their careers together for a day of learning. Later she served as chair of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, the pre- mier membership organization for businesses in our region and the catalyst for much of what we see going on around us during Worcester's renaissance. e epitome of Christine's influence has been her work as chair of the Becker College board. Christine led the board through the difficult decision to cease operations and this year announced a legacy multi- million-dollar gis to the Greater Worcester Commu- nity Foundation and Worcester State University. Prog- ress like this doesn't happen every day, and it never happens unless someone is willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication. • Story by Richard Burke, retired president & CEO of Fallon Health THE INSIDERS "A remarkable leader connects individuals who can collaboratively drive projects and causes forward, creating benefits for the broader community." - Jennifer Flanagan Long, Liberty Square Group T he WBJ newsroom spends months each year compiling the annual Power 100 list of the most influential profes- sionals in Central Massachusetts. While the result of this effort is a comprehensive edition detailing how power is held, shared, and wielded in the region, it does tend to focus on high-profile individuals like CEOs and those who made significant news in the past year. We were curious: Who do these power players consider the most powerful people in the community to be? In February, we asked the 400+ people who have ever been on a WBJ power list (Power 100, Power 50, Power Players) to vote for the professionals they believed are the most influential in the region. Nearly 600 votes were cast, and the end result was shockingly similar to the list WBJ develops annually. Of the top 15 votegetters unveiled on the right, all of them have been on a WBJ power list previously. Ten are on the list this year. Yet, this process also resulted in votes for a number of behind- the-scenes people who influence the economy in very interesting ways. While they were not the top votegetters, e Insiders featured below certainly have outsized influence. eir stories are told here by the power players who voted them as the most influential. 2. Dr. Eric Dickson, president & CEO of UMass Memorial Health 7. Peter Dunn, chief development officer for the City of Worcester 10. Ralph Crowley Jr., president & CEO of Polar Beverages 2. Sue Mailman, owner of Coghlin Electrical Contractors 8. Eric Batista, city manager for the City of Worcester 10. Debbie Hall, CEO of YWCA Central Massachusetts 4. Cliff Rucker, founder of Rucker Investments 8. Craig Blais, president & CEO of Worcester Business Development Corp. 10. Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Worcester) 5. Michael Angelini, partner at Prince Lobel 8. Tim Garvin, president & CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts 10. Kimberly Salmon, AVP community relations at The Hanover Insurance Group 1. Timothy Murray, president & CEO of Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce 5. Jon Weaver, president & CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives 10. Che Anderson, assistant vice chancellor for city & community relations at UMass Chan Medical School John Erwin Vice chancellor for government relations UMass Chan Medial School, in Worcester Residence: Worcester Erwin is a pivotal figure in Worcester's commu- nity fabric. Since his appointment in 2019, John has adeptly led the Office of Community and Government Relations at UMass Chan, fostering robust partnerships between the medical school and local, state, and federal entities. John has been a key collaborator with us here at MBI, including partnering with us and others to rep- resent the City at the BIO International Convention John's leadership in our community is exemplified through initiatives like UMass Chan Cares, which has mobilized more than 2,400 volunteer hours and nearly $1 million in donations since 2018. His office spear- heads the North Quadrant Support Services, addressing educational disparities by providing resources such as school supplies and funding for classroom projects in Worcester's public schools. Beyond community engagement, he represents UMass Chan in state and national forums, including the Massachusetts Hunger-Free Campus Coalition and the Hunger to Health Collaboratory. Our medical school is home to world renowned researchers that are leading the fields of cancer, ALS, Canavan disease, diabetes, and rare disease research. For families battling these illnesses, this research represents hope, and John plays a key role in helping secure gov- ernment support for these initiatives. • Story by Jon Weaver, CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives Patty Eppinger Community volunteer Residence: Grafton I was recently asked: "Who are the MOST influential peo- ple in central Massachusetts?" Not a second passed: "Patty Eppinger." An influencer is a person who has the ability and the presence to guide and inspire the actions of oth- ers.Yes, Patty is one of the most influential people in Central Mass. And I believe she is so so much more. Patty is a Local Hero. And she is simply Patty. Patty is a philanthropist; she uses her resourc- es – intellect, heart, and assets – to make Central Massachusetts better. I know this first-hand as our United Way is the benefactor of her family's transfor- mational philanthropy. Patty has been and is a board member to numer- ous important and impactful local organizations, including the EcoTarium and the Worcester Educa- tion Collaborative. Yet, she is more than just a board member. Patty is one of those rare people who gets involved, deeply involved. She listens, she organizes, she creates a plan, and she ensures the plan is imple- mented and successful. Mostly, Patty is a friend – to me and to hun- dreds, even thousands, of others. Monthly, weekly, sometimes daily, I will pick up the phone and call her; at times to share an idea, to hear her opinion of some local action or policy, to seek her advice, or to recruit her to an effort. • Story by Tim Garvin, president & CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts e Insiders Who do Central Mass. power players say are the most influential people in the region? W

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