Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | August 25, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 17 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y AdvantageTruckNE.com/Haulin-4-Hunger Fighting Food Insecurity Throughout New England • 98,000 + meals donated • Year-long donations of Fresh and Non-Perishable Meals to 15 Food Pantries • Supported and driven by employees and business sponsors coming together to give back to our local communities POWERED BY Follow us: @WeKnowTrucks Keep shining and reaching new heights! Erin Thomason, 39 Director of philanthropy Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, in Fitchburg Residence: Sterling Birthplace: Cambridge Colleges: Mount Wachusett Community College, Fitchburg State University Erin Thomason has built an exceptional career spanning more than 20 years in philanthropy, business development, and nonprofit leadership, culminating in her role as director of philanthropy at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. She has grown regional philanthropic assets and guided families and organizations in creating legacy giving plans while spreading awareness of the foundation. Her most significant accomplishment has been helping launch the North Central Massachusetts Women's Fund, the region's first endowed fund dedicated to supporting women. Thomason's ability to connect people and bring them together has been the cornerstone of her career, including her previous senior relationship management role at Berkshire Bank. Her approach to philanthropy ensures regional resources are strategically invested to fuel economic opportunity and sustainable community development. She serves on the board of the Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce and has previously served on the board of Easter Seals Massachusetts, led a local Girl Scout troop, and volunteered at WHEAT Community Connections and Horizons for Homeless Children. As a mother of two who has navigated personal challenges, she engages in collaborative mentorship across industries. What actor would play you in a movie? Drew Barrymore Best place to relax in Central Mass.? Anywhere near water. The sunsets over Wachusett Dam are beautiful. What song has the best life advice? "This One's For The Girls" by Martina McBride Thomas White, 37 President & CEO R.H. White Construction, in Auburn Residence: North Grafton Birthplace: Worcester College: Wentworth Institute of Technology Thomas White represents the evolution of family business leadership, as the fourth-generation leader of R.H. White Construction. Starting as a laborer and advancing through assistant project manager, project manager, and business unit leader roles, he has gained the respect of field and office employees while learning every aspect of the 102-year-old construction business founded by his great- grandfather Ralph White in 1923. White's leadership capabilities were demonstrated when he successfully turned around a three-year, multimillion-dollar project that could have cost the organization millions into one of the most profitable jobs in its history. He has overseen the implementation of a new executive team over the past two years while maintaining operational excellence. He has participated in the Pan-Mass Challenge for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for the past eight years, raising more than $50,000 as part of the Cyclosaurass team with his father and other R.H. White employees. As co-chair of the company's 100th anniversary committee, he helped raise $100,000 each for three employee- selected charities: Alzheimer's Association, Easterseals, and The Greg Hill Foundation. He is committed to sustainable infrastructure development through involvement with New England Water Works Association and National Association of Water Companies. Would you choose to be the oldest sibling, middle sibling, youngest sibling, or an only child? Youngest. It is what I am, and I would say it's worked out pretty well! Who helped you the most in your professional journey? My father, David White

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