Worcester Business Journal

38 Worcester Business Journal | August 25, 2025 | wbjournal.com 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Joseph Heelan, 34 Co-founder, chief technology officer & chief operating officer Powders on Demand, in Leominster Residence: Mattapoisett Birthplace: Leominster Colleges: Northeastern University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Joseph Heelan has scaled Powders on Demand from zero revenue to $5+ million annually in under five years while establishing the company as a key supplier for additive manufacturing and cold spray technologies. He has engineered and commercialized 50+ novel metal and ceramic-based powders crucial to the defense, energy, and aerospace sectors. His leadership has grown the team to approximately 15 individuals while maintaining a commit- ment to innovation and higher-performance development. Heelan's expertise in engineering powders at the particle level to enhance critical application characteristics stems from his background as a materials engineer in the aerospace industry and his graduate research at WPI. His foundational work focused on developing novel processes to synthesize high-performance cathode powders from recycled lithium-ion battery materials, addressing sustainability chal- lenges within the energy sector. As a guest speaker at his alma ma- ter and participant in events like the Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, he bridges the gap between education and industry. He is pursuing the goal of hiking all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot peaks with his wife and children. What movie best describes your life journey? "Ford v Ferrari" – hands-on grit, relentless problem-solving, and a deep obsession with materials and performance Favorite Central Mass. community? The entrepreneurial and manufacturing community of Worcester led by key organizations like Solvus Global, MassTech Collaborative, and WPI. Who helped you in your professional journey? Two people really stand out: my father, Peter Heelan, and my grad school mentor, Diran Apelian. Proudest moment? The birth of my 3 kids Kaleigh Maio, 37 Vice president of human resources Heywood Healthcare, in Gardner Residence: New Braintree Birthplace: Greenfield Colleges: Mount Wachusett Community College, Nichols College, Fitchburg State University, Northcentral University The COVID pandemic and Heywood Healthcare's financial restructuring in Chapter 11 bankruptcy created quite the challenge for its 1,700+ employees, but Kaleigh Maio has guided the North Central Mas- sachusetts' health system through the turbulent waters. Since beginning as an HR generalist in 2014, she advanced to vice president of human resources within a decade. Employee satisfaction scores increased by 6.4% in 2024, with survey participation rising by 7%. She spearheaded implementation of a new applicant tracking system and led the overhaul of the recruitment process through targeted approaches. Her strategic workforce planning achieved a 17% reduction in full-time equivalents while maintaining op- erational effectiveness. She has fostered a culture of support through programs like Giving Tree, Employee Clothes Closet, and an employee concierge service providing priority access to healthcare services like mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and specialists. She is pursuing a doctorate in philosophy in human resource management from Northcentral University, and she provides philanthropic support of animal shelters and local food pantries while raising three children. Would you choose to be the oldest, middle, or youngest sibling, or an only child? I would choose to be an only child. Best restaurant in Central Mass.? Gardner Ale House Who helped you in your professional journey? My husband, Ben Maio, has helped me by being a steady support system and my go-to person for just about everything. PHOTO | EDD COTE Wachusett Dam & Wachusett Reservoir, in Clinton

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