Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1541233
16 Worcester Business Journal | November 17, 2025 | wbjournal.com WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal WOMEN B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ n WOMEN I N B U S I N E S S O U T S T A N D I N G WBJ Worcester Business Journal Presenting Sponsors Corporate Sponsor Supporting Sponsors MarshMcLennan Agency The Hanover Theatre and Conservatory for the Performing Arts Congratulations once again to the 2025 honorees! Special thanks to our sponsors and everyone who joined us for the celebration! View all event photos at wbjournal.com/womeninbusiness F O C U S VETERANS IN BUSINESS Matthew Casaubon Director of veteran affairs Quinsigamond Community College, in Worcester Residence: Leominster Military branch: U.S. Army Served: 3 years Rank at discharge: E-4 specialist Matthew Casaubon joined the U.S. Army because he felt a deep calling to serve and continue his family's tradition of military service dating back to World War II. His grandfather, father, and he have all worn the uniform, and he is grateful to be part of that legacy. Serving as a fire support spe- cialist from 2000 to 2003, Casaubon found serving the nation both patriotic and honorable. e hardest part of transitioning to civilian life was losing the deep sense of ca- maraderie, purpose, and structure the military provides. Rebuilding purpose out- side the uniform took time. Learning to channel that drive into education, family, and community service helped him find balance and a renewed sense of belonging. His military experience instilled discipline, resilience, and the ability to lead with integrity. As a nontraditional student who began college at 34, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees while working and raising a family. Today, he holds an MBA in management and a bachelor's degree in human services from Fitchburg State University. For the past three years as director of veteran affairs at Quinsigamond Commu- nity College, Casaubon has supported the veteran community through compre- hensive services and individualized care. He organizes initiatives like monthly Coffee & Connections events, recognizing that veteran isolation can exacerbate mental health challenges. His philosophy is deeply personal: "I was in their shoes once, and I wish someone had been there for me." e military taught him integrity, discipline, and accountability, values that now guide him as a husband, father, mentor, and leader. Douglas Bushman Executive director & CEO Fitchburg Housing Authority and Opportunities for Hope, in Fitchburg Residence: Fitchburg Military branch: U.S. Army National Guard Served: 7 years Rank at discharge: Specialist Douglas Bushman joined the military to serve his country, challenge himself, and gain valuable skills and discipline. It was a point in his life where college and civilian work were no longer challenging him, and he wanted to be part of some- thing bigger. He served in the Connecticut National Guard from 1993 to 2001 and, driven by his unwavering sense of duty, rejoined three years ago as a proud member of the New York Army Guard. e hardest part about transitioning to civilian life was realizing how much slower everything moved. In basic training and advanced individual training, ev- erything was fast-paced, focused, and mission-driven. In civilian life, that urgency and discipline weren't always there. Even aer all these years, he still gets up at 3 a.m. to start his day. His military experience taught him discipline, leadership, and adaptability. He learned to make decisions under pressure, manage diverse teams, and stay mis- sion-focused. Most importantly, it taught him to accept responsibility for mistakes and understand the mission comes first, but taking care of the team is equally vital. As a leader, he comes last, because his team members must always come first. As executive director of the Fitchburg Housing Authority since January 2019 and CEO of Opportunities for Hope, Bushman oversees housing operations providing safe, affordable housing to hundreds of families. He is developing a veterans-only shelter at 76 Mechanic St. in Fitchburg, a deeply personal project aimed at supporting veterans as they transition back to civilian life. He is a licensed attorney and founder of the Bushman Law Group.