Worcester Business Journal

36 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 G O V E R N M E N T Peter Dunn Chief development officer City of Worcester, in Worcester Age: 35 Employees: 2,100 (City), 47 (department) Annual revenue: $1.001 billion Dunn has become one of the most important figures shaping Worcester's growth, serving as a key point of contact for developers, investors, and businesses looking to establish or expand operations in the city. Since 2025, he has helped advance more than 1,800 housing units under construction, facil- itated implementation of the Worcester Now/Next strategic plan, repositioned dozens of underutilized properties, and oversaw the initial distribution of more than $10 million in Community Preservation Act funding. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I have been told that I have an unusually strong memory. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Hire people smarter than you and listen to them. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Mass. is my home, and I am passionate about contributing to its success. What is your favorite book on leadership? "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie How do you unwind? Golf Jim McGovern U.S. congressman U.S. House of Representatives, in Washington, D.C. District: Massachusetts, District 2 Age: 66 McGovern remains one of Central Massachusetts' most influential voices in Washington, D.C. Since 2025, he secured more than $12 million in federal funding for regional projects, helped preserve $3.3 billion for the Community Development Block Grant Program, defended economic development and manufacturing initiatives targeted for elimina- tion, and has emerged as a leading critic of federal policies he believes threaten the region's economy, workforce, and quality of life. - B.K. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Remind yourself that it's not about power, it's about what you do with it. Stay humble and remember where you came from and what matters in life. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? I grew up here. is is home. At the end of a long week in Washington, there's nowhere I'd rather be than back in Worcester. We're honest, we're real, we're compassionate, and we're kind. What is your favorite book on leadership? While not exactly about leadership, "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder reminds us that freedom and democracy cannot be taken for granted. Michael Moore State senator Massachusetts Senate, in Boston Age: 63 Moore remains one of Central Massachusetts' most influential voices on Beacon Hill. During the current legislative session, he has pushed major data privacy reforms, expand- ed protections for domestic abuse survivors, secured millions of dollars in earmarks for local communi- ties and institutions, and led efforts to ban PFAS in firefighter gear. He emerged as a leading voice in the reform of the cannabis industry and the remaking of the regulatory agency Cannabis Control Commis- sion. He spoken up against the proposed rent con- trol ballot initiative slated for November's ballot, and he hasn't ruled out legislative intervention should the voters approve the measure. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? A willingness to engage and collaborate with stake- holders on all sides of an issue. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Speak with people outside of your immediate circle to broaden your understand- ing. How do you unwind? Aer a long day I like to have a cigar, either alone or with friends. But I high- ly recommend no one take up smoking. PHOTO | COURTESY OF MARLBOROUGH ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Meredith Harris Executive director Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), in Marlborough Age: 38 Employees: 4 Annual budget: $807,524 (fiscal 2027) Harris has helped make Marlborough the eco- nomic center of MetroWest through a relentless fo- cus on business attraction, retention, and expansion. Since 2025, MEDC helped secure a $200-million investment bringing the State Crime Lab to Marl- borough, creating 300 jobs and a 200,000-square- foot facility. Her organization also awarded $135,750 in small business grants and supported healthcare projects expected to generate another $200 million in regional investment. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My true desire to collaborate with others and a willingness to say "yes" or find a way to make things work. When there's a will, there's a way. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Central Mass. is by far the best place to do business in the Commonwealth. Everything you need is here, from amenities and accessibility to culture and recreation, and at a more affordable price. How do you unwind? I have a four-year-old and a seven-year-old, so I am usually gearing up rather than winding down. When I do find a quiet moment, I enjoy connecting with my husband over a nice drink. "My old boss, Joe Moakley, represented South Boston in Congress for almost 30 years. He used to say, 'To some people, power means the ability to say no. To me, power is the ability to say yes.' " - Jim McGovern, U.S. Congress

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