Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | June 8, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 17 Experience the momentum of our campus, our commitment to student success, and the vitality of our community. Congratulations to President Donna Hodge on being named to the Worcester Business Journal's Power 100 Visit us at FITCHBURGSTATE.EDU Nancy Niemi President Framingham State University, in Framingham Age: 62 Employees: 1,100 Annual revenue: $135 million Niemi has elevated Framingham State University's profile while tackling challenges affecting higher ed- ucation institutions across MetroWest. Since 2025, the university completed a $39-million fundraising campaign, strengthened enrollment and retention, and launched efforts to ensure every undergraduate has access to a compensated work experience. She secured funding for a faculty and educational work- force housing project, addressing one of the region's most pressing affordability challenges. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I am highly relational and am persistent in connect- ing frequently and meaningfully with everyone in our organization. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Actively listen to as many peo- ple within your organization as possible. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Our university is rooted in Central Massachusetts, as it has been for 187 years. We are an anchor of place and committed to serving this region. How do you unwind? Walk and hike, cook and bake, and read. Vincent Rougeau President College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester Age: 62 Employees: More than 1,500 full-time and part-time employees, including Jesuits, faculty members, administrators and hourly staff members, all in Central Mass. Annual revenue: $276 million Rougeau leads the region's wealthiest and most economically influential higher education institution. In 2025, Holy Cross earned the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification and was credited with supporting $866 million in annual economic activity statewide, including $313 million in Worcester. e college welcomed more than 200,000 visitors, award - ed $85 million in scholarship aid, and is expanding its impact through workforce development, research partnerships, and civic engagement. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I strive to lead by listening first. Whether engaging students, faculty, business leaders, or community partners, I believe meaningful progress begins with understanding different perspectives and build- ing relationships grounded in trust, empathy, and shared purpose. How do you unwind? Listening to music, sing- ing, hiking, bird-watching, traveling, and spending quiet weekends with my family. Grace Wang President Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in Worcester Employees: 1,377 Endowment: $683 million Wang is leading WPI through a period of growing research prominence and expanding economic influence. In 2025, the university achieved Carnegie R1 status, the highest classification for research uni- versities, cementing its position as Central Massa- chusetts' leading research institution. Wang is now focused on broadening WPI's global impact while strengthening the region's innovation ecosystem through industry partnerships, workforce develop- ment, and the new Central Massachusetts Climate- tech Hub Incubator. - B.K. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Massachusetts is a region defined by innovation, resilience, and collaboration. We are proud to be part of a community with world-class talent, strong industry partnerships, and a growing research and entrepreneurial ecosystem. What effort are you undertaking that will have the most impact on the Central Mass. economy? WPI is working to strengthen Central Massachu- setts as a connected innovation ecosystem where research, talent development, startups, industry, and workforce preparation are intentionally aligned for success. "Power … must be exercised with humility and discernment." - Vincent Rougeau, College of the Holy Cross E D U C AT I O N P OW E R 1 0 0

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