Worcester Business Journal

10 Worcester Business Journal | June 8, 2026 | wbjournal.com P OW E R 1 0 0 P R O F E S S I O N A L S E R V I C E S Mark Borenstein Partner & co-chair of real estate Prince Lobel Tye LLP, in Worcester Headquarters: Boston Age: 37 Employees: More than 100 attorneys and staff Central Mass. employees: 24 Many of Central Massachusetts' largest housing projects have Borenstein's fingerprints on them. As one of the region's most prominent real estate and land-use attorneys, he helped secure approvals for more than 850 housing units across Worcester, Leicester, and Fitchburg, including projects at e Residences at Table Talk Square, 17 Pearl St., and the adaptive reuse of the Heywood Boot & Shoe Co. fac- tory. Beyond his legal practice, Borenstein is a highly visible advocate for policies aimed at increasing hous- ing production, arguing that zoning reform, public incentives, and practical regulations are essential to addressing the region's housing shortage. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? Empathy. You have to put yourself in others' shoes to understand their feelings and needs. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? I'm third-generation Worcester. Central Massachusetts flows through my veins like the mighty Blackstone River. How do you unwind? I'm a proud member of the American Political Items Collectors and enjoy hunt- ing for political memorabilia in antique stores. Elizabeth Cruz President Latin American Business Organization, in Worcester Employees: 2 Few people have done more to expand opportunities for Latino entrepreneurs in Central Massachusetts. rough LABO, Cruz has built one of the region's most visible small-business support organizations, connecting entrepreneurs to coaching, certifications, training, financing resourc- es, and networking opportunities. Her influence extends from the Latin American Business Expo, which attracts more than 1,000 attendees, to work- force initiatives helping underrepresented contrac- tors advance into leadership roles. She has paired that work with efforts to elevate Latina leaders through her Empowering Latina Leaders Affirma- tion and to inspire future entrepreneurs through the Youth Empowered to Lead & Launch program, which has graduated 39 students since the start of last year. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My ability to turn vision into action while bringing people with me. I see gaps, build platforms, and connect people to opportunity. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Powerful leaders should be in- tentional and lead with purpose. Every decision and action should move people, businesses, or commu- nities forward. Jeannie Hebert President & CEO Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce, in Whitinsville Age: 72 Employees: 3 full-time, 1 part-time Annual revenue: $500,000 For nearly two decades, Hebert has been one of the most persistent champions for economic develop- ment in the Blackstone Valley. Her work increasingly focuses on connecting workforce needs with business growth, including creation of the Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development, which partners with 21 school districts to help build talent pipelines for local employers. More recently, she has helped advance the Blackstone Valley Food Council, an initiative aimed at strengthening local agriculture, supporting small businesses, improving food security, and building a more resilient regional economy. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? My ability to lead through observation and diplomacy. I identify strengths, build collaboration, and create envi- ronments where stakeholders feel valued and heard. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Active, intentional observation. Understanding why people react, communicate, and face obstacles allows leaders to provide the right support for success. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? Cen- tral Massachusetts possesses a rare resilience and spirit of collaboration. PHOTO | COURTESY OF FLETCHER TILTON Todd Brodeur Partner & president Fletcher Tilton, in Worcester Age: 47 Employees: 100 Central Mass. employees: 85 Brodeur's recent work includes representing buyers of Solomon Pond Mall, the Worcester Com- mon Garage, and UMass Memorial Health medical offices on South Street in Shrewsbury, properties with the potential to influence economic activity and investment across Central Massachusetts. Away from client matters, he plays a key role in guiding Fletcher Tilton, one of Worcester's largest law firms and a fixture in the city's business community. - B.K. What unique skill sets you apart from others? I can take complicated matters and break them down into digestible pieces so clients can understand their options and make informed decisions. What is one habit powerful leaders should practice every day? Reflection on the impact of the decisions we make. Why do you do business in Central Mass.? I live, work, and play here. Central Massachusetts is a place where meaningful, lifelong relationships are possible. What are your go-to media outlets? Worcester Business Journal and Telegram & Gazette online How do you unwind? I enjoy family time, watch- ing my kids grow up is a true pleasure. "True power is not coercive or loud; it is the quiet capacity to influence positive change, inspire self-reliance in others, and build bridges where there was division." - Jeannie Hebert, Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce

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