Worcester Business Journal

28 Worcester Business Journal | August 24, 2026 | wbjournal.com Matthew Lechter, 38 Associate vice president of capital planning and maintenance, Fitchburg State University, in Fitchburg Residence: Franklin College: Westfield State University Matthew Lechter is strengthening Fitchburg State University by investing in both its campus and the employees maintaining it. After taking over a team facing operational and morale challenges, Lechter focused on professional development, communication, and rebuilding trust. He now oversees nearly 100 employees responsible for power plant operations, HVAC, capital planning, and real estate. Earlier, while leading housing and residential services, Lechter helped return an underused residence hall to student housing. His team piloted new designs and configurations in one wing before renovating the entire building, which is now fully occupied. The project improved the student experience while generating revenue for the university. Lechter serves on NewVue Communities' Real Estate Committee and volunteers with his children through school activities and youth sports. He previously served on the Franklin Downtown Partnership board. Who helped you the most in your professional journey? I have been fortunate to have many mentors. I am especially grateful to FSU President Donna Hodge for her trust, guidance, and unwavering support. What one life lesson do you most want to pass onto the next generation? Stay true to who you are, lead with integrity, and leave every person, place, and community better than you found it. What is your proudest moment? Becoming a dad Where did you go on the best vacation you ever took? Aruba 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Tracy LeMaire, 38 Owner & consulting CFO, Evolve CPA Consulting, in Sutton Residence: Sutton Colleges: University of New Hampshire; Bryant University Tracy LeMaire took a leap of faith five years ago to create her own accounting firm. Now, she is helping shape the financial practices of Massachusetts' cannabis industry. LeMaire founded Evolve CPA Consulting in 2021 after 11 years at Westborough accounting firm AAFCPAs. As a consulting CFO, she has helped dozens of small cannabis businesses navigate changing regulations, taxes, and other financial complexities while advocating for the industry on Beacon Hill. Her leadership has extended into banking. In 2026, LeMaire joined Webster Five's Board of Directors after serving two years as a corporator and participating as a nonvoting member of its audit committee. LeMaire has supported Girls on the Run Worcester County as co- treasurer and a volunteer coach, including helping the organization navigate the COVID pandemic. She volunteers with the Sutton schools and Community Harvest Project and has spent 15 years serving the Congregational Church of Grafton's finance committee. Do you prefer working from home or the office? Hybrid What TV show, book, or movie best describes your life journey so far? "Workin' Moms" What one life lesson do you most want to pass onto the next generation? Stay curious, ask questions, and meet as many people in person as possible. What is the best restaurant in Central Mass.? Bocado Where did you go on the best vacation you ever took? A study- abroad semester in London, where I traveled throughout Europe INVITING YOU TO MAKE YOUR NEXT MUSICAL DISCOVERY Oct 16 | Opening Night EMANUEL AX & THE KNIGHTS Oct 23 EMI FERGUSON: BACH FLUTE SONATAS Oct 24 BORIS GILTBURG: WELL TEMPERED CLAVIER I Nov 1 ELLINGTON & GERSHWIN: PORGY AND BESS & MORE Nov 6 AMERICA'S 250TH: CELEBRATING WITH BONDS, BEETHOVEN & MORE Dec 5 HANDEL MESSIAH Save with ticket packages starting at just 3 concerts! MUSICWORCE S TE R .ORG Emanuel Ax Emi Ferguson W W

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