Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546260
wbjournal.com | August 24, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 23 Cornerstone Bank is proud to congratulate Daniel D'Amico, Senior Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer and Commercial Services Manager, on being named one of the Worcester Business Journal's 2026 40 Under Forty award winners. …ank you, Dan, for your leadership, your commitment to our customers, and your dedication to strengthening our community. Member FDIC | Member DIF 800-939-9103 cornerstonebank.com Congratulations Daniel D'Amico! 40 Under Forty Class of 2026 Hector Gomez, 36 Portfolio property director, Maloney Properties, in Worcester Residence: Palmer Colleges: Worcester State University; Nichols College Hector Gomez has built his career around making affordable housing a pathway to greater stability and opportunity. At Maloney Properties, Gomez oversees more than 700 homes across one of Central Massachusetts' largest affordable housing portfolios. His responsibilities span fiscal planning, capital projects, regulatory compliance, and property operations, with his portfolio earning federal inspection scores as high as 99.8%. Gomez began his career at Worcester Housing Authority, helping low-income families pursue financial independence and homeownership. He eventually became housing manager for Great Brook Valley and Holden, overseeing more than 600 affordable housing units. Since joining Maloney Properties, he has earned four promotions in less than four years. Gomez serves on the board of New Americans Community Development Corp., supporting affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. He has led bilingual workshops covering financial literacy, computer literacy, and tenant rights, and served on Worcester's Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS Grant Funding Committee. What actor would play you if Hollywood made a movie about your life? Oscar Isaac, because he brings authenticity, resilience, and quiet determination to every role. What is your favorite Central Mass. community? Main South. I've seen firsthand how neighbors, nonprofits, and local leaders come together to create opportunities and strengthen the community. What is your proudest moment? Building a loving family with my wife and raising our two daughters. 4 0 U N D E R F O R T Y Shari Harding, 39 Associate professor of nursing and psychiatry; DNP program director UMass Chan Medical School, Tan Chingfen Graduate School of Nursing, in Worcester Colleges: Anna Maria College; UMass Boston; Regis College Shari Harding is training the next generation of nurse practitioners while building stronger connections between their education and Central Massachusetts healthcare organizations. Harding became director of UMass Chan Medical School's Doctor of Nursing Practice program in 2025. In her first year, she worked with colleagues and local organizations to develop about 30 potential doctoral projects where students can address healthcare access, quality, and disparities. The program graduates approximately 50 doctorally prepared nurse practitioners annually. An associate professor of nursing and psychiatry, Harding has designed and taught courses in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy. She has published 19 peer- reviewed journal articles on topics including health promotion, decision-making, and healthcare system design, with a particular focus on integrating physical and mental healthcare. She maintains an active clinical practice as a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. Harding serves on the board of Postures for Life, a nonprofit working to bring yoga to underserved populations and people experiencing illness. What is the best restaurant in Central Mass.? Belmont Vegetarian, hands down! Why do you choose to live in Central Mass.? It has strong healthcare and higher education industries, interesting places to visit, and a lovely mix of people. Where did you go on the best vacation you ever took? Northern California to hike among the redwood trees W W