Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1547347
wbjournal.com | November 2, 2026 | Worcester Business Journal 25 As bankHometown becomes TruNorth Bank, one thing remains unchanged: our commitment to local businesses. You'll find the same trusted team, the same local decision-making, and the same dedication to helping our neighborhoods thrive. Now, with the added strength and resources of TruNorth Bank behind us, we're ready to help your business reach higher, grow stronger, and rise to every opportunity. Learn more at TruNorthBank.com or call 855.527.4111. RISE ABOVE BUSINESS AS USUAL. nizes 500 litigators nationwide. Madden joined Bowditch in January and represents businesses and individ- uals in litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiated resolutions. His practice focuses on complex construction and commercial disputes. Prior to joining Bowditch, Madden was a partner at Kenney & Sams, which merged with Bowditch earlier this year. Five Bowditch attorneys recognized as top family lawyers Five Bowditch attorneys were re- cently named Leading Family Lawyers in America in Law- dragon's 2027 list. The award honors the top 500 practi- tioners nationwide handling complex family and matrimo- nial law. The attorneys honored from Bowditch include partners: Ronald P. Barriere, Elizabeth G. Crowley, Robin M. Lynch Nardone, Lynette Paczkow- ski and Francine Gardikas. Each also received this Lawdragon honor in previous years, a sign of their continued commitment and outstanding work in the field. Downey named senior associate at Seder & Chandler Seder & Chan- dler, LLP has added Michael Downey to its Labor and Employ- ment practice as a senior associate. He joins from Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP, the Boston management-side em- ployment firm, and will work alongside Demitrios Moschos. Michael has spent much of his career on the public side of the table. He was deputy labor counsel for the Executive Office of the Massachusetts Trial Court, associate town counsel for Brookline, and lead counsel for the state's Human Resources Division. Today he advises employers on bargaining, discipline, accommodations, FMLA, ADA, FLSA and Wage Act issues, and conducts workplace investigations. Cucinotta named CFO at GFA Feder- al Credit Union GFA Federal Credit Union in Gardner has hired a former Walpole Co-operative Bank executive as its next CFO. Patrick Cucinotta brings more than 20 years of banking experience to the role, according to a GFA announce- ment on Wednesday. Cucinotta served for more than two years as senior vice president, CFO and treasurer at Walpole Co-operative. Cucinotta replaces former GFA CFO Channing Harwood, who is now the CFO of New York-based Sunmark Credit Union. Prior to his time at Walpole Co-op- erative, Cucinotta spent more than 10 years at Arlington-based Leader Bank, with prior stints at firms including The Hanover Insurance Group in Worcester and Rockland Trust, according to his LinkedIn profile. Cucinotta is a CPA and graduated from Fitchburg State University with a bache- lor's degree in business administration. Alvarado named vice president at Thrive Support Thrive Support & Advocacy, a nonprofit empow- ering youth and adults with intellec- tual and develop- mental disabilities in Central Massachusetts, has announced the appointment of Worcester resident Merari Alvarado as vice president of Community Support Services. Alvarado will provide leadership and oversight of Thrive's community-based programs for individuals with IDD, ranging from family supports, life skills development, and employment, recre- ational, and wellness opportunities. Most recently serving as associate vice president of Community Support Services, Alvarado has held numer- ous family support and community services roles since joining the agency in 2020. RONALD P. BARRIERE ELIZABETH G. CROWLEY ROBIN M. LYNCH NARDONE LYNETTE PACZKOWSKI FRANCINE GARDIKAS MICHAEL DOWNEY W PATRICK CUCINOTTA MERARI ALVARADO