April 24, 2025 - BusinessWest

Announcing BusinessWest’s 2025 40 Under Forty

By BusinessWest Staff April 24, 2025

40 Under Forty was launched in 2007 to honor young professionals in Western Massachusetts, not only for their career achievements, but for their service to the community. Winners hail from a host of different industries. Many are advancing the work of long-established businesses, while others have created their own entrepreneurial opportunities.

Meet the class of 2025 and read their stories below.

You can view the interactive flipbook HERE

CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2025!

Join Us on June 19th at The Mass Mutual Center

Photos by Leah Martin Photography

Presenting Sponsor:

Partner Sponsors:

At the Hitchcock Center, Environmental Education Comes Naturally

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Features Special Coverage

A World of Good

Billy Spitzer and a friend in the visitors center at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst.

It’s called Japanese knotweed.

This is an invasive plant species of plant that, as the name suggests, comes from Asia. It is said to be one of the resilient organisms on Earth and is very difficult to eradicate once it gains a foothold.

“If you cut it down, little bits of it will stick to your mower or your cutter, and when you go to cut something else, you’ve transported it to a new home,” said Bill Spitzer, executive director of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment.

When the center staged an informational program on Japanese knotweed, the room was full of attendees from across the region, with thousands more joining virtually from around the world.

Such programming is one of myriad ways the Amherst-based center carries out a unique mission encapsulated in its tagline, “education for a healthy planet.”

Other ways include field trips for area students, after-school programs, summer camps, and trips to local schools, where students receive lessons in design, engineering, and problem solving.

“We give them these design and engineering challenges to work with, and then, when they come here, they can see how we’ve solved some of those problems at our facility,” said Spitzer, adding that the center is one of only a few dozen ‘certified living buildings’ in the world, and is a classroom unto itself.

“It’s not only about net-zero in terms of energy use, but also water conservation, using non-toxic materials, being rooted in your place and conserving the land around you, and thinking about aesthetics as well as the functional aspects of your building.”

Among other things, the Hitchcock Center achieves net-zero energy through highly efficient building strategies and a 60-kilowatt rooftop solar array; achieves net-zero water through composting toilets (which never fail to fascinate young visitors), rainwater collection storage, treatment for drinking water, and grey-water filtration through a constructed wetland; uses only chemical-free and non-toxic materials; creates landscapes that use native species to promote greater biodiversity; and uses locally sourced, salvaged, recycled, and substantially harvested materials.

The center, funded by fees for its programs, grants, and a number of corporate sponsors, including several area banks, also carries out that mission through studies and programs within the community, such as an environmental-justice project studying the connections between air quality, climate, and health.

The Hitchcock Center provides a number of learning opportunities for young people.

Funding for that study, a $500,000 grant, was recently terminated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, making the Hitchcock Center one of countless nonprofits to see grants and other forms of funding cut by the Trump administration.

Spitzer said the EPA sent a letter stating that the grant was cut “on the grounds that the award no longer effectuates the program goals or agency priorities; the objectives of the award are no longer consistent with EPA funding priorities.”

The center will appeal that decision, he said, adding that roughly 400 other grants for projects across the country were terminated for the same stated reason.

“This is money that has been congressionally approved and appropriated, signed into law, and turned into grants and contracts signed between organizations like us and the federal government,” he said, adding that several other grants awarded to the agency are hanging in the balance. “It’s unprecedented to be doing anything like this — to stop all these projects already in motion.”

In the meantime, he said he’s rather proud that the agency is doing work that is in opposition to the priorities of the administration.

“This building, as a living building, is unique in that it’s really designed as a teaching building.”

“This is the kind of work we need to be doing — we need to be educating people about the environment, we need to be educating people who are disproportionately impacted, whether in its cities or in small towns, rural communities … this is the kind of work that a place like the Hitchcock Center should be doing and that the federal government should be supporting,” he said, adding that, while fighting to keep this grant and others that are imperiled, the agency will look for other sources of funding, including the state, foundations, and businesses.

For this issue, BusinessWest talked at length with Spitzer about the Hitchcock Center, its evolution over the past 60 years, and the many different ways its mission is carried out.

From the Ground Up

Chronicling the history of the Hitchcock Center, Spitzer said it can trace its roots to 1962 and a woman named Ethel Dubois, who brought children to her farm in Leverett to experience more of nature.

Seeking to formalize and perpetuate what she was doing, she created a nonprofit, called the Hitchcock Center, which, for a while, operated out of the trunk of its executive director’s car, said Spitzer, adding that the agency eventually moved to a physical site, an old carriage house owned by the town of Amherst.

A certified living building, the Hitchcock Center is visited by grade-schoolers and college architecture students alike.

By the early 2000s, that building was showing its age, and the agency had also outgrown it, so the center’s director and board commenced a search for a new site and found one on the campus of Hampshire College. The site search coincided with the determination that, if the agency was going to build a new home, it should be a sustainable building.

“They decided to go for creating the highest level of sustainability that you could,” he said, referencing the Living Building Challenge and the fact that only three dozen structures in the world have met that challenge, with a handful in the 413, including the nearby Curran Center at Hampshire College. “It’s not only about net-zero in terms of energy use, but also water conservation, using non-toxic materials, being rooted in your place and conserving the land around you, and thinking about aesthetics as well as the functional aspects of your building.”

Overall, there are seven different domains — energy, water, materials, beauty, health and happiness, place, and equity — in which a building must achieve excellence to achieve Living Building status, Spitzer noted, adding that $7 million was raised through a capital campaign, and the center opened in 2016.

The standards are rigorous. For example, the ‘materials’ domain — focused on creating a materials economy that is local, non-toxic, and ecologically restorative — requires, among other things, that 75% of materials be sourced within 1,000 kilometers of the site. The center achieved this with salvaged insulation from Framingham, white cedar wood from Quebec, PolyWhey wood finish from Hardwick, Vt., and planting-bed soil from Agawam.

“This building, as a living building, is unique in that it’s really designed as a teaching building — all of the aspects of infrastructure and features that make it a Living Building are on display; we interpret them and give tours about them,” he noted, adding that it is visited by grade-schoolers and college architecture students alike.

This and the many other forms of education provided at the center fit nicely into his own career goals, if you will, said Spitzer, who brings a diverse background to his role. Indeed, while earning a PhD in Oceanography from MIT and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, he concluded that he was interested in science education as much as he was interested in science.

“Instead of following a research career, I started learning about science education, and made my way to working at the New England Aquarium in Boston,” he said, adding that he worked there for more than 20 years, handing education programs and developing exhibits.

Drawn to the problem of climate change, Spitzer worked with others to develop a training program for educators and communicators in aquariums, zoos, science centers, and museums across the country, efforts that are ongoing.

Billy Spitzer says environmental education is the kind of work organizations should be doing — and the government should be supporting.

“I realized at some point that I wanted to spend the rest of my career working on climate education,” he told BusinessWest, adding that this realization — coupled with the Hitchcock Center’s work to develop programs consistent with the creation of a Living Building — drew him to the agency when it was searching for a new director.

Hands-on Education

He arrived in the late summer of 2021, an intriguing time for the center, which had made its way through the challenging first waves of COVID by essentially moving most of its programming outdoors, a trend that continues today.

And there are many constituencies that find their way to the property, from families to dog walkers to students from dozens of area schools.

“We provide semi-structured and sometimes unstructured outdoor-experience time, giving them a chance to do the things kids are meant to do, but often don’t get the opportunity to do as much as people did years ago,” he explained. “But we have also have kids doing joint projects, like building an igloo and imaginative play using mud and sticks and sand.”

There are lessons to be learned inside and out, said Spitzer, noting that a number of native species are planted on the grounds and tended to by a team of volunteer master gardeners. Meanwhile, the center’s staff works with young people to grow vegetables and herbs that are used in summer camp programs, making pesto, pizza, and more.

“One of the things that we focus on a lot in this building is ‘how can we be inspired by nature to build better things?’” he said. “And that’s something we also do with kids — help them understand how problems are solved in nature and how we can use some of those same principles to solve some of the problems we face.”

As an example, he cited the solar panels on the Hitchcock Center’s roof.

“One of the things this center does is capture sunlight to provide power, in the same way that trees capture sunlight on their leaves, and that’s how they power themselves,” he explained. “We have kids doing experiments with solar panels.”

Meanwhile, the center encourages outside groups to use its spaces, and many do, he said. “This is an inspiring place to work and also an inspiring place to visit, and we find that people want to do workshops here, retreats, meetings — we have groups from most of the Five Colleges come and do things here, other nonprofit groups, and more.”

The center is in the process of working on its next strategic plan, he said, adding that such planning is difficult at any time, but especially these times.

“The idea of a five-year plan doesn’t quite make as much sense as perhaps it used to, but it is really helpful,” he told BusinessWest. “If you’re on a ship, you want to have a destination, you want to have a course, a heading. But you also realize that you’re going to be affected by weather and the seas, and sometimes you have to tack this way and that way.”

This talk of tacking brings Spitzer back to that project funded by the grant cut by the EPA.

He said it’s an example of how the center moves beyond its physical building and the field trips and lectures on Japanese knotweed in efforts to improve quality of life in this region and beyond.

The project was undertaken with several other agencies, including the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts, which had initiated a healthy-air network in response to high asthma rates in Springfield, Holyoke, and other area communities.

“We’d been working with them to expand an educational component of this project, which gets communities monitoring air quality, understanding what the problems are, and advocating for solutions,” he explained, adding that this is a three-year project that is about one year in, with 25% of the funding spent.

“It’s hard to imagine how a grant that’s focused on clean air is not consistent with EPA’s priorities,” he said. “And even in a fairly rural place like the Connecticut River Valley, we have air-pollution problems, whether they’re from vehicle emissions or industry or from local brush fires like we had last summer, or more distant sources like the Canadian wildfires.”

The ultimate goal of the project was (and still is) “getting young people involved in understanding the issues around air quality, what we can do to protect ourselves, what we can to improve conditions and make them better, and partnering with people in community organizations up and down the Valley, whether it’s libraries or public health departments or schools, to really get the word out about air quality, why it matters, and how it’s connected to climate and what can we do about it.”

In other words, education for a healthy planet. That work will go on, no matter the fate of this grant.

Tech Foundry Expands Its Footprint, Programs, and Impact

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Special Coverage Technology

Making IT Happen

Tricia Canavan in Tech Foundry’s new space in downtown Springfield.

As she walked BusinessWest through Tech Foundry’s new space on the fifth floor of 1350 Main St. in downtown Springfield, CEO Tricia Canavan expressed gratitude that the space — the former home of digital-health startup TechSpring — was available when her growing operation needed a new home.

“We never in a million years could have afforded to do this kind of buildout, but it was completely turnkey,” she noted.

But there’s plenty of other progress and momentum she’s excited about.

“We were founded 11 years ago by area employers who saw a need to build a stronger entry-level tech force in Western Mass. and, at the same time, connect low- to moderate-income people — who are underrepresented in tech — to training and support to access jobs in the technology field,” Canavan explained.

“The people who come to Tech Foundry are people with tremendous potential and tremendous assets. But there’s a reason why they’re here.”

And while the IT training program started modestly, it has grown significantly in recent years; in fact, in the fall of 2022, Tech Foundry doubled the number of students it serves, from 25 students per cohort to 50. “We’ve been able to maintain that level of funding since that time, which we’re really grateful for.”

Early in her tenure, Tech Foundry leaders discussed how they could better “professionalize” the way they were doing student coaching and mentoring, she added.

“The people who come to Tech Foundry are people with tremendous potential and tremendous assets. But there’s a reason why they’re here. Maybe the traditional college path didn’t work out for them, or the traditional career path didn’t work out for them. They may be changing careers. They may be returning to the workforce after a period of time away.”

Seeking a social-work element in the program, Tech Foundry recently partnered with EMPath, a Boston-based economic-mobility organization nationally known for its work with people who are seeking to move from poverty into more stable financial situations.

“We were fortunate to receive funding for the entire staff to become certified practitioners of the EMPath model,” Canavan said. “We use a standard system which helps us work in a more standardized way with the students to set goals and troubleshoot, and for us to share information as a team so that we can help people overcome obstacles to their success.”

Students work at these stations in the just-opened second Tech Hub location in Springfield; the first launched in Holyoke 18 months ago.

As part of that process, Tech Foundry hired a coaching manager to tackle professional-development training, as well as some part-time coaches to work with him.

“So, in addition to the technical training that we offer through our 18-week program,” she explained, “we do significant professional-development work with the students — everything from time management to résumés to mock interview practice and networking skills.”

In the past three years, Tech Foundry has grown its staff from four people to 19, while still offering all its programs free of charge, thanks to a robust network of support from foundations, corporations, and other sources.

“I love that quote that ‘talent is universal, but opportunity is not,’” Canavan said. “That’s what drives us. And another quote: ‘vision with action can change the world.’ Those are some framing wisdom for us as we think about further growth.”

Hub of Opportunity

Recent growth has taken numerous forms. Working in collaboration with other partners, Tech Foundry launched a program called Tech Hub in downtown Holyoke in the fall of 2023. It offers basic and intermediate digital-literacy training, with an eye on enabling people to access jobs of all kinds, not just specifically in IT.

Those accessing the program have skills gaps ranging from using programs like Word and Excel to understanding the basics of using a mouse and the internet — all skills necessary for jobs in myriad fields. Tech Hub also provides computers free of charge to eligible people, as well as technical support and one-on-one troubleshooting services.

And now Tech Hub has a second location, at the new Tech Foundry location in downtown Springfield, where it can serve even more individuals, thanks to an ARPA grant through the city, as well as other funding sources.

“We knew that there was a need for digital literacy and technical support in the community,” Canavan said, noting that the initial tranche of funding for Tech Hub came through the $50 million allocation the Baker administration made to address digital literacy and digital equity in Massachusetts.

“We’ve done a ton of research, but where the rubber hits the road is the employer community — we need to ensure there are employers eager to work with these young adults, to potentially hire them into their jobs.”

“We had set a goal of serving 100 people a month at Tech Hub Holyoke. And we’ve been blowing those numbers away. I mean, the demand far exceeded our expectations, and last summer, it was so incredibly busy, we actually had to put in an appointment system because the staff was just overwhelmed. We want to serve as many people as we can, but it was standing room only there. So we are really, really pleased with the results at Tech Hub.”

In fact, she added, seven students who started at Tech Hub learned enough skills that they had the foundational knowledge to come to Tech Foundry, and now they’re starting to get jobs.

In addition to offering training and technical support to the community, Canavan noted, Tech Hub also allows Tech Foundry to provide hands-on work experience for students and alumni. “So students, who are in class down the hall, can walk down here if they’re in good standing and get service learning hours working with the team here,” she explained.

“We also have an internship program and a one-year professional digital fellowship, which is a program for Tech Foundry alumni. They’re full-time, paid employees at Tech Foundry,” she went on. “They’re practicing their skills by assisting in class, assisting with repair, assisting with technical support, and over time, they start doing more and more things on their own under the direction of our technical managers. And then, at the end of the year, they have a portfolio of work.”

One intriguing pilot program is a collaboration with the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership to help area high-school graduates who do not have firm post-graduation plans.

Tech Foundry’s most recent cohort of graduates celebrates at a ceremony in January.

“I think one of the good news stories about education in Springfield is that our graduation rate has gone up tremendously in the last 10 years,” Canavan said. “But a statistic that doesn’t get looked at quite so much is the plans of those students after they graduate. These are talented students who have tremendous potential. On average, about 37% of Springfield public high-school students go to college. But a much smaller percentage of those students actually graduate — it tends to hover around 10% to 20%.”

So the question, she noted, is what are their options, and what can be done to help them? The pilot program, called Tech Bridge, will start with a small cohort of students, probably about 15, for the first year to trial proof of concept.

“This is going to be a program that focuses a ton on community building, but we’ll have two separate technical training modules,” she explained. “One will be IT-focused, based upon what we currently do.

“The second one, which will be next spring, we are still developing based upon labor-force needs. We’re looking at low-voltage electrical certification or advanced manufacturing skills. We’re still talking to a wide variety of employers to determine where the needs are. We’ve done a ton of research, but where the rubber hits the road is the employer community — we need to ensure there are employers eager to work with these young adults, to potentially hire them into their jobs.”

Canavan said the hope is that roughly half of Tech Bridge participants go to college — “we’re building significant college readiness into this program” — and half will enter good-paying jobs with certifications they earn through the program.

“We’re really trying to think about how to engage them and how to provide the support so that they can complete another year of supported education and training and go thrive, whatever that means for them,” she added. “Hopefully, the Tech Bridge program will prove the concept, and we can expand on that — because there’s an incredible need for us to do better for our young people that are on a non-traditional path.”

Forward Thinkers

Looking forward, Canavan said Tech Foundry is wrapping up its current three-year strategic plan and formulating the next one. To celebrate its 10th anniversary last year, it raised $300,000 for what it calls an innovation fund — money that will be used specifically to fuel growth opportunities.

She said Tech Foundry is also discussing what it would look like to bring its services to other communities. “We love the idea of expanding Tech Hub and Tech Foundry together — bringing those as a joint project to another community here in Massachusetts or Connecticut.”

In short, it’s an organization that thinks big — but with a focus on every individual success story.

“One of my favorite stories is our very first Tech Hub student,” she told BusinessWest. “He came on the day we opened because he saw us on the news, and he completed most, if not all, of our training programs. He had been in a manual job before, had gotten hurt at work, and was no longer able to work in a physically strenuous job. And to his credit, he was like, ‘I have to get back to work; I have to learn a different skill set.’ So he came to us, then he came to Tech Foundry, and he did really well in the program, and now he’s working in a tech job.”

It’s all part of the mission that has powered the organization since its inception 11 years ago — to help people access careers while helping employers succeed as well.

Handling Workplace Investigations in the Right Way Matters

By Contributor April 24, 2025

Law Special Coverage

Cooling the Drama

By Tanzi Cannon-Eckerle, Esq.

We all know about workplace investigations, right? At least from TV. Much TV these days is some form of investigation-related drama — Law & Order, Suits, Jack Reacher, and, for you history drama fans, The Law According to Lidia Poët.

And from real life as well, as nearly every organization conducts (or should conduct) investigations from time to time. Heck, technically, trying to find your missing red stapler is a workplace investigation. “Where did I last see it? Where is it supposed to be? Who used it last? Ah — there it is!” Investigation concluded.

Of course, most investigations are not quite that simple. But no matter how serious or trivial the allegation, the approach should be consistent. The scope may change — but the method should not.

What Is a Workplace Investigation?

Merriam-Webster defines “investigate” as “to study by close examination and systemic inquiry.” An effective investigation allows a company to identify and analyze workplace issues in an organized way, leading to meaningful, rule-compliant solutions.

In practice, a workplace investigation is a tool — carried out through trained investigators and appropriate policies — that helps an organization stay compliant with laws and industry regulations, maintain a safe and productive workplace, support a healthy company culture, boost employee morale and decrease employee turnover, troubleshoot efficiency and/or productivity issues, maintain a positive company brand, and, importantly, save money.

Is an Investigation Really Necessary?

As a labor and employment attorney, I often hear, “do I really need to do an investigation?” Usually, this question arises when the allegation seems minor, the employee has a history of complaints, it is a repeat issue (or the company thinks the issue has been addressed and is moot), the employee is about to quit, or all of the above.

The answer? Yes. Every time.

If there is an incident report, a complaint, or even a hallway conversation that raises concern, it should be addressed. Investigations are necessary for allegations involving harassment, discrimination, or retaliation; misconduct (such as theft or fraud); policy violations or safety concerns; whistleblower complaints; performance issues; and production mishaps.

Once an employer is on notice of a potential issue, the obligation to investigate kicks in — regardless of whether the employee stays or leaves. The company has a duty to maintain a safe, lawful, and equitable workplace.

Tanzi Cannon-Eckerle

“Beyond litigation risk, investigations signal to employees that the company takes concerns seriously, the workplace is safe and fair, and inappropriate behavior has consequences.”

The Risk of Inaction or Poorly Executed Action

Well, aside from avoiding lawsuits (kidding … but not really), a timely, impartial investigation can help resolve internal issues, prevent escalation, and demonstrate a commitment to a respectful workplace.

According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), workplace investigations are a crucial tool in addressing and preventing claims of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation. In 2024, the EEOC received more than 88,500 claims, while the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) received more than 3,500 claims (with approximately 70% of them moving beyond administrative dismissal in one form or another).

A well-executed investigation can provide a solid defense in legal matters — and even help companies avoid them altogether. Side note: 22% of the MCAD claims are retaliation claims, and 21% are disability-related. These types of issues are more preventable than most, but we can talk about that next time; there is no room in this article for me to stand on my soapbox to discuss those issues.

But beyond litigation risk, investigations signal to employees that the company takes concerns seriously, the workplace is safe and fair, and inappropriate behavior has consequences. All of this contributes to employee engagement — and engaged employees are productive employees. Conversely, failure to act can lead to chaos, disengagement, and liability.

The average cost of a workplace harassment lawsuit? About $75,000 to get to pre-trial settlement, while pre-trial to trial defense costs average $125,000 to $250,000. That does not even include a potential jury award for the plaintiff, reputational damage (64% of consumers have stopped purchasing a brand after hearing news of a company’s poor employee treatment), or regulatory scrutiny. A poorly handled (or non-existent) investigation can make matters worse, opening the company, and sometimes individual managers or executives, to further legal exposure.

So, yes, it is necessary to conduct timely investigations using skilled investigators that utilize a productive investigation process that can later be defended.

Who Should Conduct the Investigation?

Good question. The wrong investigator can create a problem all by themselves. Is the person too close to the issue? Do they have a conflict of interest? Have they been trained?

I have recently had several conversations (be still my investigator-geek heart) about who should investigate and whether hiring an outside consultant is always necessary. Some argue, “if I can run the company, I can run an investigation.” Technically? Probably.

But should the owner or a C-suite executive do it? Absolutely not. That is a recipe for accusations of bias, and also, don’t they have better things to do — like, I don’t know, running the company? Others say every investigation should be outsourced. That is a bit extreme, too. You wouldn’t hire a consultant to find your red stapler.

“Though external investigators may be more costly, the cost is likely less than a poorly handled investigation, and external experts likely have no motive for bias.”

The right answer is the classic lawyer fallback: it depends. On the issue. On the people involved. On the scope. Investigating is a learned skill. If your team is trained, and you have a solid policy and process, many internal investigations can be managed in-house.

For higher-risk matters, or for investigations that are broad in scope, bringing in an external, independent expert is often the better move. Though external investigators may be more costly, the cost is likely less than a poorly handled investigation, and external experts likely have no motive for bias. And because of their expertise, which includes being skilled interviewers, they often investigate efficiently, create less workplace disruption, and make better witnesses if a lawsuit were to be filed.

In the words of Reacher, “you do not mess with the special [external] investigators!”

What Should a Typical Investigation Involve?

Not all investigations are the same, but there should be a consistent procedure. Depending on the type of issue being investigated and the scope, some procedural steps may not be necessary, but it is best to leave that to the investigator to determine.

Generally, the company should receive and respond to the complaint or allegation; this is usually someone in human resources. At this point, the ‘timeliness’ clock starts ticking, which is important to a defense of a claim.

The initial response to the complaint should briefly state that the concern has been received, and next steps are being taken, ensuring confidentiality (to the extent practicable). Next, the company should take immediate interim action to prevent further harm, if applicable (such as separate employees, administrative leave, or temporary accommodations). It is also a best practice to remind stakeholders about the rules governing retaliation.

Then the company chooses an investigator. Once this is done, the investigator should do a preliminary review of the allegations, do initial fact gathering, and determine the scope of the investigation. At this stage, the investigator should decide whether it is necessary to use an external expert.

Next, the investigator should develop an investigation plan, outlining the objectives, scope, and timeline of the investigation. The investigator then collects evidence, such as gathering relevant documents, records, and witness statements, reasonably ensuring confidentiality and maintaining a chain of custody.

Next, impartial, thorough witness interviews should be conducted using active listening skills and open-ended questions. Then the investigator should analyze the evidence, identifying patterns, inconsistencies, and credibility issues, and draw conclusions based on the findings. Then the investigator must compile a comprehensive report detailing the findings, conclusions, and recommendations for corrective action or remedial measures.

Lastly, the investigator should counsel the company on implementing the recommended actions, and the company should ensure accountability and provide employee support. If a lawyer is used as an external investigator, the lawyer may counsel the company about legal risks and make recommendations.

Best practices include using trained, impartial investigators; avoiding conflicts of interest; maintaining confidentiality and proper documentation; being thorough and prompt; and keeping accurate records and reports that can stand up to scrutiny.

One of the most overlooked areas? Record keeping. Even the best investigation won’t help in court (or with regulators) if there is not adequate documentation. Investigators must maintain accurate and detailed records of the investigation, including notes, documents, and evidence, and must know how to draft accurate investigation reports in a manner that will withstand opposing counsel, agency, or judicial scrutiny.

Final Thoughts

Workplace investigations aren’t just for TV dramas; they are essential risk-management tools for every organization. When done right, they protect your business, your people, and your reputation. And if you happen to find your red stapler along the way? Even better.

Tanzi Cannon-Eckerle is the principal attorney at General Counsel by Cannon, PLLC, a fractional general-counsel law firm that focuses on labor, employment, and business law. She is also a certified workplace investigator and equity and inclusion officer. For more information about workplace investigations or to seek legal assistance for business matters or labor and employment concerns, schedule a free, 30-minute consultation by emailing [email protected], or visit gcbycannon.com and fill out the contact form.

In Greenfield, Puzzle Pieces Are Coming Together

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Community Spotlight Special Coverage

Community Spotlight

Angela and Isaac Mass, owners of the Greenfield Garden Cinemas, one of many intriguing storylines in the city’s downtown.

Isaac Mass was in law school, looking for a job that would allow him to not only earn a little money but get in some studying for the bar exam as well.

He had experience working at movie theaters and remembered that life in the projection room (these were the days before everything went digital) would provide him what he was looking for.

“Once you started the movie, you had nothing to do for a couple of hours,” he said, adding that he called George Gohl, co-owner of the Greenfield Garden Cinemas, and before long, he had a job. And he wasn’t in it long before he started setting his sights higher when it came to that downtown landmark, opened in 1929.

Indeed, when Gohl and his partner, Bill Goebielle, were facing the high cost of converting to that digital technology, Mass, who by then had set up a law office in downtown Greenfield, came through with financing for that project — a deal that came with an option to acquire the theater should it come up for sale.

Which it did, in 2019.

Fast-forwarding our story a little, Mass and his wife, Angela (both are BusinessWest 40 Under Forty alumni) are now the owners of the theater, the only cinema in Franklin County. The pandemic hit just a few months after they took ownership, and that was a long and difficult storm to ride out. But they’ve done it, their operation is in the black, and they’re looking forward to a big summer, with a new Superman movie and other projected blockbusters.

“What we’re seeing right now is a kind of renaissance — a dynamic fusion of entrepreneurship, creative energy, and community investment that is strengthened by deep collaborations between business and municipal support organizations.”

Greenfield Garden Cinemas is just one of many intriguing storylines in Greenfield — others involve everything from a new Starbucks to some new housing initiatives to the anticipated start of work to reimagine the former Wilson’s department store — and just one reason why many see a surge in energy and optimism in the community.

“What we’re seeing right now is a kind of renaissance — a dynamic fusion of entrepreneurship, creative energy, and community investment that is strengthened by deep collaborations between business and municipal support organizations,” said Jessye Deane, executive director of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. “The city’s evolution is not just happening — it’s being shaped intentionally. Greenfield isn’t growing by accident; it’s growing because people believe in it. They’re investing here. They’re creating jobs, art, and experiences that can only happen in a place like this — where rural ingenuity meets downtown opportunity.”

Hannah Rechtschaffen, director of the Greenfield Business Assoc. (GBA), which recently moved into its own space on Main Street, agreed.

“Greenfield is in a lovely moment of revitalization,” she told BusinessWest. “A lot of pieces of the puzzle were here when I got here two years ago; they just needed a push behind the visibility, the story we’re telling, the partnerships we’re building, and getting Greenfield more visibility Valley-wide.”

While there is progress, many challenges remain, especially when it comes to the loss of manufacturing jobs, ongoing struggles to replace them, county-wide population loss, and the housing front, where some new units are in the pipeline (more on that later), but the issue of affordability is causing some concern.

Hannah Rechtschaffen shows off the new Greenfield Business Assoc. space on Main Street.

“Housing is becoming a particular issue, both in the lack of inventory and the cost,” said Tony Worden, president and CEO of Greenfield Cooperative Bank. “Rents have increased, but even more troubling to me is the cost of single-family homes. Greenfield has always been the affordable alternative here in Western Mass. People who were priced out of other areas — particularly Hampshire County — could find reasonably priced homes here in Greenfield, but that is increasingly becoming a thing of the past.”

For this latest installment of its Community Spotlight series, BusinessWest turns its lens on Greenfield, a community where many pieces of the puzzle are coming together to make an intriguing picture — not unlike the ones shown in the cinemas.

Strong Arguments

It’s called the Strongest Towns Contest. This is a nomination-driven competition staged by strongtowns.org, with 16 communities competing in a bracket-style format similar to the recent March Madness.

Greenfield was one of those 16 towns, which are being measured essentially on how they’re faring against the complex problems facing cities and towns today. And it advanced to the Final Four, beating out Manchester, N.H. and then Silverton, Ore. to get there, with voters determining who will advance.

The city eventually lost to Harrisburg, Va., which went on to finals against Marion, Ohio, with the latter prevailing. Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher was disappointed not to advance further, but buoyed by what the strong showing indicated — especially, in her view, unity and a sense of everyone pulling in the same direction when it comes to the city’s opportunities and challenges.

“People are working together,” she said, referring to everything from downtown cleanups and crosswalk-painting efforts to long-term economic-development initiatives. “So many things are citizen-led.”

Deane agreed. “Sometimes, rural communities fall into a scarcity mindset when it comes to economic development, but I’m seeing a fundamental shift in that mindset at the leadership level,” she noted. “We’re building bridges, not silos, which is critical in a county of 70,000 residents with a tax base that’s 75% residential.

“A business like ours relies upon a smart, educated workforce, and this cost of housing is worrying me for the future. Where are our employees going to live? Will there be a pool of qualified workers able to live in this area?”

“There is a palpable sense of alignment now,” she went on, adding that, last year, Greenfield secured a Massachusetts Downtown Initiative grant, which enabled the city, the GBA, the chamber, and the Crossroads Cultural District to explore opportunities for collaborative marketing and capacity building to enhance Greenfield’s regional profile.

Meanwhile, the GBA has initiated a roundtable series, which has effectively opened lines of communication between Greenfield stakeholders and re-engaged business owners and nonprofit leaders as local advocates, said Rechtschaffen, adding that these events have covered a wide range of topics, such as the return of a police substation to downtown.

“We recently started a property owners’ group to bring property owners together and get on the same page with them about new development that they’re looking to do, development that’s coming to Greenfield, best practices, lines of communication … we have a very active property-owners contingent.”

Along with this palpable sense of alignment comes several visible signs of progress, said Deane, noting, as one example, the expansion of Ja’Duke onto Main Street.

The Turners Falls-based provider of childcare services, performing-arts education (singing, dancing, and acting), and even driver education needed to expand, said owner Kim Williams, and chose a 25,000-square-foot space on Main Street in Greenfield, formerly occupied by Greenfield Community College.

Tony Worden says Greenfield has long been an affordable alternative in Western Mass., but times are changing, and it is becoming far less so.

“We’re excited … we believe this will be a catalyst downtown,” she said, adding that the facility, which will bring people of all ages to downtown Greenfield, is expected to increase vibrancy and stimulate economic growth. “Childcare is such a driver of economic development; if people have childcare, they can enter the workforce. Meanwhile, the arts center and drivers ed will bring more foot traffic, more vibrancy, more arts.”

Progress Report

There are other things happening in and around downtown, said Desorgher, including the reimagining of the former Wilson’s department store into a mix of street-level retail and housing on the upper floors, as well as new life for the historic Leavitt-Hovey House, the former home of the Greenfield Public Library.

The landmark, built in 1797 and vacant since the new library next door opened in the summer of 2023, was acquired by Greenfield Savings Bank, whose main office abuts the library, with the intention of housing its residential-lending program and wealth-management offices.

Meanwhile, there are some additional housing initiatives, said Desorgher, including units at the Wilson’s site and another 30 to 40 units at another site on Main Street. Meanwhile, the city is issuing an RFP for redevelopment of the Hope Street parking lot into additional housing.

That RFP has yet to be issued, but several developers have already expressed interest in the project, said Desorgher, adding that this is another indicator of positive energy in town and growing sentiment that Greenfield is a good place to land — for families, small businesses, and, increasingly, regional and national chains.

The arrival of Starbucks at the rotary off the I-91 exit — as well as the Aldi’s discount supermarket chain in that same area — provide more evidence, the mayor said.

“All this is indicative of what the future holds, and I can feel it in the fact that we haven’t even put out an RFP for the Hope Street parking lot for housing, but people have already reached out, indicating they’re interested. That’s a really good sign.”

As for the larger housing picture, she said studies indicate a need for several hundred additional units, and the projects in the pipeline will make only a small dent in overall need. But there is progress, especially downtown, which should provide a boost to existing businesses and also spark additional investment.

Greenfield at a Glance

Year Incorporated: 1753
Population: 17,768
Area: 21.9 square miles
County: Franklin
Residential Tax Rate: $19.56
Commercial Tax Rate: $19.56
Median Household Income: $33,110
Median Family Income: $46,412
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield Community College, Sandri
* Latest information available

Still, there is general concern over the way home prices are rising and changing the equation in what has historically been an affordable community.

“My wife and I live in a neighborhood just off the Federal Street corridor — in close proximity to the Greenfield High School and Four Corners Elementary School — that has historically been known for its mid-sized homes and its affordability,” Worden told BusinessWest. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a handful of homes on our street and adjacent streets sell for amounts that we used to expect from the Northampton and Amherst market.

“A business like ours relies upon a smart, educated workforce, and this cost of housing is worrying me for the future,” he went on. “Where are our employees going to live? Will there be a pool of qualified workers able to live in this area?”

Deane concurred.

“Like many communities across the Commonwealth, our growth is hindered by a shortage of available housing — and this is further exacerbated by aging infrastructure that requires significant investment,” she said. “At the same time, we’re seeing a real uptick in businesses and families looking to relocate here because the quality of life is exceptional, and at a glance, the cost of living is more manageable than in more urban markets. That growing interest is energizing, but we know we can’t grow sustainably unless we also address those foundational needs.”

Coming Attractions

As he talked about Greenfield, Bob Provost spoke with more than 75 years of experience. Sort of.

He’s the third-generation co-owner (with his sister, Robyn) of the general-contracting firm Mowry & Schmidt, which is handling the renovations of the Leavitt-Hovey House. He knows firsthand how the city has changed, and he has stories from those who managed the company before him.

“Greenfield was once a manufacturing hub back in the ’40s and ’50s, even up to the ’70s, but most all of those places have closed,” he said, adding that this has changed not only the employment equation, but the jobs mix for his company.

Indeed, Mowry & Schmidt did a good deal of work in many of the former mills — from exterior work to office renovations to millwright work, said Provost, adding that the portfolio has since shifted and now includes residential projects and more work for institutions such as the many banks in town, Greenfield Community College, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, and area private schools.

Overall, the city’s economy has largely shifted from manufacturing to service and the tourism and hospitality sector, with the latter becoming an ever-stronger force, said Deane, noting that Greenfield and Franklin County are growing as a destination, with Greenfield alone generating 6.7 million visits in 2024.

There are specific destinations and attractions, but also popular events such as the upcoming Bee Festival, during which the town celebrates its designation as the place where the beehive was invented, as well as the Green River Festival, a three-day celebration of music.

“Our marketing focus has shifted from generic outreach to specific, interest-driven storytelling — targeting Boomers who want to stay active, Millennials chasing Insta-worthy landscapes, and Gen Z looking for positivity and purpose,” Deane said. “We’ve also partnered with local event coordinators to promote bigger-ticket cultural and sporting events like Franklin County Pride, the Greenfield Winter Carnival, the Greenfield Triathlon, the Franklin County Fairgrounds, and the Green River Festival, with its great lineup of bands, coming in late June.

“Last April, the Franklin County Chamber launched an aggressive digital ad campaign promoting the Green River Festival and virtually introduced the fairgrounds and Greenfield to more than 2 million people,” she went on. “In large part to the success of this campaign, this year’s Green River Festival ticket sales saw a 13% increase over last year, with 25% of ticket buyers attending the festival for the first time.”

At Greenfield Garden Cinemas, Mass said people are going to the movies again — not quite as much as they did pre-pandemic, but the numbers are steady and even improving slightly.

And there is optimism for this summer — one of two busy times for movie theaters, with Christmas being the other — and later this spring as well. Indeed, in addition to a new Superman movie, there’s a live action Lilo & Stitch production, another Jurassic World offering, and a new Avengers movie, said Mass, adding that the cinemas cater mostly to seniors and families, so action movies don’t play particularly well.

But, overall, business is good at the cinemas, and across downtown Greenfield, where the coming attractions are, indeed, quite compelling.

Janna White

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Director, Five College Center for World Languages: Age 39

Janna White

In explaining the importance of her organization, Janna White noted that the Five Colleges are known for language study, but while students are interested in a diverse array of languages, not all of them draw enough interest to be offered in the classroom.

“But they still wanted to make as many languages available as possible,” she said, which is why the Five College Center for World Languages was founded more than three decades ago.

“We complement rather than compete with the languages available on campus, and students can take as many languages as possible while they’re here,” she said — about 60 in all, among the highest number offered anywhere in the country.

White directs all aspects of programming for this element of the Five College Consortium, enabling 300 students per year to study these less commonly taught languages for college credit.

It was an intriguing opportunity for White when she took the job in 2018, as she has always had a love of language. As sole proprietor of Janna R. White Content and Editing from 2011 to 2018, she offered communications products and project-management services, including editing 28 books, 21 articles, and hundreds of reports, white papers, and webpages.

“I worked with a variety of different organizations and individuals, but I really specialized in academic work — academic presses and scholars and faculty. I was really enjoying that work, and I wanted to expand on the ways in which I was partnering with academic institutions. That’s how I wound up at Five Colleges.”

From 2016 to 2018, she served as Academic Programs coordinator before her current job opened up.

“Our particular focus on less commonly taught languages is really important,” she noted. “The reason why we say ‘less commonly taught’ and not ‘less common’ is that many have millions, if not billions, of speakers, like Cantonese, Hindi, and Urdu. But it’s not common for college students to have opportunities to study those languages. So we’re really broadening access and opportunity for students.”

Active in her community, White served two terms on the Northampton Community Preservation Committee and joined the Northampton Planning Board in 2018. Elected vice chair in 2022, she will become chair this year.

“Anyone who has volunteered in the community knows it can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding,” she said. “It’s been one of the great learning experiences of my personal and professional life. I take that responsibility very seriously.”

—Joseph Bednar

Dr. Allison van der Velden

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

CEO, Community Health Center of Franklin County: Age 39

Dr. Allison van der Velden

Like many Hampshire College students, Dr. Allison Van der Velden trod a winding path, first studying language and religion, then switching to microbiology, then landing on dentistry.

“I was interested in working with people, making a difference, working with my hands, learning a useful skill — being a doctor, but not having the same emotional load as, say, pediatric oncology. Just something where I could solve problems.”

After starting her career at Amherst Dental Group, then working in private practice, she did some part-time work Hilltown Community Health Center and immediately preferred that model of care.

“I realized the community health center movement was more my home, so I left private practice,” van der Velden said. “I really enjoy the healthcare aspect of dental. I prefer that to cosmetic dentistry. I don’t enjoy cutting down a perfectly healthy tooth and doing a treatment to look prettier for someone who was already beautiful. That never jived with me.

“What I find really satisfying is taking a person who’s afraid of the dentist, in pain, and putting them at ease and relieving their pain and discomfort and bringing them to a healthier place.”

She eventually landed at the Community Health Center of Franklin County and moved quickly up the ranks from dentist to dental director to CEO. The nonprofit, federally qualified health center provides primary medical care, dental care, behavioral health, and wraparound services like transportation, language translation, and health-insurance navigation, and recently opened its first pharmacy.

“One thing you notice in the community health center population is a lot of patients have been mistreated by the medical healthcare industry,” she explained. “They’ve been invalidated, haven’t had resources during their lives from the beginning, and have had a lot of trauma.”

Away from work, van der Velden has volunteered with numerous boards, including Amherst Survival Center, as well as Deerfield’s Capital Improvement Planning Committee and Finance Committee. At work, she leads a team that serves 9,000 people annually — a number that’s only growing in a rural region with fewer medical resources than other counties.

“I like to say community health centers are the least broken part of the healthcare system,” she said. “People face so many barriers to seeking their best quality of life and medical treatment. I’m passionate about healthcare and healthcare access and feel really good knowing I am working to be part of a solution to an enormous problem.”

—Joseph Bednar

Elizabeth Wambui

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Impact, Fontaine Brothers Inc.: Age 38

Elizabeth Wambui

Diversity in construction is important for a number of reasons, Liz Wambui said, while breaking down the elements of her multi-faceted job at Fontaine Brothers Inc.

“The first piece is making sure we’re doing everything we can to be compliant with the workforce goals on every public project — and we are lucky to be building a lot of public projects,” she explained.

“Another piece is workforce development. And we’ve been very intentional about talking to not just students and educators, but anyone considering a career change about all the opportunities within the trades. We need people, and we need them yesterday.”

That’s a common refrain among contractors, especially businesses looking to grow at a time when more people are aging out of the field than entering it. “With the retirements coming up within our industry, we’ve really been spending time on that,” she said. “It’s a huge piece of my work here.”

To that end, Wambui plays a critical role leading project teams to maximize opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, as well as attracting a more diverse workforce. The firm partners with unions, trade schools, and other community partners to more actively promote and provide opportunities for local residents.

“We’ve been very intentional about is presenting the entire breadth of opportunities within the construction industry — getting to educators and caregivers and anyone in front of young folks, so they understand it,” she said. “These are life-changing opportunities.”

The third part of Fontaine’s role is executive director of the Fontaine Community Foundation, where she builds partnerships with organizations focused on the common good and connects the firm with worthy causes, especially those important to staff members.

Wambui is no stranger to accolades; in fact, she’s a rare double 40 Under Forty winner, having received that honor from the Worcester Business Journal in 2014, when she worked for the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts. She then served as director of Advancement at Nativity School of Worcester before coming to Fontaine Brothers in 2021.

“I’ve been given so many opportunities to learn and try different things and be creative, and I like that because it definitely pushes me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I love community engagement, to sit with an issue that affects us all and bring a lot of constituencies together to solve problems. Different perspectives are so important. We need them.”

—Joseph Bednar

Mydalis Vera

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Owner, Guerrera Writer LLC: Age 36

Mydalis Vera

As an author and social worker, Mydalis Vera lives an impactful life on two fronts, which often intersect.

The first is Guerrera Writer LLC, through which she provides editing and consulting services for a number of organizations, making research reports more clear, precise, and professional, and helping to develop culturally responsive educational content.

She also founded and facilitates a writing group for women aspiring to begin their writing journey. The group welcomed 34 women in 2024, with a goal of doubling that number this year.

As a social worker, she partners with agencies across Western Mass., with a special interest in the foster-care system; she has written more than 150 comprehensive adoption studies or child assessments for children in foster care, with the goal of facilitating adoptions.

“It’s a service I provide because the Department of Children and Families has been in overflow for a long time,” she explained. “So I come in and do adoption studies and assessments to make sure children can get adopted in a timely manner. Sometimes kids are in care longer than they should be because these reports are not completed in time. These reports have to be written so the judge can say this child can be adopted.

“This is my passion,” she added. “When it comes to social work and creating content, I took all the things I love and put them together.”

A dedicated civic leader, Vera has contributed to various organizations and initiatives aimed at empowering communities, including serving as a mentor and board member with Girls Inc. of the Valley, joining the board of Dress for Success Western Massachusetts, and volunteering with the O’Dell Women’s Center.

“I love working with communities,” said Vera, who draws inspiration from her mother, Mildred DeJesus. “We grew up in poverty, and I thought my mom was the smartest person I knew, but she never had the opportunity to really flourish and become what she wanted to be. And I always told myself, when I got older, I would try to give women who wanted an opportunity a chance to create that opportunity.”

That’s why much of her volunteerism centers on inspiring and helping girls and women.

“I’m trying to show women that there is possibility, that they can do it,” Vera added. “I want to demonstrate to women that there are people who care about them, and there is a way out of the darkness.”

—Joseph Bednar

Matt Waldrip

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Manager, Licensing & Permitting, Eversource: Age 36

Matt Waldrip

He calls it ‘Turtlepalooza.’

This is a program Matt Waldrip, manager of Licensing & Permitting for Eversource, now coordinates yearly. And, as the name suggests, it involves turtles — or turtle safety, to be more precise.

“We train our construction crews how to safely conduct their work when there are turtles present on site, so they can avoid direct harm to the species,” he explained. “And the way we do that is by training them and letting them know what to look for and methods they can use to move grass out of the way so they can see the turtles.”

That’s just one of many ways Waldrip works to bring construction and the environment together — in everything from his day job to his hobby, beekeeping.

A graduate of Westfield State University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in environmental science and regional planning, and Fitchburg State, where he earned an MBA, Waldrip manages a team of 15 scientists responsible for licensing and permitting critical energy projects, everything from utility poles to lattice towers, to make the electric grid more reliable, resilient, and sustainable — work he finds rewarding on many levels.

“I find it interesting. I come from a family of scientists — my mom was a science teacher, and my dad is a farmer now, but he was a college professor,” he said. “I just came to realize how important the environment is, and I wanted to try to make a difference.”

He’s doing so on many levels, including in the community. He’s served, with others, as a captain for Eversource’s United Way campaign, as well as serving as an Eversource runner in a 5K race with Mass General Cancer Center and the Run for Boston Children’s Hospital.

He’s also a member of the Hadley Planning Board, chairs the energy resource committee for the Environmental Business Council of New England, co-chaired the 2025 annual conference of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Conservation Commissions, and coaches in the Amherst Youth Basketball Assoc., among other efforts.

As for the beekeeping … he had six hives, but unfortunately, a few died over the winter. He sells honey and wax to friends in what he described as an enjoyable side hustle inspired by his mother.

“She’s been a beekeeper for years,” he said. “I just got kind of hooked into it as I realized how beneficial bees are to the environment.”

—George O’Brien

Vadim Tulchinsky

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Partner, Director of Acquisitions, Urbanist Development: Age 39

Vadim Tulchinsky

While earning a master’s degree in real-estate development from Columbia University, Vadim Tulchinsky realized early on that he didn’t want to spend his career building skyscrapers or shopping malls.

“I wanted to find a place where I could make a difference,” he said. “And I was never super motivated by money. If I could exist in a place with a lower cost of living and make enough money to pay my mortgage, that was good enough for me.”

About 15 years ago, he visited Holyoke, explored the mill and canal area, and “it was love at first sight.”

He met two like-minded professionals, and they started discussing their vision for urban living, one that’s safe, dense, walkable, and bikeable. “We understood the value of a downtown where you can walk or bike to it; that’s the difference between a thriving place and a stagnant one.”

So they started Urbanist Development about eight years ago specifically to revitalize downtown Holyoke. Since then, they have purchased and redeveloped historically significant buildings in the High Street area, bringing them back to life with a mix of storefronts, offices, and much-needed residential units.

“The once-vibrant Holyoke downtown area has seriously gone into decline since the July 1979 opening of the Holyoke Mall,” said Helene Alderman Florio, president of the Holyoke Taxpayers Assoc., one of 14 people who nominated Tulchinsky for 40 Under Forty. “Vadim has recognized the value in getting people back into the central downtown of Holyoke.”

Tulchinsky not only serves on the board of that organization, but also on the board of directors of Holyoke Preservation Trust, and he has worked to create a business improvement district downtown as well.

An immigrant from Russia — his family fled in the early ’90s when the Soviet Union was collapsing — Tulchinsky grew up in Boston, but is gratified to be working on meaningful projects in a smaller city, projects the size of which many larger developers won’t touch.

“Somebody has to do it for these little buildings, relatively speaking, that otherwise might get torn down. It’s heartbreaking to see these beautiful assets of the city get wasted,” he said. “We have the patience, we have the wherewithal, and we feel like we can make a difference here. If all we do is turn around one block, that will move the needle. We believe we can change the perception of Holyoke.”

—Joseph Bednar

Tori Thompson

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Vice President, Head of Internal Audit, PeoplesBank: Age 38

Tori Thompson

Tori Thompson calls her role “the third line of defense for our bank.”

Management is the first, setting controls and policies, while the second line comprises risk and compliance, she explained. Internal audit is the third line of defense, examining the controls the bank has in place. And it’s important work.

“Her business acumen has resulted in our having successful audits and examinations, without any major findings, from a very wide variety of state compliance and regulatory agencies,” said PeoplesBank President Brian Canina, who recruited Thompson based on their prior tenures at Wolf & Co., an accounting firm in Springfield.

“I got my foot in the door there because we did a lot of financial audit statements for banks,” she explained. “It was like Banking 101; I got to see the inner working of banks.”

Thompson was selected in December as Volunteer of the Month from among 325 PeoplesBank colleagues — a notable achievement at an institution that prioritizes civic engagement.

“They’re very supportive of everyone taking time out of their day to help the community around us, and I’m proud to be part of a company that’s supportive of that,” she said.

For example, as board treasurer for the Hitchcock Center for the Environment since 2019, she chairs the finance committee and serves on the executive committee.

“Their mission is to foster environmental awareness and environmental awareness through educational programs,” she said. “They live and breathe sustainability every day and do work every day to help the community.”

Rhea Banker, president of the Hitchcock Center, noted that Thompson has “led the board and staff in working together with vital information about best working practices. In addition, she was at the forefront of redefining our investment practices, helping to sustain our critical climate education moving into the future.”

Thompson — whose family includes husband Devon and children Carter, Liam, and Ellery — has also volunteered with the Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts Teen Reality Fair, Revitalize CDC’s #GreenNFit builds, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western Massachusetts, Safe Passage, Girls Inc. of the Valley, Valley Educational Associates, the United Way of Hampshire County, and Gateway Youth Athletic Assoc., where she serves as board secretary.

“That’s an all-volunteer group of parents who get together, offer sports programs, and promote physical activity and teamwork among everyone,” she explained. “We want to get the kids away from screen time, active, and out in nature as much as possible.”

—Joseph Bednar

Kerri Tichy

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Senior Director of Philanthropy, Shriners Children’s New England; Age 38

Kerri Tichy

Kerri Tichy doesn’t see her role as senior director of Philanthropy at Shriners Children’s New England as work, instead calling it a “passion.”

Actually, it combines two passions.

One involves philanthropy, and the other involves the Shriners, its many organizations, its children’s clinics, and especially the one in Springfield, where her daughter, Kelsi, is a patient.

“My father was a Shriner, and I grew up in the daughter organization called the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, and from that, I went into the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America — the ladies with the white fezzes,” Tichy said. “Shriner’s Children’s is my passion and my purpose; it’s part of who I am.”

As for fundraising, Tichy has made it a significant part of her career.

Indeed, she worked in the private sector — for Aero Fastener Co. in Westfield and also MassMutual and Babson Capital — before joining the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, managing more than 430 philanthropic funds and driving strategic donor-engagement efforts.

She enjoyed that work, but when there was an opportunity to join Shriners Children’s New England, she jumped at it. And since arriving in 2022, she has excelled, while also moving up in the ranks, from Development officer to associate director to director, and now senior director.

Last year, for example, she oversaw the team that raised just over $8 million, 272% above the goal of $3 million, an achievement she attributes largely to one large, anonymous $10 million donation split with the Boston clinic, but mostly to hard work.

“There were a lot of events, a lot of speaking engagements, and meeting with donors,” Tichy said, adding that she spends most of her days hitting the pavement and spreading the word about the organization’s mission.

“When you’re mission-oriented, that speaks authentically to the donors and engages them, so it creates a deeper impact all the way around,” she said. “The other key is building on that relationship. Yes, the dollar matters, but at the end of the day, if you don’t have the rapport and the relationship with the individuals, the money isn’t going to continue.”

While doing all this, she is also active in the community, with organizations ranging from the PTO at her daughter Kelsi’s school to the Ladies of the Oriental Shrine of North America to Easter Seals of Western Massachusetts.

—George O’Brien

Davis Snow

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Program Supervisor, Hampden County Sheriﬀ’s Office: Age 37

Davis Snow

It’s called the Sheriff’s Shuffle.

That’s the name given to an annual run at Ashley Reservoir in Holyoke that has raised more than $200,000 to support the YWCA of Western Massachusetts and survivors of domestic violence.

Since 2019, Davis Snow, program supervisor at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, has been chair of the committee that oversees the event, handling a wide array of details and contributing in myriad ways to its continued growth and success. And that’s one of many reasons why he’s a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2025.

The primary reason is his work at the Sheriff’s Department, where he has risen in the ranks and now supervises the Employment Program, part of the department’s larger All Inclusive Support Services. In this wide-ranging role, he oversees everything from Prison Industries (work training within the jail) to the work-release program to community-based programs facilitated by area community colleges to help inmates, and others, secure work at area businesses.

It’s a three-phase program, he said, adding that it involves employment readiness, such as work with résumés, cover letters, and interview skills; a job-search program, where interviews are arranged; and employment retention.

“Not only do we help individuals get jobs, we help them hold onto those jobs,” Snow explained. “We stay in communication with them once they start working, check in with them to see how everything’s going, and check in with employers, when it’s appropriate, to see how these individuals are doing.”

Much of his work comes down to networking within the business community, talking to HR directors, business owners, and operations managers, telling them about the program and the people it serves, and, ultimately, forming partnerships.

Indeed, many have been forged, he said, adding that employers across many sectors have become involved in the program, including Baystate Medical Center, Casella Waste Management, International Container, and others.

“Davis has devoted his entire life to helping others,” wrote Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts in nominating him for this award. “He’s constantly challenging himself to grow and learn more about why people commit crime and how his team can help inmates redirect their lives to become contributing members of society.”

When not working, or running the Sheriff’s Shuffle, Snow likes doing things outdoors — skiing, travel, hiking, or the beach — with his wife Emily, daughter Willa, and son Cody.

—George O’Brien

Savannah Taylor

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Director of Editorial, EBONY: Age 26

Savannah Taylor

When Savannah Taylor was a child, she used to create her own magazines.

“Writing was my superpower,” she recalled. “I’ve always known I’d be a writer. I had faith and confidence that I could tell a great story. So part of what I’m able to do every day, in a sense, is the fulfillment of my childhood dream.”

But it’s much more than that, too, the editorial director at EBONY magazine said.

“I’ve always been passionate that storytelling and communication can bring people together, and I still believe that. And I strongly believe there’s a place for journalism, even in today’s time.”

In her role, Taylor spearheads content strategy, media engagement, and storytelling for one of the most iconic Black media brands, leading a team of writers, editors, and digital strategists at the 80-year-old publication.

As assistant editor before ascending to her current role, she was given plenty of opportunities to broaden her experience.

“We’re a small but mighty team, so I became super involved in a lot of different capacities — culture, entertainment, politics, technology. It allowed me to become super rounded, and I was able to apply that work ethic and be prepared to step into the role of director of Editorial last year.”

Beyond EBONY, Taylor’s entrepreneurial spirit — and her love of community — is evident in a number of ways, starting with her leadership of the Silhouette Brand, a platform she founded to empower Black creatives through media training, branding, and professional development.

As part of that role, she launched Field Fest in 2021, a two-day virtual conference that drew dozens of speakers and about 500 attendees across Western Mass., aimed at inspiring young people and empowering them to succeed. And last year, she was the keynote speaker for Springfield Partners for Community Action’s annual gala.

“Growing up in Springfield, my parents exposed me to a lot of different opportunities,” Taylor said. “There’s such talent in this community; you don’t have to go to Boston or New York to have access to opportunities.

“I’ve always understood Springfield has challenges, but those challenges are not unique to this city. Once I went away to college, I developed a deeper appreciation,” the Syracuse University graduate said. “There’s so much talent here, so much potential. It just needs to be underlined and highlighted in the best light and given a chance to shine. It’s just about opportunity and how we position ourselves in order to be successful.”

—Joseph Bednar

Nicole Taylor

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Senior Marketing Specialist, Trinity Health Of New England: Age 32

Nicole Taylor

Nicole Taylor’s primary influences come from the foundational values instilled by her family, faith, and life experiences.

While notable public figures have certainly influenced her over the years, her family gets the credit for molding her into the person she is today, guiding the way she serves her community.

Her journey began with a love for sports, earning her degree in sports and recreation management from American International College, where she also earned her MBA. Soon after graduating, she took on the role of Business Development & Special Events executive for the Springfield Thunderbirds, where she secured strategic partnerships, and, among other things, led the planning and execution of the team’s first sensory-friendly game.

In 2021, Taylor joined Trinity Health Of New England, where she serves as senior Marketing specialist. This is a broad role, involving everything from shaping the marketing strategy for both Mercy Medical Center and the Trinity Health Of New England network — particularly in the women’s health, cardiovascular, and cancer service lines — to building and sustaining high-value partnerships.

“I work on a variety of projects across these service lines, partnering with providers to thoughtfully promote their services to the community, with the goal of encouraging residents to choose Trinity Health Of New England as their preferred healthcare system,” she said.

“It’s important to be detail-oriented and have a strong understanding of people — that psychological piece of marketing,” she went on, adding that she’s applied lessons from sports and higher education to her current role.

And in this setting, as in those before it, she’s achieved results — such as marketing efforts that have led to 8,000 new patient leads, 5.5 million website visits, and 1.8 million earned media impressions.

“Nicole continuously leverages her expertise in digital marketing, community relations, and event planning to launch initiatives that not only drive business success, but also create meaningful, long-term impact,” wrote Amy Ashford, regional vice president of Marketing & Communications for Trinity Health, who nominated her for the 40 Under Forty award.

Active in the community, Taylor was instrumental in forging a partnership between Mercy Medical Center and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. — she’s an active member of the Western Mass. alumnae chapter — to promote Black Maternal Mental Health Week in 2024. She has also spearheaded initiatives like Swim 1922, providing area residents with water-safety skills through instruction from Olympic silver medalist Maritza McClendon.

—George O’Brien

Kashawn Sanders

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

President and CEO, Follow My Steps Foundation Inc.: Age 29

Kashawn Sanders

Kashawn Sanders says the inspiration for the Follow My Steps Foundation, the nonprofit organization he co-founded and now serves as president, CEO, and board chair, came from an experience in a class he was taking during his senior year at UMass Dartmouth.

“The professor tasked us with going out and getting an internship. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, we could hear our fellow students say, ‘I’m going to reach out to this person, or my uncle, or my cousin’ … we didn’t have any of those connections,” he said, referring to himself and classmate Tyrone Williams.

To help ensure that future generations of young people would not suffer that same experience, Sanders, a Springfield native, and Williams, from Boston, created Follow My Steps, which is dedicated to empowering youth through mentorship, career readiness, financial-literacy programs, scholarships, and more.

Summing it all up, Sanders, a financial advisor by trade, said the agency, founded in 2020 during COVID when he and Williams were thinking about what to do next and how to give back, is about providing resources to those who simply don’t have as many as those who are more fortunate.

“We created a customizable mentorship program that centers around the youth and their aspirations,” he noted. “We also work with them when it comes to financial literacy, we make sure there’s a health component that addresses both physical and mental health, and we add on additional resources, teaching them the importance of networking, the importance of getting out there early and understanding that there are people in the community they can look up to and talk to.”

Dawn Creighton, Community Outreach officer for Liberty Bank, who nominated Sanders for the 40 Under Forty, has worked with him on the agency’s Cultural Steps event, which provides participants with a diverse range of foods and introduction to various cultures, as well as a Credit for Life course, a financial-literacy module through which students embark a simulated journey through life.

She also appreciates that the mission of Follow My Steps is “personal” to Sanders.

“Having personally navigated the same challenges his organization seeks to address, he brings a lived understanding of the systemic obstacles that underserved youth face,” Creighton said.

While doing that, he spends the rest of his time reading, working out, and spending time with his partner, Kenia, and son KJ.

—George O’Brien

Lidia Rodríguez

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

CEO, Rewarding Insurance Agency: Age 37

Lidia Rodríguez

Lidia Rodríguez and her husband, Miguel Rivera, first began selling insurance in Puerto Rico in 2009, focusing on life and health products, mainly for an older clientele.

When they moved to Massachusetts, they continued that model when they launched Rewarding Insurance Agency in 2018.

Today, as the company’s CEO, Rodríguez has spearheaded the company’s growth to serve more than 1,500 clients in multiple states with insurance, underwriting, and claims, and the main customer base remains Hispanic seniors. The agency started with life insurance, then added Medicare Advantage, and has since moved into auto, home, and business insurance.

“I also do tax preparation because it’s fun for me, something different, and I love to help my community as well,” she said. “I like to sit down and explain everything step by step.”

The company has also expanded its visibility, moving from rented space at the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce to its own office and storefront on Maple Street in downtown Holyoke in 2023.

“Now we are focused on growing the agency to be more successful,” Rodríguez said. Now that we have this experience over 15 years, I’m ready to train new agents. We want to expand our agency and open new offices, maybe in Worcester or the Berkshires.”

In the community, Rodríguez is a board member with Enlace de Familias and president of the Central High School swimming and diving booster club. She also co-founded Rewarding Community Partners Corp., a nonprofit that supports families and professionals, and designed a 10-week boot-camp program that trains young professionals in sales and insurance.

Meanwhile, the Greater Holyoke Chamber honored her and Rivera as its 2024 Business Persons of the Year and Rewarding Insurance Agency as its Business of the Year in the annual Grow Holyoke Awards.

“I didn’t imagine in my life I’d be nominated for those awards. That was a surprise; I cried when I heard that,” she said, quickly adding that she and Rivera have a strong partnership. “I never in my life thought, moving from Puerto Rico to here, that it was going to be this amazing experience. And I wouldn’t be Business Person of the Year or 40 Under Forty if it wasn’t for my husband. He has always supported me.”

She added that it makes her happy when clients trust them. “You don’t create a business in one day. It takes time, and seeing the results, for me, has been extraordinary.”

—Joseph Bednar

Jennifer Reynolds

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Project Manager, Tighe & Bond: Age 36

Jennifer Reynolds

Growing up, Jennifer Reynolds was always interested in math and science, particularly their intersection in chemistry. But while studying chemical engineering in college, she struggled with potential career applications of that degree.

“A lot of chemical engineers go into oil and gas or even pharmaceuticals, and none of those felt quite right,” she recalled, but when she started taking classes in environmental engineering and the water and wastewater field, something clicked.

“Those are also chemistry, but applications that felt better to my heart and soul,” Reynolds said. And she never forgot that. After earning degrees at the University of Connecticut and UMass Amherst, she worked in the power industry in Washington, D.C. for a time, but when she and her husband returned to New England, she saw the projects Tighe & Bond was working on and found her true niche with the regional engineering stalwart.

As project manager and team leader of the firm’s Water Business Line, working out of its Westfield headquarters, Reynolds oversees a team of water engineers and manages several multi-disciplinary projects for municipalities and utilities across the Northeast.

Her experiences include design and construction of drinking-water storage tanks, new chemical feed systems for drinking-water treatment, and infrastructure upgrades, with expertise in treatment, distribution, and storage of clean drinking water.

“There’s a lot of variation, which is what I love,” she said. “Working with utilities just gives me so much more appreciation of the fact that water comes out of my faucet and I can drink it, and the lights come on; that’s just amazing to me. People work so hard to improve those systems and make them reliable, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”

Outside of work, Reynolds chairs the committee that organizes the annual Granby Road Race in Connecticut, which raises funds for the YMCA of Greater Hartford.

Meanwhile, as co-chair of the education and program committee for the Connecticut Section of the American Water Works Assoc., she has worked to further educational opportunities for industry professionals, including young people just starting out. The association recognized her as its Rising Star Young Professional in 2024 for efforts to train colleagues and improve their skill sets.

“Also, folks like treatment-plant operators need their coursework to maintain their licenses and make connections, which makes it easier to solve problems,” she said. Because that’s how the clean water flows and the lights stay on.

—Joseph Bednar

Catherine Rioux

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Oﬃcer, Monson Savings Bank: Age 34

Catherine Rioux

Catherine Rioux is a textbook example, pun intended, of how internships, at both the college and high-school level, can not only introduce young people to careers, but help businesses keep talent in the pipeline.

Rioux interned in the Human Resources department at Monson Savings Bank (MSB) while in high school as part of a class in business and entrepreneurship, an initiative called ‘work-based learning.’

The experience left her intrigued by the financial-services sector, enough to make her want to stay at the bank, even though she wasn’t old enough to even work on the teller line.

“I continued to learn and just be a part of it, and earning a little bit of money was cool, too, when I was 15,” she said, adding that she answered phones and handled other duties after school. “My grandma would pick me up from school and drop me off for my shift, and either she or my mom or dad would pick me up.”

Rioux kept working at MSB through high school and again while earning a business degree at Western New England University, leaving the company for a short time her senior year. But when she graduated, she returned to MSB as a loan servicer receptionist, then worked her way up to her current role as assistant vice president and commercial loan officer.

“I don’t want to say it just happened,” she said of her career. “It was a lot of organic growth and organic learning; I always wanted to learn more and do more and stay busy. The bank gave me a lot of opportunities because I showed the initiative to take on projects, big or small.”

Active in the community, Rioux serves on the town of Monson’s scholarship committee and the Monson Free Library committee. She has also volunteered her time to build bikes for local disadvantaged youths, fill backpacks in support of the United Way’s Stuff the Bus campaign, and work with the Revitalize Community Development Corp. program known as #GreenNFit Neighborhood Rebuild. Previously, she served as a Lighthouse advisory board member for I Found Light Against All Odds, and with the Ludlow Rotary Club Charitable Foundation.

Rioux said she’s looking forward to bringing her son with her on a #GreenNFit assignment or some of her other work so he can get involved and understand the importance of giving back. That’s another thing she learned on that internship.

—George O’Brien

Kerry Parsons

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Service Operations Manager, Colonial Life: Age 39

Kerry Parsons

Kerry Parsons knows she’s not dealing with people in their best moments. But she said it’s gratifying to help them through those times.

“People only call on their worst day, or a really bad day, and when somebody is hurt or going through a stressful time, they don’t want to talk insurance,” she explained. “So I like being able to help people navigate that and give them some positive news on a day that’s probably not so positive for them.”

In her role at Colonial Life’s Western Mass. office, Parsons assists with billing and claims and coordinates meetings between benefits counselors and employees. She started there with a summer job in 2005 and never left. “I just worked in the office, got my license, and I’m still here.”

She’s still active in the community as well. For example, she’s been volunteering for the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, which offers youth with disabilities the chance to play baseball, since 2015. She led a golf tournament that raised funds to build an accessible playground in Holyoke where everyone, including children with mobility devices and physical challenges, can access all equipment with their peers.a

In addition, Parsons spearheaded a $60,000 fundraising campaign for the Holyoke Public Library, leading a committee that raised the funds with golf tournaments over three years.

She’s also a committee member with Magic for Maddie, a nonprofit formed in memory of her best friend’s niece, who died in 2022 at age 8 from a rare form of pediatric brain cancer that very few survive.

“Seeing Maddie and her family go through that, we wanted to give back to the families that are in the fight,” Parsons said. “We donate to families that are going through that. And it shouldn’t be less than a 1% survival rate. They need more research. So we’re giving them funds for research as well.”

The list goes on, from volunteering in her younger daughters’ schools (her eldest is in the U.S. Navy) to supporting local libraries, food pantries, arts and culture organizations, and, as noted, accessible recreation. In fact, she and her mother, Maureen Ross O’Connell, were honored by the Holyoke Rotary Club in 2024 with the Paul Harris Fellow Award for their service.

“I grew up watching my mom give back,” Parsons said. “I saw what people can do and what the community needs, and it really got to me. I wanted to be involved.”

—Joseph Bednar

Brigid Owino

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Birth and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Perinatal Wellness Partners: Age 38

Brigid Owino

Brigid Owino’s journey into the field of perinatal care is a deeply personal one.

She gave birth to her first child during the early days of the pandemic, while also dealing with a difficult separation from her partner, and the isolation contributed to a challenging battle with postpartum depression.

“It was a very lonely, painful journey going through the birth process,” she recalled. “During that time, you weren’t even allowed to have a person in the room with you at the hospital.”

But when she became pregnant with her second child, with the support of compassionate professionals and loved ones, the birth experience was healing and transformative.

“I was present this time. I was ready. I took childbirth classes with a doula. And I wondered how many women go through this themselves and don’t have that support.”

Owino wound up doing some volunteer work in perinatal care, then began working in the field professionally and, eventually, launching her own company, Perinatal Wellness Partners.

Her mission is to create a nurturing, supportive environment where women feel informed, confident, and empowered throughout their journey through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. She said she provides trauma-informed, mindful care tailored to each client’s needs, whether navigating a routine pregnancy or facing complexities such as maternal-fetal medicine cases, cesarean deliveries, medical emergencies, or harm reduction during pregnancy.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at UMass Amherst and worked in the mental-health field before her current career, she’s also pursuing a master’s degree in mental health at Framingam State University.

“Mental health, especially in perinatal health, can be very taboo,” she noted. “Often, women are afraid to say, ‘I’m experiencing problems. I’m not feeling well. I’m not bonding with my baby.’ That’s why I wanted to be very honest with my journey. As someone who had PTSD, I wanted to show people that you can go through this and still love your baby and still thrive as a mother.”

Owino also serves a peer mentor doula with Moms Do Care, where she connects families to resources and community supports from pregnancy through postpartum. She is also a board member with the Green River Doula Network, which fosters community for doulas, midwives, and birth workers.

And she remains grateful to keep telling her story.

“No matter what your journey, I want you to know that you’re seen and heard, and you’ll be better off for it.”

—Joseph Bednar

Geoﬀ Naunheim

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Executive Director, United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region: Age 35

Geoﬀ Naunheim

Geoff Naunheim has a heart for nonprofits, so when a position at the United Way of Hampshire County opened up in 2017 — specifically, Community Investment director, where he advocated for and collaborated among numerous United Way program partners — he jumped at it, and excelled in that role for more than four years.

“That’s the program side of the United Way, the part that engages with the nonprofit community and works on how we can invest in the nonprofit sector,” he explained. “That was a real interest of mine. And I loved it.”

And when a bigger role opened up in 2022 at the now-combined United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region, he didn’t hesitate, serving as interim executive director for seven months before being offered the permanent job.

“We’re trying to build the shelf, trying to create a strong network of social-service organizations in Hampshire and Franklin County,” Naunheim said. “How do we strengthen those services, and how do we invest in programs that are best-positioned to deliver the best services? It’s really gratifying work.”

It’s challenging work, too. Over the past few years, he noted, homelessness has risen across the region, food-insecurity rates are up, and housing costs are way up.

“I like engaging with people in the nonprofit community who are doing incredible and inspiring work in Western Mass. and often working in tough circumstances on some really challenging problems — and making people’s lives a little bit better,” he said.

He has tackled these trends while managing the merger of the former United Way of Franklin County and United Way of Hampshire County into one organization. “I worked on making sure our processes and cultures aligned and blended in the spirit of the United Way.”

In his spare time, Naunheim is an avid hiking enthusiast — and he’s not satisfied with level ground. He and his wife just finished the New Hampshire 48 last summer, which are all 48 peaks above 4,000 feet in that state. He’s now working through the 100 highest peaks in New England.

“If you had told me 10 years ago that I’d be waking up at 5 a.m. to drive to a trailhead, I would have said you were crazy,” he laughed. “But it’s fun. I love getting into the woods. It gives me some space to think and decompress.”

And then get back to work surmounting some truly pressing problems.

—Joseph Bednar

Marc Murphy

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Co-owner, Lock and Key Realty: Age 39

Marc Murphy

Marc Murphy’s trajectory in the real-estate world has been impressive, to put it mildly.

After graduating from Western New England University in 2008, he entered the real-estate world in 2011, then launched Lock and Key Realty with a business partner in 2019. Starting with three agents, the firm has grown to 60 agents and recorded $230 million in sales last year, with a portfolio of commercial and residential properties, including apartment complexes, commercial offices, and industrial sites.

“We continue to be in the top five in Hampden and Hampshire County. We’ve definitely been very busy,” Murphy said, crediting much of that success to the team he’s built and the work environment he’s tried to cultivate.

“We’re able to attract a lot of the top talent in the area through our training of agents and our culture,” he told BusinessWest. “We believe in top-tier service for our clients, whether it’s a first-time homebuyer or an investor or a commercial client. We have resources to solve any problem and make the process as easy as possible with attorneys, lenders, insurance brokers, accountants, and so forth.”

In short, he added, “when we split off, we wanted to create a company with a win-win culture. Every scenario we create should be a win-win for agents, customers, everyone involved.”

Murphy gives back to the community through an annual golf tournament the firm started four years ago, with all proceeds donated to nonprofits; over the last four years, the event has given $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity and the Hartsprings Foundation.

“They’re both heavily involved in real estate, and they’re great organizations; we’ve become close with them over the years,” he said. “We’re trying to do our part.”

Meanwhile, most of his free time centers around his wife, Danielle, and three children, all under age 9. “That keeps me very busy, from traveling to practices to spending time with them. It’s very enjoyable.”

So is real estate, even though it’s been more challenging the past few years, he explained. “Inventory has been the biggest challenge in this area. And there have been a lot of law changes and rule changes around real-estate transactions. We’ve been at the forefront of training our agents in how to deal with it.”

That’s one aspect of what Murphy enjoys most about this career — the people he works with. “They’re awesome. We’re able to problem-solve using our resources and experience, and that’s the fun part.”

—Joseph Bednar

Dr. Divya Mudumba

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Practice Owner, Smileworks Family Dentistry and Palmer Smiles: Age 37

Dr. Divya Mudumba

Dr. Divya Mudumba’s life is a story of turning a negative into a positive.

“I’m from an Army background. My dad was always posted in places where there was not much access to dental care, so I grew up with bad dental experiences,” she explained of her early life in India. “After a few years, I met a female dentist who was serving in the Army, and she made me feel so comfortable in the chair that I decided to become like her.”

She wound up volunteering at that practice, which grew her interest to the point where she decided to pursue a dental career. Today, Mudumba owns two practices, in Pittsfield and Palmer, where she specializes in pediatric and family dentistry, with an emphasis on compassionate, comfort-centered care.

“Eventually, I became more inclined toward kids,” she said. “That’s where long-term anxiety comes from. If you have a bad experience growing up as a kid, it stays with you. It makes you more scared of going to the dentist. That’s why I decided to be a pediatric dentist.”

She also prioritizes patients from underserved populations, including the Medicaid population and veterans in Pittsfield.

“I’m blessed with the ability to change people’s lives, giving them a beautiful and healthy smile, and helping anxious patients get over their anxiety and learn to love — or at least have a level of comfort toward — seeing a dentist for their checkup.”

Mudumba, who was honored last year as a 40 Under 40 dentist by Incisal Edge magazine, is also community-minded, including a breast-cancer donation drive at Smileworks each October. “So many patients have gone through breast-cancer treatment or know someone who has,” she said.

She also frequently speaks on dental health at local schools and daycare centers, reinforcing oral-health awareness among young people, and is working on a collaboration between YWCA and Smiles for Success (a sister organization to the American Assoc. of Women Dentists) so women in YWCA programs can access dental care and rehabilitation.

“Women dentists volunteer their time and practice resources to help women whose background may be one of domestic violence or sexual abuse; they have suffered some dental neglect and trauma, and they’re trying to get back in the game, get ready for a job,” she explained. “We find these women and help them rehabilitate their oral health to a level that they feel confident.”

—Joseph Bednar

Jason Moran

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

President, Morduct LLC: Age 39

Jason Moran

Jason Moran started working in his family’s heating and air-conditioning business at age 15, but eventually decided he wanted to step out on his own. So, in 2017, he found a retiring contractor looking to sell his operation and hit the ground running.

It turned out to be a good decision; today, as president of Morduct LLC, Moran has scaled up his company dramatically, now employing more than 10 associates.

As an HVAC and sheet-metal contractor, most of his clients are heating and AC contractors or mechanical contractors.

“It’s a fulfilling career,” he said. “You’re always at a different location, not just sitting on your hands. Maybe you’re in a commercial space or an office space one day, and in a hospital the next day, and maybe working at an aerospace facility the next day.

“I enjoy working with my hands, even though, as the boss, I shouldn’t be working as much as I do in the field,” he added. “And I like resolving clients’ problems. Maybe they’ve had four other companies there, and then we figure it out and take care of it for them.”

As a member of Associated Builders & Contractors, Moran collaborates with industry leaders to promote best practices, support vocational programs, and advocate for policies that strengthen the trades.

He’s also deeply involved in local workforce-development efforts, partnering with technical high schools and apprenticeship programs to give aspiring tradespeople hands-on experience, mentorship, and professional guidance.

“I strongly encourage young people to get into the trades, especially this trade,” he said. “I like meeting different people and feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. We’re the only trade that takes a raw material and turns it into something. Plumbing is a manufactured product; you can only use it how it’s manufactured. In our trade, the sky’s the limit; you can make anything.”

In one burst of creativity, he crafted a metal ductwork heart and put it in front of his house during the COVID pandemic, a tribute to local doctors and nurses. It has since been donated to a church in Westfield.

Moran said he’s inspired by his wife, Jess, and son, Archie, calling them “big motivators in my life.”

For Jess, who nominated him for 40 Under Forty, the feeling is mutual. “His entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to workforce development, and contributions to the trades exemplify the qualities of a true leader.”

—Joseph Bednar

Kate Miniﬁe

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Farm & Food Products Program Director, Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center: Age 34

Kate Miniﬁe

Kate Minifie was candid when she talked about everything it takes to be an entrepreneur and bring an idea for a new food or beverage product from conception to the store shelf — and about how she doesn’t possess all those ingredients herself.

“I’m way too risk-averse,” she said with a laugh, adding quickly that, in her role as Food & Products Program director for the Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center at Franklin County Community Development Corp., she works closely with those who are not.

And she finds it quite rewarding to help these individuals navigate a broad array of challenges and issues — from recipe development to regulatory compliance to general business planning — to bring a product to the marketplace.

“I like working with entrepreneurs and being part of their story,” she told BusinessWest. “My favorite thing is that every day is different, and the other thing that’s really cool is seeing someone be successful over time, someone who comes to us with an idea, and three or five years later, you can find their products in stores all over the region.”

She cited several success stories, including a Greenfield woman who created something called ‘fire cider,’ what Minifie described as a “preventive medicine.”

Minifie graduated from UMass Amherst with a degree in public health, but soon decided she was more interested in food systems, and has since worked “across the supply chain,” as she put it, meaning farms, restaurants, and a farm-to-school program in Vermont.

She then moved on to the Food Processing Center, where she initially worked in the farm-to-institution realm, running a program called Valley Veggies, whereby local produce was sourced, then frozen and sold to schools across the region.

She progressed to her current role, in which she assists entrepreneurs with products across a wide spectrum — sauces, baked products, condiments, beverages, and more.

“These are early-stage businesses,” she explained. “We counsel on all the things they need to bring a product to market — legally, safely, and in a way that’s going to get them noticed.”

Active in the community, Minifie serves on the Board of Health in Colrain and has also co-chaired the Franklin County Food Council.

When not doing all that, she likes to run with her dog in the woods and enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, Ben, and children Maeve and Miles.

—George O’Brien

Jessica Menard

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Advanced Practice Clinician Manager of Care Delivery, Education, and Training, Commonwealth Care Alliance: Age 38

Jessica Menard

Jessica Menard started her nursing career in the emergency room and has worked in that setting for a number of area hospitals during her career.

Early in her training, she said, “I thought I wanted to do labor, delivery, and pediatrics, and then I did a rotation in the emergency room, and it turns out I loved it.”

But she didn’t take a narrow view of that work; she saw early on the “connecting dots,” as she put it, between the ER and home care, and the gaps in care many patients experience between the two.

In her current role with Commonwealth Care Alliance (CCA), Menard fills those gaps and helps patients navigate what can often be an overly complex, frustrating healthcare system.

“I started here as an advanced practice clinician. We take care of Medicaid patients, the chronically ill, the sickest of the sick. We have a unique model — we’re not just an insurer, but we also deliver care into the home and take care of whatever needs to be done: medical, behavioral health, socioeconomic stuff, housing. There are a lot of arms to it.”

Now in a management role, she still helps patients, but guides the professionals, too. She also actively mentors and precepts nurse practitioner and registered nurse students from UMass Amherst, Westfield State University, and American International College as they prepare to tackle this complicated world.

The Boston Globe honored Menard in 2021 with its Salute to Nurses Award, recognizing her contributions to nursing and patient care. In addition to her work at CCA, she has played a public-health role by educating people about critical health issues, including media interviews on topics such as Lyme disease and West Nile virus. She’s also a member of the Massachusetts Coalition of Nurse Practitioners, supporting legislative efforts to expand NP practice and improve healthcare delivery.

“It’s truly heartbreaking to see individuals suffer as they navigate this complex healthcare system,” she said. “If I can be the person that can help them get where they need to be and see their lives change for the better, health-wise — for example, getting diabetics who aren’t controlled to a spot where they’re better controlled and their quality of life is better — that’s so gratifying to me. It brings me a lot of gratitude when I see firsthand the difference we can make.”

—Joseph Bednar

Mia McDonald

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Senior Associate, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.: Age 24

Mia McDonald

It’s a good thing Mia McDonald likes her employer so much, as she’s never worked anywhere else in her professional career.

With a lifelong aptitude for math, she figured her best career options, while studying at Westfield State University, were math teacher and actuary, and she leaned toward the latter, but once she began taking some accounting courses, she was hooked.

While still in college, she secured an accounting internship at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. (MBK) and never left, handling a wide variety of responsibilities today in the audit and assurance realm.

“I love how you’re never working with the same type of things; there are new challenges and new things to learn every day. I feel my confidence growing as I’m talking to clients and becoming more familiar with the issues people are facing,” she explained. “I wanted to be a teacher initially, and there are so many great opportunities in the field where I can use some of those teaching skills to build other people up.”

Even though she’s only 24 — making her one of the youngest ever recognized by 40 Under Forty — part of McDonald’s role is being a mentor to other team members, which comes naturally because she has been mentored herself.

“It’s cool being this young and getting this award, but I wouldn’t have been able to do that without the mentorships and strong women who gave me the opportunities I’ve had,” she said, naming Chelsea Russell and Kristi Reale as two who have given her a seat at the table. “That’s been huge in my four years at MBK, and I love being able to pass that down.”

McDonald is also very active in the community, spearheading community-service events for Girls on the Run, Winter Walk, and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holyoke, while partipating in events for Square One, the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, United Way of Pioneer Valley, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, a Bed for Every Child, and HCS Head Start, among others. She also coaches cross country and track and field at Westfield State.

“A lot of it comes from being at MBK and seeing the focus that they have on the community,” she said. “It’s really empowering to be able to give back to these organizations, especially one like Girls on the Run, whose mission and values are so close to everything I love and the things I’m passionate about.”

—Joseph Bednar

Liz Martinek

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

EMS Coordinator, Baystate Health: Age 34

Liz Martinek

Liz Martinek misses riding in the ambulance. Sort of.

She was an EMT and then a paramedic for many years, and thoroughly enjoyed that work, despite its physical and mental toll.

“I like being there for people on the worst day of their life because I want to make it better,” said Martinek, who has moved on to what is, in many ways, an even more rewarding role: that of EMS coordinator for Baystate Health.

This is a role with a lengthy job description that includes everything from coordinating internal and external quality-assurance and education initiatives to helping plan and execute Baystate Health’s EMS Week activities and Disaster Day, an annual event that partners Baystate Health physician residents with all-level first responders from local communities in a staged mass-casualty disaster.

“We bridge the gap between EMS agencies, whether they’re fire departments or private ambulance services, and the hospital side,” said Martinek, who is based at Baystate Noble Hospital and works with several different fire departments from area municipalities and even Six Flags New England. “We do a lot of overview of the pre-hospital medical care that is happening out in the field and make sure that providers are following the state protocols and the standards of that care, with an eye toward continuous improvement and patient safety.”

Martinek brings a wealth of experience to her current role, from her years as a paramedic to her work as ambulance coordinator for Baystate Health and as service quality manager for Alert Ambulance — as well as her experiences during the pandemic, when her role changed to include more outreach to patients.

Indeed, she was honored by her colleagues as a Pandemic Response Hero for her patient-assessment efforts at a Westfield assisted-living facility that led to the immediate transportation of six patients in need of an emergency-room evaluation of their COVID symptoms.

Active in the community, Martinek serves as Baystate Health’s medical captain for the IRONMAN competition in Western Mass. In that role, she recruits and oversees the volunteer services provided on site during the event by physicians, nurses, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency responders.

With encouragement from her husband, Kreig, Martinek said she got into CrossFit and has fallen in love with it, giving her more energy for doing things with her two children, Lindsay and Matthew.

—George O’Brien

Dr. Nathan Macedo

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate; Associate Program Director, Greenfield Family Medicine Residency Program: Age 36

Dr. Nathan Macedo

Many young people stumble upon their careers after studying something different.

Not Dr. Nathan Macedo, who, as far back as he can remember, always wanted to be a doctor. As a first-generation American (his parents are immigrants from Portugal), he was the first in his family to graduate high school, let alone college.

“I was probably inspired by my own pediatrician, and then, growing up, I always had a passion for serving others,” he said, noting that he volunteered at a local hospital while in high school and was an EMT in college. “Those experiences solidified my path going to medical school.”

He pursued a master’s degree in public health and his medical degree at the same time at Tufts University School of Medicine, and became interested in family medicine there. When he spent time in hospital wards, his interest in a different setting became even more clear. “I really loved building relationships long-term, getting to know the patients, figuring things out together, and helping them stay healthy and out of the hospital.”

Now, at Greenfield Family Medicine, Macedo is 100% outpatient-focused.

“Part of the reason why I gravitated to primary care and family medicine is I definitely would get bored if I just focused on one organ system. I like being a comprehensivist, getting to know a little bit about everyone and treating people as people,” he explained, adding that he treats everyone from newborns to nonagenarians.

As an assistant professor of Family Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate, he also gets to train the next generation.

“I always liked teaching, and in my own clinic, I often have medical students from UMass working with me. I’m training future family-medicine doctors,” he said, emphasizing the importance of that effort. “All of us know how hard it is to find a PCP and to get an appointment. We’ve developed a good system of building a foundation for more of them.”

The residency program recruits four individuals annually for a three-year training program, and Macedo said they often challenge him as much as he does them.

“I think students push you, in good ways. They ask great questions. I feel like I’m transforming the way I practice medicine for the better because of them,” he said. “And a number are staying in Western Mass., so we’re also building that pipeline.”

—Joseph Bednar

Shannon Lynch

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Assistant Vice President of Compliance, Mount Holyoke College: Age 30

Shannon Lynch

While attending the Western New England University School of Law, Shannon Lynch was initially interested in sports law and contract work. As she developed her oral advocacy skills, she thought maybe she’d go that route.

But her experience working with WNE’s General Counsel office impacted her in a significant way. There, she helped investigate student grievances and coordinate Title IX cases, and after beginning her career in family law and then personal injury, an opportunity arose as Trinity College’s Title IX coordinator in 2021.

“That’s a position that is federally mandated, but a lot of institutions stick it on an HR person or an interim or part-time person. So coming in, I had to build an office and develop a rapport with students where, previously, there wasn’t a lot of trust there.”

Her efforts contributed to a 284% increase in student reports filed. She led an overhaul of the college’s policy on sexual harassment and supported the redevelopment of the non-discrimination policy.

In her current role at Mount Holyoke College, Lynch combines her experience in Title IX with other federal civil-rights laws, American Disabilities Act compliance, and civil-rights matters in higher education, the latter being a long-time passion.

Since starting last summer, Lynch has seen Title IX reporting jump again.

“It’s incredibly important, especially since Title IX covers sexual assault, sex discrimination, domestic and dating violence, and stalking, all of which is very prevalent in this age group and at higher-education institutions,” she noted. And reporting is important because an institution can’t fix what it doesn’t know about. We can’t make an institution safer and better for young individuals if we don’t know what’s happening to them.”

A figure skater who rose to the U.S. Junior National team, Lynch also co-founded (with her husband, Michael, a member of the 40 Under Forty class of 2022) the Lynchie and Friends Foundation, which has donated more than $40,000 to several local health-related charities through a series of golf tournaments.

“Our first daughter just turned 3,” she said. “She was in the NICU at Baystate. To go back later and present them with a check, we were able to look at the nurses and say, ‘thank you so much for everything you did for us. Here’s something for you.’ Our nephew has autism, so once a year we do something toward autism. It’s really gratifying and keeps us connected to the community.”

—Joseph Bednar

Sarah Lapolice

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Tax Department Manager, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.: Age 37

Sarah Lapolice

While earning her MBA at Elms College, Sarah Lapolice says she was influenced by many of her teachers, but especially Julie Quink, then a partner and now managing principal of the accounting firm Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.

“There’s a certain presence about her, and I remember leaving my last MBA class with Julie … I called my mom — I called her every night — and said, ‘there’s something about this woman; I don’t want to stop learning from her.’”

And, in essence, she hasn’t.

The two have offices a few yards apart at the firm’s West Springfield headquarters, with Lapolice crediting Quink with providing the inspiration and direction to become a CPA and eventually advance to the role of Tax Department manager.

The two share a passion for building teamwork and providing support to team members whenever and however it’s needed.

Indeed, when asked to walk us through the life of a Tax Department manager, Lapolice started by saying the first thing she does is “check in with everyone at the office.”

She explained that “it’s important for me to get a sense for how everyone else is feeling, including outside of work, so you can gauge where they’re at and whether they need support. I check in with them on a personal level and then on the work front.”

That’s especially true during the height of tax season, which is when she talked with BusinessWest. It’s a stressful time, one during which, as a manager, she focuses on providing support in myriad ways.

This is part of a broad job description that includes everything from growing the firm’s client base to helping those clients optimize their tax strategies; from employee training and development to building client relationships.

Lapolice brings to these assignments, and many others, a management philosophy grounded in solid teamwork, lessons learned from playing a variety of sports — starting when she was young and continuing through college — and also from playing music in tandem with others.

While instilling the importance of teamwork, she also sets an example when it comes to work in the community. She is active with the nonprofit Girls on the Run and now serves on its board, and has served on the philanthropic services committee for the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and has also served as a board member for Libertas Academy Charter School.

—George O’Brien

Tashea Jenkins

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Executive Director, One Village Inc.: Age 37

Tashea Jenkins

“Youth is my baby.”

That’s how Tashea Jenkins described her heart for helping young people through her nonprofit, One Village Inc.

In that role, she develops and prepares both teens and young adults for the workforce through programs, activities, and community service.

During the six-week curriculum, participants attend once a week and learn about topics like communication styles, conflict management in the workplace, how to sit for an interview, and what a résumé looks like. She also hosts events, games, speakers, field trips to employers, and more. The idea is to inspire young people to develop career ambitions and give them tools to pursue them.

“The last week, we try to have four or five employers come out, and they can do a mock job fair using the tools and knowledge they learned over those six weeks,” she explained.

Jenkins launched the initiative in 2017 after four Springfield Central High School students were killed in the crash of a stolen SUV on Union Street. She established it as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit five years later.

“I wanted to give back. I tell them, ‘guys, you’ve got so much ahead for your life. Don’t go out and do stupid stuff. Do your life. You’ve got so many years before you.”

Deeply involved in the community, Jenkins has coordinated events for a number of nonprofits, including Black Men of Greater Springfield, Walk in Their Shoes Foundation, Mission Church Ministries, and Pyramid Soccer Group.

Even at work, she always worked for the betterment of society. Her past positions include lead case manager with the New England Farm Workers Council’s Youth Program, outreach counselor with Behavioral Health Network, residential stabilization specialist with the Mental Health Assoc., re-entry employment specialist with MassHire Holyoke, and community sourcing specialist at Baystate Health. A few of those roles, notably, involved connecting people with jobs.

“Young people want to work. They want money. But nobody’s teaching them how to be sustainable,” she explained. “I’ve been helping to develop seniors and juniors in the workforce, getting them matched up with the right placements, the right career path, whether it’s school or training or trade.”

She especially wants to set an example for her 13-year-old son.

“One of the things I want to instill in him is not giving up. If you fall down, don’t stay down. And if you do fail, come up with a different plan so you can get back up.”

—Joseph Bednar

Brenton Jenkins

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Founder, Vision Entertainment: Age 30

Brenton Jenkins

Brenton Jenkins, better known to many as DJ Onyx, says he doesn’t remember what his first paid gig was.

He guesses it was a barbecue or birthday party for a friend or relative — he started DJing for events like that when he was 14.

His first big break, he said, came a few years later when he was fortunate enough to land several high-school graduation parties in Longmeadow, where he grew up.

“They’re a big deal in that town,” said Jenkins, who has gone on to much bigger deals in his career as founder and owner of Springfield-based Vision Entertainment.

These include being the resident DJ for UMass Athletics, starting in 2016; at MGM Springfield, starting in 2020; and at the Big E, where he opens for many of the major acts, since 2019, while also handling corporate clients, luxury weddings, and a wide range of large-scale events.

He’s also the entertainment provider for a long list of area schools, and an equally long list of nonprofit events and fundraisers ranging from Baystate Health’s National Health Week to Springfield’s Historic McKnight District’s annual block party, to the Holyoke Police Officers’ Ball.

As an entrepreneur, Jenkins, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management at Westfield State University, has steadily grown his business, consistently adding clients while also broadening the list of services to include photo booths, lighting, and other attractions.

He’s passionate about his work, but also giving back and sharing what he’s learned — about DJing, business, and life in general.

An active member of the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, Jenkins has become involved in several mentorship and apprenticeship programs in the region.

“Passionate about giving back to the next generation, DJ Onyx actively mentors and provides apprenticeships for local youth, introducing them to entrepreneurship and the events industry,” wrote Amie Miarecki, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts, as she nominated him for the 40 Under Forty award. “Through hands-on experience in DJing, event production, and business development, he equips young talent with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in entertainment and entrepreneurship.”

Added Jenkins, “when someone asks me what it means to be successful, I say that it’s about doing something you love and creating wealth for myself and the people around me. And that’s not material wealth — that’s the wealth of life, the wealth of experiences, the wealth of knowledge.”

—George O’Brien

Angela Hansberry

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Financial Planning Assistant, the Jamrog Group: Age 37

Angela Hansberry

For much of Angela Hansberry’s life, horses were the main focal point.

She got her first horse when she was 16 and later majored in equine business management at Johnson & Wales University. After graduating, she spent the next decade managing a horse barn in New Hampshire, working in equine rescue for the MSPCA, and teaching others how to ride.

But then … she was ready for a change, and a move back to Western Mass. And, long story short, while she still rides, her life has a different set of priorities, starting with her twins, Charlotte and Ryan; the latter suffers from autism and Williams syndrome, a developmental disorder that affects many parts of the body.

There’s also a new, emerging career as a financial planning assistant with the Holyoke-based Jamrog Group.

As Hansberry tells the story, a friend working at the Jamrog Group heard she was coming back to the region and asked if she was interested in an office job with the firm. She was, and in one short year, she progressed from receptionist to paraplanner.

“I enjoyed the work, so I decided I wanted to learn more about it; I started studying and taking exams and earning my life and health insurance licenses,” she said, adding that she earned additional designations enabling her to become a retired income certified professional.

While navigating her new career and Ryan’s early interventions, surgeries, and trips to specialists in Boston, she became focused on learning more about special-needs planning — for her own family as well as company clients — an earned the industry designation as a chartered special needs consultant.

“We’ve had a handful of families come to us who have children with special needs,” she said. “So it’s great to have that specialized training and be able to help them.”

Active in the community, Hansberry is a room parent at Meadowbrook School in East Longmeadow, assists with her daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and serves as a ‘parent buddy’ to Ryan as he plays baseball in the Miracle League of Western Massachusetts.

“Angela really is amazing, and an incredible role model for working mothers who prioritize their children and master the art of balancing it all,” said Amy Jamrog, CEO of the Jamrog Group, who nominated her for this award. “She is quiet, humble, and calm; I do not know what our team would do without her contribution to us and her clients.”

—George O’Brien

Diana Guzman

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Vice President of Human Resources, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 36

Diana Guzman

Diana Guzman enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps at age 17, serving for four years and excelling in a human-services role, handling trainings, promotions, changes of assignments and stations, and more.

“After I ended my enlistment, I took a little break to figure out what’s next,” she recalled. “Going from a really structured military world to being on my own was completely strange to me.”

So she continued on an HR path, earning a bachelor’s degree at DeVry College of New York, then returning home to Springfield and earning an MBA at American International College. She wound up at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts as a temporary receptionist, right around the time the HR assistant was leaving. From there, it’s been a steady climb to her current role.

Among her many responsibilities — from staff attendance and performance to recruitment matters to connecting employees with training and resources — Guzman especially loves onboarding new staff members. “We already have this culture at the YWCA, and it’s great to see people come in and contribute to that.”

She also speaks throughout the community about domestic violence and sexual assault, issues the YWCA deals with on a daily basis.

“It really is a pervasive problem, and I’m able to work in an organization where we’re trying to help people, telling them, ‘you’re not alone in this. It wasn’t your fault. We’re here for you.’ Being a part of that, even from an administrative support end, supporting the staff that is doing the work, I’m proud of that.”

Outside of work, Guzman is involved with her church’s children’s ministry and media ministry, and as a board member with the Western Massachusetts World Affairs Council, where she has been able to proudly share her Dominican heritage in myriad ways.

In addition, she is enrolled in a doctoral program in business administration at Liberty University and has launched her own business, Gentle Touch Cosmetics, selling homemade soaps and balms.

But she’s also been a balm to YWCA employees, with the staff recognizing her empathy and professionalism by naming her Employee of the Month.

“Her meteoric rise is a huge accomplishment in and of itself,” wrote CEO Elizabeth Dineen, who, for the second straight year, is celebrating two YWCA employees making the Forty Under 40. “Diana is a great role model for men and women alike as to what it means to be a true professional and patriot.”

—Joseph Bednar

Koby Gardner-Levine

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Regional Manager, Office of Congressman Jim McGovern: Age 29

Koby Gardner-Levine

Koby Gardner-Levine describes his work as being a “jack of all trades.”

Indeed, as regional manager for the Northampton office of U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, he handles everything from overseeing the needs of the 30 municipalities in the western portion of the massive district (most of them in Hampshire and Franklin counties) to assisting individual constituents with matters involving Social Security, veterans’ affairs, IRS matters, and more, to overseeing $8.5 million in Community Project Funding across the district in 2024.

Overall, it’s rewarding work, said Gardner-Levine, who has worked in McGovern’s Western Mass. office for six years, adding that, in many cases, but certainly not all, problems can be solved, and issues can be properly addressed.

“No day is exactly the same as the day before it,” he noted, adding that he often works with constituents one-on-one, but is also out in the community speaking to groups, as he did recently on Medicare policies. “I like being in a role where I’m able to give back to this community and really get a better understanding of the needs in this area.”

The Northampton office is generally busy with constituent calls and inquiries from officials in those 30 communities, he said, adding that the volume of calls has increased exponentially since the start of the Trump administration and its sweeping changes and executive orders.

“Our phones have been ringing off the hook since the new administration took office,” he noted. “We’ve certainly had a lot of constituent outreach on different federal initiatives coming out of the White House, and Congress as well.”

A Clark University graduate with a master’s degree in environmental science and policy, Gardner-Levine serves on the board of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment in Amherst, just one example of his involvement in the community. He also serves on the board of the United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region and is a member of the Hampshire Food Policy Council.

He also works closely with McGovern on food-security issues, and has served as a panelist in discussions hosted by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the Amherst Survival Center, and the Hampshire County Council of Social Agencies to discuss various topics, including last year’s White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

He has also worked in partnership with the African Heritage Reparations Assembly of Amherst, a group with a mission to study and develop reparation proposals for local people of African heritage.

—George O’Brien

Mo Freniere

By George O'Brien April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Deputy Director of Sales, Eastern States Exposition: Age 36

Mo Freniere

Mo Freniere brought a lot with her to her 40 Under Forty photo shoot, all to help capture everything that’s important to her.

There’s a promotional banner for her family’s Prospect Valley Farm in Westfield; a plaque that depicts a leadership award she won; some ribbons from Eastern States Exposition (ESE) won by her family, which has shown cattle and produce for four generations; a picture of her family; materials depicting the Westfield Fair, which she has served in many capacities; and more.

The photo captures the essence of Freniere’s life and career, which, in many ways, has revolved around agriculture, milking shorthorns, fairs, and especially the Big E, which she currently serves as deputy director of Sales.

In that capacity, she oversees the sales and administrative process for all non-fair events and manages the brick-and-mortar food and beverages service, including alcohol partners, during the Big E.

She’s responsible for growing revenue, expanding ESE’s non-fair event portfolio, and attracting new trade shows and events, and she has been successful in rebuilding that side of the Big E’s business since the difficult COVID years.

“We’re looking pretty good … it’s been a few years until these events have gotten back up to scale, but we’re steadily improving,” said Freniere, who earned a degree in animal science with a focus on agricultural finance at Cornell and worked for the Holstein Assoc. USA and briefly at Hampshire College before joining Eastern States Exposition in 2019.

A list of all she has done within the Western Mass. community — and beyond — also helps tell her story. She is or has been a member of the International Assoc. of Fairs & Expositions, an American Milking Shorthorn Junior Society advisor, a Wyben 4-H Dairy Club leader, Westfield Fair Assoc. secretary and Vendor and Concessions coordinator, a member of the ESE Ag & Ed advisory committee, an ESE milking shorthorn breed representative, and an ESE judging competition superintendent.

And while she doesn’t show cattle at the Big E any longer, because of her position with the company, her family does, and that’s just one of many forums for exhibiting their milking shorthorns.

“We travel all over the country showing our cattle,” she said. “Locally we do really well, regionally we do OK, and nationally we hold our own, so we’ve got room to grow.”

—George O’Brien

Amber Estelle

By Joseph Bednar April 24, 2025

Class of 2025

Clinical Director, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 32

Amber Estelle

Every year, BusinessWest lets readers know who is that year’s highest-scoring 40 Under Forty honoree, in the eyes of the five judges. And no one earns that honor by doing easy work.

That’s especially true for Amber Estelle.

As part of the leadership team at the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, her roles range from handling staff trainings on sexual-assault cases to supporting staff dealing with children who witnessed violence to supervising the sexual-assault and domestic-violence hotline. “The calls can be intense and triggering,” she said of the latter.

Again, not easy work. And not everyone comes out on the other side into a better situation, and no one at the YWCA has a hero complex, thinking they can save everyone.

“But the people who successfully leave the program, they’re always a reminder why I love doing what I do, even if it’s just that one person,” Estelle said. “We’re seed planters. We’re not always meant to make someone grow or blossom. But if they just leave here as a survivor … that one story goes a long way.”

At age 27, Estelle was appointed to oversee two four-year grants from the U.S. Department of Justice, one for adults and another for youths, to support survivors of human trafficking. She’s also a public speaker at conferences, colleges, jails, and nonprofits about domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. A member of her church’s Sing Praise Team, she is also a frequent facilitator at church conferences, speaking about mental health. In her spare time, she also plays volleyball competitively..

She’s also an adjunct professor in Connecticut’s community-college system, teaching human-services courses for men in medium- and maximum-security prisons.

“A lot of people make wrong decisions. But being in prison does not make you a bad person. You just did something wrong. It doesn’t make any of us who are not in prison any more perfect,” Estelle said. “For them, the whole point is to rehabilitate, to be able to take something and learn something while they’re there so they can incorporate it into the rest of their lives when they leave.”

Many inmates are discouraged about their job prospects, she added, but social work is a career where many find that second chance.

“This field is very welcoming of people with lived experiences. You can use what you’ve been through as a tool to help people and encourage others to make different decisions so they don’t follow that path.”

—Joseph Bednar

Meet the class of 2025 and read their stories below.

A World of Good

From the Ground Up

Hands-on Education

Making IT Happen

Hub of Opportunity

Forward Thinkers

Cooling the Drama

What Is a Workplace Investigation?

Is an Investigation Really Necessary?

The Risk of Inaction or Poorly Executed Action

Who Should Conduct the Investigation?

What Should a Typical Investigation Involve?

Final Thoughts

Community Spotlight

Strong Arguments

Progress Report

Greenfield at a Glance

Coming Attractions

Director, Five College Center for World Languages: Age 39

CEO, Community Health Center of Franklin County: Age 39

Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Impact, Fontaine Brothers Inc.: Age 38

Owner, Guerrera Writer LLC: Age 36

Manager, Licensing & Permitting, Eversource: Age 36

Partner, Director of Acquisitions, Urbanist Development: Age 39

Vice President, Head of Internal Audit, PeoplesBank: Age 38

Senior Director of Philanthropy, Shriners Children’s New England; Age 38

Program Supervisor, Hampden County Sheriﬀ’s Office: Age 37

Director of Editorial, EBONY: Age 26

Senior Marketing Specialist, Trinity Health Of New England: Age 32

President and CEO, Follow My Steps Foundation Inc.: Age 29

CEO, Rewarding Insurance Agency: Age 37

Project Manager, Tighe & Bond: Age 36

Assistant Vice President, Commercial Loan Oﬃcer, Monson Savings Bank: Age 34

Service Operations Manager, Colonial Life: Age 39

Birth and Postpartum Doula and Childbirth Educator, Perinatal Wellness Partners: Age 38

Executive Director, United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region: Age 35

Co-owner, Lock and Key Realty: Age 39

Practice Owner, Smileworks Family Dentistry and Palmer Smiles: Age 37

President, Morduct LLC: Age 39

Farm & Food Products Program Director, Western Massachusetts Food Processing Center: Age 34

Advanced Practice Clinician Manager of Care Delivery, Education, and Training, Commonwealth Care Alliance: Age 38

Senior Associate, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.: Age 24

EMS Coordinator, Baystate Health: Age 34

Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, UMass Chan Medical School – Baystate; Associate Program Director, Greenfield Family Medicine Residency Program: Age 36

Assistant Vice President of Compliance, Mount Holyoke College: Age 30

Tax Department Manager, Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C.: Age 37

Executive Director, One Village Inc.: Age 37

Founder, Vision Entertainment: Age 30

Financial Planning Assistant, the Jamrog Group: Age 37

Vice President of Human Resources, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 36

Regional Manager, Office of Congressman Jim McGovern: Age 29

Deputy Director of Sales, Eastern States Exposition: Age 36

Clinical Director, YWCA of Western Massachusetts: Age 32

Daily News

News

Contact

Departments

Events