A collaborative effort to enhance and sustain the momentum of Worcester’s renaissance
Worcester Homecoming is an initiative designed to bring together and celebrate high-achieving individuals with roots in the Worcester area—those who grew up here, studied here, or built part of their careers in the region before moving elsewhere.
The heart of the initiative is a special 1.5-day gathering that invites these expats back to Worcester to reconnect with the city, experience its growth firsthand, and explore emerging opportunities across business, culture, education, innovation, and community development.
Modeled in part after the successful Detroit Homecoming, Worcester Homecoming seeks to enlist the passion, expertise, and resources of Worcester expats in supporting the city’s continued progress. But it’s more than just an event—it’s an ongoing effort to keep Worcester’s extended network informed, inspired, and engaged with the city’s transformation. By sharing stories of progress, spotlighting local initiatives, and fostering meaningful relationships, we aim to help expats discover new ways to stay connected—whether by contributing ideas, lending expertise, or investing in the city’s future.
At its core, Worcester Homecoming is about rekindling pride, deepening personal ties, and celebrating the shared passion that so many carry for this dynamic, evolving city.
Our Team
The Worcester Homecoming team is aimed at driving inclusive economic growth in the region and building a strong network of notable alumni who feel deeply connected to our city and community.
Homecoming Board Co-Chairs
Sherri Pitcher, Notre Dame Academy
Thomas E. Ryan, Brakeley Briscoe, Inc.
Honorary Chair
Megan Fletcher, Benefit Cosmetics
Finance Co-Chairs
Chancellor Michael F. Collins, MD, UMass Chan Medical School
Ralph Crowley, Jr., Polar Beverages
John C. Roche, The Hanover Insurance Group
Finance Committee
Michael P. Angelini, Esq., Bowditch & Dewey
Ronald Fraser, Avidia Bank
Abraham Haddad, D.M.D
Marketing Committee
Catherine Mailloux Deane
Timothy Hally, Munq
Deborah Penta, PENTA Communications, Inc.
Program Committee
Melanie Bonsu, Saint-Gobain
Dennis Kerrigan, The Hanover Insurance Group
Troy Siebels, The Hanover Theater
Noreen Johnson Smith, Ecotarium
Expat Committee
Paul Demoga, Esq.
Roseann Fitzgerald
Patricia N. Peterleitner, Journey Education
Peter Stanton, Worcester Business Journal
William Wallace, Museum of Worcester
Ex-Officio
James P. McGovern, Congressman
Mayor Joseph M. Petty
Eric D. Batista, City Manager
Harriette L. Chandler, Former Senate President
Executive Director
Edward P. Madaus
Program & Operations Manager
Kara Metraw
Event Director
Suzanne DeGeorge
Website Design
Drujon Design
Videographer
Munq Creative