40 Under Forty 2021: Ryan Hacker

Photo | Erika Sidor Ryan Hacker

Photo | Erika Sidor 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021 members (from left) Alyssa Glennon, Ryan Hacker, Grace Lam, and Therese Susienka, DMD at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston (Special thanks to Tower Hill)

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By Monica Benevides

Ryan Hacker, 31

Title Architectural & construction project manager
Company UMass Medical School, in Worcester
Residence Worcester
Birthplace Worcester
Colleges Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Click here to read about the other 40 Under Forty, Class of 2021
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Ryan Hacker has impacted the Worcester community both on the job and off. In his capacity at UMass Medical School, Hacker has been involved in a multitude of projects, including the fit-up of the $400-million Albert Sherman Center, the Mass. Department of Transportation and Veterans Affairs land transfer, and now the newest building on campus, the $325-million New Education and Research Building.

When the coronavirus pandemic first hit, he was called upon to assist with the set up and management of public testing facilities, a distinction he is particularly proud to have as an essential employee helping to support frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable populations. When he’s not working on projects at UMass, Hacker serves as the president of the board for ArtsWorcester. While at the organization, he was tasked with designing and overseeing the nonprofit’s new $800,000 downtown headquarters project, as well as helping to lead the organization through the perils of 2020. Outside of the arts, Hacker serves as an election warden for the City of Worcester Election Commission, is involved in local politics, serves as a member of Worcester Box 4 Special Services Canteen, as well as an emergency incident volunteer.

What decade would you time travel to? 1950s/early 1960s - I love mid-century modern art and architecture, and retro cars, so this seems like a good time period for those things!

What Central Mass. activity should everyone try? A visit to one of our many great museums or art institutions; we have so many hidden gems! No need to go to Boston for arts and culture!

What message would you like to give your 10-year-old self? Don’t worry if people think you’re a little different; everyone is unique, and those qualities should be celebrated!