As market president of the largest Central Massachusetts bank – with $7 billion in local deposits across 27 branches – Edwin Shea sits atop the biggest opportunity to shape the region, by financing business ventures and donating to nonprofits.
Shea has been with Bank of America for more than 35 years, and while the bank is global, Shea is mindful of his role in supporting Worcester’s unique identity. In November, one of those opportunities was a $50,000 grant for the Family Health Center of Worcester for virtual leadership training. In January, it was giving $100 to the Worcester County Food Bank for every Bank of America employee who received a COVID-19 booster vaccine.
Other efforts have included partnering with the New England Patriots Foundation to provide resources to a half dozen nonprofits, including the Worcester women’s shelter Abby’s House; sponsoring the Worcester Red Sox Foundation’s Care-A-Van to aid homeless people; donating to the Worcester Together Fund in helping nonprofits weather the pandemic; and supporting the EforAll initiative to foster entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities.
What sets the Central Mass. business community apart from the rest of the world? We have the intellectual resources of some of the country’s top colleges and universities, attractively priced commercial and residential housing, a thriving business community, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit. And, of course, the WooSox now call Worcester home, which has brought so much vitality and excitement.
Cocktails & dreams: I loved being a bartender nights and weekends for about seven years, which paid for my college education.
