The Insiders 2025: Patty Eppinger

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair wears a pearl necklace and light blue top.

Photo I Courtesy of Patty Eppinger Patty Eppinger, community volunteer

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By Tim Garvin

Patty Eppinger Title Community volunteer Residence Grafton
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WBJ asked 400+ of the most powerful people in Central Massachusetts who they believe are the most influential professional in the region. On top of the list of the top 15 votegetters, we asked those powerful people to write stories about one person they voted for.

I was recently asked: “Who are the MOST influential people in central Massachusetts?”

Not a second passed: “Patty Eppinger.”

An influencer is a person who has the ability and the presence to guide and inspire the actions of others.Yes, Patty is one of the most influential people in Central Mass. And I believe she is so so much more. Patty is a Local Hero. And she is simply Patty.

Patty is a philanthropist; she uses her resources – intellect, heart, and assets – to make Central Massachusetts better. I know this first-hand as our United Way is the benefactor of her family’s transformational philanthropy.

Patty has been and is a board member to numerous important and impactful local organizations, including the EcoTarium and the Worcester Education Collaborative. Yet, she is more than just a board member. Patty is one of those rare people who gets involved, deeply involved. She listens, she organizes, she creates a plan, and she ensures the plan is implemented and successful.

A man with short grey hair wears a blue and white striped button down.

Tim Garvin

Mostly, Patty is a friend – to me and to hundreds, even thousands, of others. Monthly, weekly, sometimes daily, I will pick up the phone and call her; at times to share an idea, to hear her opinion of some local action or policy, to seek her advice, or to recruit her to an effort.

Story by Tim Garvin, president & CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts