The people who help residents find housing, navigate the school system, connect with addiction recovery services or access community resources rarely make headlines. But on June 11, five of those often-unseen public servants are being recognized for the difference they make in the lives of Worcester-area residents every day.
The Worcester Regional Research Bureau announced the recipients of the 2026 Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards, an annual recognition honoring individuals whose work exemplifies dedication, professionalism and service to the community.
This year’s honorees are Christina Connolly of the Worcester Public Library, Emily Glaubitz of the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, Richard Gonzalez of Worcester Health & Human Services, Kelsey Lamoureux of Worcester Public Schools and Sue Obiero of Worcester Public Schools.
Since 1988, the awards have celebrated public employees whose contributions often take place outside the spotlight but have a lasting impact on residents and communities throughout the region. The award is named for Thomas S. Green, a founder and original director of the Research Bureau and a longtime civic leader in Worcester.
Among this year’s recipients is Connolly, the Worcester Public Library’s community resource manager, who has spent more than 25 years working in urban libraries. According to the announcement, she helped establish the library’s Community Resources Department, connecting residents with housing assistance, food resources, healthcare services, employment opportunities and other forms of support.
Glaubitz, manager of housing projects at the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission, was recognized for her work helping communities navigate housing, planning and development challenges. Her projects have included housing production plans, economic feasibility studies and municipal master plans across Central Massachusetts, particularly in smaller communities with limited planning staff.
Gonzalez, a community navigator and recovery coach with Worcester Health & Human Services, was honored for his work supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. According to the announcement, he helped champion a Recovery Court Diversion program that connects individuals struggling with substance use disorders to treatment rather than incarceration. He also founded Net of Compassion, a nonprofit serving people facing homelessness, poverty and food insecurity.
The Research Bureau also recognized two Worcester Public Schools employees whose work touches families and students across the district.
Lamoureux, assistant director of Innovation Career Pathways, oversees programs that connect students with career exploration, internships and work-based learning opportunities. According to the announcement, the program now serves more than 300 students and has expanded partnerships with local employers and workforce organizations.
Obiero, a student assignment officer at the district’s Parent Information Center, was recognized for helping families navigate enrollment and school placement. The announcement noted that she speaks eight languages and often serves as one of the first points of contact for families entering Worcester Public Schools, including newcomers to the United States and families facing significant challenges.
The recipients were selected by a committee representing a range of community organizations from nominations submitted by the public.
“The committee had a very difficult decision this year. All the submissions represented excellence in public service,” Thomas S. Green Public Service Awards Committee Chair Ché Anderson said in a statement. “These five recipients stood out as selfless and passionate individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities.”
Research Bureau Executive Director and CEO Paul Matthews said the annual awards shine a light on public servants whose work strengthens communities across the region.
“The bureau is honored each year to highlight extraordinary public servants with our Thomas Green Awards,” Matthews said in the announcement. “This year’s honorees exemplify committed public servants on a municipal level, in our schools, and serving our communities with regional planning.”
The awards will be presented during a public ceremony at 5 p.m. June 11 at the DCU Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
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