2008 40 Under Forty: Meghan O'Hara Maceiko

Meghan O'Hara Maceiko

Age: 30

Title: Manager, Community Relations

Company: Unum

Company location: Worcester

Residence: Rutland

Career highlights:

I graduated from Saint Anselm College with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics. After a short stint at Fidelity, I was hired by Unum as an individual disability underwriter. After a very competitive interview process, I was promoted to manager of community relations. In this role, I implement Unum’s corporate social responsibility strategies by overseeing the charitable giving and volunteer programs for the Worcester campus. I am an advocate for our nonprofit partners, such as Junior Achievement and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Community involvement:

I serve on the board of directors of NEADS and Central Mass Housing Alliance. I am also a corporator for Big Brothers Big Sisters. For the past few years, I have been an active United Way volunteer. Recently I joined the members’ council at the Worcester Art Museum. I am former Junior Achievement classroom volunteer, but now I do a lot of behind the scene advocacy work for the organization. I enjoy volunteering because I believe you get back so much more than you give.

Biggest professional success:

When I was hired for my current position, I was only 27 years old. I was replacing a legend so I had very big shoes to fill. There were a number of people that doubted my abilities. They thought I was too young or didn’t have the right experience. I was able to win over those that doubted me with a lot of hard work by making the position my own and bringing a fresh perspective.

If you weren’t doing the job you’re doing now, what would you do?

If I could do it all over again, I think I would want to do medical research. My husband and I recently lost our twins who were born premature. I want to do something to spare other parents that pain. Since prematurity still baffles doctors, it is an area of great interest to me.

Favorite movie:

“Rear Window.”

If you were stuck on a desert island, what book would you want to have with you?

I would want to have “The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook,” by Joshua Piven. I would need all the help I could get!