Charles Caron | Chair

Charles Caron, Fitchburg native Local business owner.

Manager, Real Estate Professional, Maker

Hoping my leveraging of a solid academic, real world business practices, real estate, and engineering background helps our community develop a better Fitchburg.

Jay Roy | Vice Chair

Jay Roy was born and raised here in Fitchburg. He graduated from St.Bernard’s High School and received an MBA from Fitchburg State. He went to work managing luxury apartment communities for a fortune 1000 company before leaving to join the fire department in 2015 as a firefighter/EMT, all while also working at the family business Roy’s Home Rehab and RHR Realty, where he’s rehabbed dozens of homes in North Central Mass. He builds quality cedar swing sets for Triumph Play Systems of Ashburnham, and is a self-taught photographer and videographer that does real estate shoots and small business promotion work. For fun, he likes to travel around the world, and visit local restaurants and shops. He lives with his girlfriend and their amazing black lab. Jay joined the board because he has a unique insight into the people of Fitchburg through the Fire Dept. and wants to make a bigger impact on helping this city prosper.

Maribel Cruz | Treasurer

Maribel Cruz was born and raised in Fitchburg. She works as the Economic Development Manager for the North Central Massachusetts Development Corp. an arm the NCM Chamber of Commerce. Previously, she was the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Gardner and has an 18 year history in business banking. Maribel is an advocate for small business with a focus on Latin / Minority and women-owned businesses.

Laura Bayless, PhD | Member

Laura Bayless moved to the City of Fitchburg in 2017 when she joined Fitchburg State University as the Vice President for Student Affairs. One of the things that impressed her about Fitchburg State was the university’s active and positive collaboration with the City of Fitchburg, and she loves that her role on the FRA Board is a piece of that commitment. She is a frequent presenter, consultant, and podcaster. Laura lives in Fitchburg with her husband and an evolving number of her five stepchildren and their friends.

Joseph Bowen | Gubernatorial Appointee / Member

Joe Bowen has called Fitchburg home since 2002, dedicating himself to the city through roles such as Chair of the Fitchburg Cultural Council, co-founder of the NewVue Steward program, and former President of the Fitchburg Cultural Alliance. A champion of downtown revitalization, he helped reactivate Mill Street, establish Main Street Studios and is currently working to launch a Downtown Cultural District—while consistently promoting events that bring people together. With an MBA from Fitchburg State and a Certificate in Business Strategy & Innovation from MIT, Joe blends public and private sector experience to lead with creativity and purpose. He previously owned and operated a chain of theatres and now serves as an IT Director for a global cybersecurity firm. Joe lives in Fitchburg with his family and continues to volunteer his time to initiatives that strengthen the community.