Emily has been a licensed clinical social worker for almost 40 years and currently has a private practice, working primarily with adults.

When Connecticut nonprofits and social enterprises face executive transitions or financial challenges, Dorothy is there to help. In addition to board facilitation and executive coaching, she fills senior management roles. for area nonprofits. Dorothy is keenly interested in social impact investing and improving the funding and capital structure of social-purpose organizations, especially those serving our at-risk populations.

Susan recently retired from JP Morgan, where she held a variety of roles in investment banking and wealth management for over three decades.

David Allon is a journalist, lawyer, and entrepreneur currently working at Braddock Financial LLC, a mutual fund manager and former hedge fund company that has specialized in asset backed securities for more than 25 years.

An entrepreneur, Alycia is the co-founder and CEO of Kids U, a chain of recreational facilities for children in Connecticut and New York.

A Partner since 2014, along with his wife, Paula, Mark also holds the role of Executive Director for the organization. With more than thirty years of experience as a senior advisor, investor, and partner to Fortune 500, mid-size companies and leading nonprofit organizations, and foundations, Mark brings an invaluable skill-set to the role.

Dave retired from a nearly 25-year career at AllianceBernstein, an investment research and management firm, and now works with new businesses at the intersection of finance and technology. He is a member of the Board of Directors at the Family & Children’s Agency in Norwalk and the Board of Trustees at Bronx Charter School for the Arts in New York City.

Craig seeks to apply his financial management experience and skills to SVP's efforts toward closing the Opportunity gap.

John is a senior technologist who enjoys solving business challenges through the effective use of technology. With over 30 years of experience, John has seen massive change in both technology and its use.

Roy is an experienced entrepreneur and senior level executive with over 30 years of experience in marketing, business development, and operations in the telecommunications and technology sectors.

David is a private investor with over 20 years of grantmaking experience and currently serves on the board of the Helen and William Mazer Foundation. A consultant to small businesses, he is a reviewer for the New Market Tax Credit Program and was the founding director the Center for the Development of Social Finance.

Jill currently practices family law at the Westport office of Pullman & Comley, a full-service firm with offices throughout Connecticut. Jill brings to her work a deep empathy for families managing the complex legal, financial and emotional transitions that come with divorce.

Larry is an executive with 25 years experience in the water industry and is currently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority. He is also a founding board member for the Connecticut chapter of Conscious Capitalism.

Wendy has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector throughout her career. After leaving the practice of law, Wendy became the Director of Development for an educational organization in NYC, followed by nine years working with the founders of the organization on the management of their family foundation. Most recently, Wendy co-founded and co-led Impact Fairfield County, a collective giving circle for women of Fairfield County, CT.

Mary Lou spent over 30 years as an institutional investor, portfolio manager and consultant in the commercial real estate industry in Boston. Earlier in her career she was a commercial lender and a grant/loan program manager at two nonprofits. After retiring in 2019, Mary Lou focused her attention on nonprofit Board positions and work at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. A former Partner and Board Member of SVP Boston, Mary Lou joined SVP Connecticut after relocating to the New Haven region.

Althea is the Executive Director of the state's first Cradle to Career Initiative - Waterbury Bridge to Success Community Partnership. Using a collective impact approach with an equity lens, Bridge to Success collaborates with over 90 community partners including Waterbury Public Schools, businesses, local public and private organizations that are passionate about creating opportunities for local youth to ensure they succeed in school, career and life.

Annie and Jon Burleigh have been active in Connecticut-based charities for many years.

Philip Butterfield served as Chairman of HSBC Bank Of Bermuda from May 2012 to December 2015 and upon his return to the States, joined SVP in 2017.

Dr. Vernée Butterfield grew up and worked between New York, Connecticut and Bermuda, which provided a unique perspective of many educational systems. These experiences instilled in her a passion for and dedication to excellence in education, ensuring that all children are given an opportunity for global citizenry and responsibility.

Carol is a finance and transformation leader who is passionate about leveraging her expertise to advance the work of nonprofit organizations. Most recently, she served as Ernst and Young’s Global CFO Markets responsible for global finance service delivery excellence and led the governance, solution and benefits realization for EY’s Global financial and engagement management system implementation. In addition to her 37+ years of Big 4 client service, transformational leadership and financial experience, Carol has served as a Chair, Vice Chair, and member of the development and finance committees for multiple nonprofits boards.

An important theme throughout Yolanda's professional life is developing leaders to advance racial equity and social justice. She is a consultant for Five Frogs, the organization building a diverse, representative force of Connecticut leaders to build a more equitable state. Yolanda co-leads the Race Equity Committee for SVP.

Gene is a highly experienced oil and energy professional who had a 38-year tenure with Texaco International overseeing operations in more than 40 countries throughout the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, South America, West Africa and Canada.

During his 30+ year-career in the insurance industry, Ron has continually demonstrated entrepreneurial success within a corporate environment.

Stephen Cowherd is a corporate attorney and member of the Connecticut law firm of Pullman & Comley, LLC who focuses his practice in the areas of health care and administrative law. He has more than 25 years of experience representing clients in mergers and acquisitions and other transactions, as well as before regulatory agencies.

Vicki joined SVP-CT in 2014 after learning about the organization through her work with the Board of Directors for Fairfield County's Community Foundation. A member of the FCCF board since 2009, Vicki became Chairman in 2013.

Laura is a Managing Director at JPMorgan with over twenty years of experience advising individuals, families and foundations. She leads a team guiding clients on all aspects of wealth management including strategies for impactful philanthropy.

Peter is an experienced private equity and venture capital advisor and investor most recently with Aberdeen Standard Investments.

A not-for-profit arts producer, Nancy Diamond has presented theatre, film and dance in the tri-state area for more than 30 years.

Nicholas Donofrio is a 44-year IBM veteran where he held roles of increasing responsibility including the coveted position of Executive Vice President Innovation and Technology. He was also selected as an IBM Fellow, the company’s highest technical honor. Nick is focused sharply on advancing education, employment and career opportunities for under-represented minorities and women.

This dynamic duo were two of SVP-CT's founding Partners which isn’t surprising considering their active support and leading roles in many community organizations.

Samantha is the Managing Director of a branding firm in Stamford where she oversees operations and manages large scale branding projects for clients in a variety of sectors. Some of her most purposeful projects have included strategic planning and design for nonprofits focused on youth-centered urban farming and childhood literacy. She has also served on the board of Groundwork Bridgeport since August 2019.

Dick has been working as a volunteer, Board member and supporter of private, public and charter schools in Connecticut for over three decades. His involvement in the education sector is extensive and he brings a deep understanding of the issues related to the achievement gap to SVP Connecticut.

As an Associate Director, Vice President at FactSet Research Systems, she has built content and technology products for over 17 years.

Eileen is an attorney practicing in Westport and serves as the appointed assistant town attorney for the Town of Westport. Deeply engaged in civic matters, Eileen served as an elected representative in the Westport town government for almost 12 years.

Greg is an experienced leader and financial professional. In addition to his work in corporate finance, strategy and mergers and acquisitions, Greg has helped develop an online platform connecting aspiring collegiate golfers and collegiate golf coaches.

In 2020, Jim transitioned into the world of social impact and philanthropy with a purpose of guiding young adults to discover and activate their potential. His goal is to work with educational and human development organizations to empower these young adults to shape a future that leads to personal and professional growth.

Rob Fried is a musician, philanthropist, businessman, visionary, and co-architect/founder of Band Together CT, a musical enterprise that has helped raise over $3 million for local charities.

Shaun is a Partner and Managing Director at Cambridge Insurance Advisors focusing on employee benefits, executive benefits, high net worth planning and due diligence for mergers and acquisitions.

Through is work with several organizations, Pat has been instrumental in providing best in class co-educational STEM programs to more than 10,000 inner city youth in Bridgeport, South Norwalk and Stamford. Drawing upon his experience as a retired CFO and CPA, Pat also volunteers during tax season for the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program to provide free tax preparation to over 3,000 residents in our community.

Jen has a background that spans both for-profit management consulting and nonprofit management. Most recently, she served as the deputy/managing director focused on strategy and operations for two different nonprofits: Columbia’s Center for Public Research and Leadership and The Partnership for Inner-City Education.

Lana is the Executive Director of Women’s Mentoring Network which empowers women and their families to enter the workforce as stronger, more confident individuals.

Lindy serves as a Senior Specialist with the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development and brings a deep knowledge of workforce development to SVP.

Gary has an extensive background in public and private debt and equity investing as well as experience in manufacturing management and online travel technology.

Roni is a Corporate Social Responsibility professional at Tauck, where she leads the Impact department’s efforts around corporate philanthropy, disaster response, sustainability and volunteerism. Roni is a passionate and visionary CSR leader, who believes corporate organizations have the power to be a force for social good.

Steve is the CEO of audio innovation firm Amplifi media and is recognized as a thought leader in audio programming, marketing and management. He has created and developed successful radio brands around the country, and nurtured and advanced local and national broadcast talent.

As a daughter and granddaughter of teachers, Stacey believes in the transformational impact of education and related programs for children.

Virginia's passion is helping primary and secondary children to prepare for life and achieving their potential.

Andy is a highly successful tech entrepreneur and advocate of progress. A catalyst for change, Andy is an active supporter of entrepreneurship in Connecticut.

Jill is a long-time school psychologist now in private practice who shares her expertise through pro bono work as well as consultations with families and schools.

Dr. Marian Gryzlo has an EdD in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher College and an MBA in Marketing from Iona College. She is adjunct faculty for Manhattanville College, teaching leadership in its graduate program, and is guest lecturer for Baruch College on cause marketing and corporate partnership development.
Most recently she led strategic partnership development at Ronald McDonald House New York, where she helped generate millions in resources for pediatric cancer patients and their families. She is enthusiastic about creating strategies that benefit causes and create social value.

Over the last 30 years, Mark has been a partner, senior investment professional and senior executive at several of the world’s leading investment firms including SAC Capital Advisors, The Blackstone Group and General Electric Capital and currently is the Managing Partner for Backcast Partners Management, LLC.

Lisa brings more than 10 years of experience in grantmaking with The Community Fund of Darien to SVP. Currently she serves as the Grants Director.

After spending over 20 years in investment management as an equity portfolio manager and analyst, Elaine has focused her attention on charitable causes, both local and global. Most recently, she spent 7 years as Board President for a Fairfield County nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support and services to children in the custody of the state.

Chuck works in the asset management field, currently as the Director of Research at Clearbridge Investments.

JP learned about SVP by harnessing the power of the internet when a Google search about philanthropy and social entrepreneurship in Connecticut led him to our website.

Robin has more than 40 years of experience in corporate communications, foundation leadership, academic public affairs, brand management, and crisis communications. He has a record of developing powerful and cohesive strategies for leading brands, including Merck, United Technologies, Yale University and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Paul Diego Holzer serves as Executive Director of Achieve Hartford!, an action-oriented, cross-sector collaborator focused on engaging the private sector to expand opportunity, improve effectiveness, and increase student success in Connecticut's capital city.

Tricia is the Executive Director of Five Frogs, Inc., a statewide nonprofit focused on leadership development. Prior to her current role, she oversaw the Fund for Women & Girls for nine years at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

Randi’s professional career has focused on educating and mentoring children and has largely focused on those with learning disabilities.

Mary Wallace Jaensch is the Founder and Chief Design Officer for Last Big Gig LLC, providing career transition and innovation coaching, and supporting professional women in designing their next career sequel that delivers higher levels of satisfaction, freedom and happiness.

After serving as a member of the board for the BIC Corporate Foundation since 2014, Alison was tapped to become Executive Director in 2020. She currently leads strategic planning and partners with non-government organizations to deliver educational programs for disadvantaged youth impacting more than 115,000 people in 20 countries. She is also the founder and CEO of Page 2 Consulting, a boutique organizational development advisory to help purpose-driven leaders scale their organizations globally.

Karen has over three decades of executive international NGO/nonprofit management experience and academic leadership. Currently she is a consultant supporting domestic and international organizations with unique missions that serve marginalized communities to help their boards expand institutional capacity and strategically create long-term, robust and sustainable resource development efforts.

Tripp is Executive Director of the Jeniam Foundation, a small family foundation based in Connecticut.

With experience in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations, Tripp is well-versed in major donor development, operational management, evaluating proposals/grants and technology projects.

As a marketing executive and entrepreneur, Peter's experience includes senior roles with private and public companies, developing business and branding strategies and managing revenue growth.

Peter volunteers as a mentor in college prep, undergraduate business studies and with the prison system's Family ReEntry program. He received degrees from Tulane University and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business (Go Blue!). Peter currently resides in Fairfield with his wife, Jackie and their Golden Retriever, Bode.

James is a financial markets executive with experience running global teams across multiple traded products. Most recently he worked for CIBC as Head of Global Markets in the US. He was previously CIBC’s Global Head of FX and has also held senior roles in Foreign Exchange at Citibank, as well co-founding a systematic FX trading business and working for a hedge fund.

James and his wife Susan have over time directed their philanthropic efforts to try to narrow the opportunity gap and, having recently retired from the financial services industry, James is now looking for ways to contribute his time to add to those efforts. While both originally from the UK, James and Susan are long time residents of New Canaan.

Don Kendall has been the catalyst and driving force in the creation of SVP Connecticut and served as the founding Board Chair until July 2022. A serial entrepreneur and philanthropist with a passion for creating and leading startups, Don uses the power of business models to solve pressing social problems and works with founders to help their dreams come to life.

Illinois natives and proud University of Illinois (U of I) alums, Bruce and Linda Koe view retirement as a time to give back. Linda and Bruce are active with Trinity Church in Greenwich, and founded the Loaves & Fishes mission shaped community in order to involve the congregation in serving the food insecure.
The Koes live in Stamford and are proud parents of two children and even prouder grandparents of four grandchildren.

Dawn's philanthropic passion is educating others in nutrition and empowering underserved children.

Tom Kreitler is a Partner at Eaton Partners, a leading global fund placement agency, where he leads the hedge fund/public market strategies fundraising team.

In September 2014, Chris concluded his 26-year tenure with J.P. Morgan Securities. Soon after he joined SVP to apply his financial management experience toward SVP’s goal of closing Connecticut’s opportunity gap.

A seasoned veteran of the financial industry, Adam brings more than 30 years of high yield/leveraged finance experience to his work with SVP.

Eiich has spent his career in the financial industry and has nearly 30 years of experience including stints at Merrill Lynch and Goldman, Sachs & Co. before founding Cook Pine Capital with his wife, Yumi.

Inspired by her experience growing up in Japan and the United States and her struggle to embrace and appreciate both cultures, Yumi founded the Global Citizens Institute, a youth empowerment social enterprise, to provide effective global education for students from around the world.

Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Lazarus is deeply engaged in philanthropy and the social sector. She has been involved with Fairfield County’s Community Foundation’s Fund for Women & Girls since 2013 and currently serves as the Chair of the Steering Committee and is also a member of the community foundation’s board of directors.

Adam has nearly 25 years’ experience in financial services and is a Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager Director with Morgan Stanley. From their experience raising an adult son on the Autism spectrum, Adam and his wife, Dedra, became passionate about using physical fitness to empower children with Autism and co-founded ASD Fitness Center a sensory-friendly facility that provides a safe fitness environment for individuals living with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families.

Jack Loop is the CEO of The Loop Company, a business development company focused on building products for consumers from all walks of life such as TheHomeCard.com, a credit/debit card and SavMoney.com, to help consumers from all income levels save towards a down payment to buy a house. Jack was a founding board member of Future 5, a Stamford based nonprofit which helps students graduate from high school and progress to a 2- or 4-year college or find a career path. He was also on the board of Voices of September 11, a New Canaan based nonprofit that provides counseling support to families and communities impacted by tragedies.

Cynthia Lyon is a Management Consultant with expertise in workforce development, talent development and retention. She has a 25+ year proven track record of designing, implementing and managing programs and streamlining processes to achieve tangible objectives. Currently she runs the Leadership Fairfield County professional development program. Prior experience includes tenures as the Vice President of Higher Education and Human Capital Services at The Business Council of Fairfield County and Executive Director of Operations for Vestron.

Paige MacLean is an independent consultant who collaborates with social entrepreneurs and philanthropists seeking to address our most pressing social issues. Paige provides strategic advising, leadership coaching and design services that leverage her 20+ years of experience in organizational leadership and development, strategy consulting, and fundraising. Most recently, Paige served as the Executive Director of AF Accelerate, a division of the Achievement First charter school network.

Ceci is a highly experienced nonprofit consultant with a long year career in the nonprofit space. Most recently she was the CEO of Person-to-Person, a social service agency serving 25,000 people annually in Fairfield County, from 2005-2019.

Shannon has worked in PK-12 and higher education for almost two decades. As a native of Connecticut, she is committed to narrowing the state’s achievement and opportunity gaps and raising academic outcomes for all students through advocacy, public awareness, and capacity building.

Jeff Marinstein is the Founding Principal of Marinstein & Company, a management advisory focused on strategy at the intersection of business and technology. Jeff provides interim CIO and CISO services for small and medium business and is an advisor to senior executives in large enterprise, mid-market companies, and startups. He is also an Instructor-in-Residence at the UConn School of Business teaching executive education classes in blockchain. Prior to founding his own firm, Jeff spent 18 years at IBM as the global head of business strategy and M&A in IBM Global Services. Jeff is a frequent speaker on blockchain and author of the forthcoming blog “Blockchain for Grownups – Practical Uses of Blockchain.”

With over thirty years of experience in the commodities industry, Jeff likes to say that his conversion to the clean energy business began after watching a documentary about global warming. “I feared that someday my children or grandchildren might turn to me and ask, ‘What were you thinking?!’ " He is now a serial entrepreneur and investor in growth companies, principally in the clean energy field.

Marianna believes every child deserves the right to reach their full potential and is dedicated to providing high-quality, developmental early education for underserved children.

Mark McCall is a Managing Director of Lime Rock Partners, a private equity investment firm focused on the upstream oil and gas sectors. Recently he returned from a leave of absence from the firm to accept a Presidential appointment, serving as the Executive Director of the Loan Programs Office at the U.S. Department of Energy in the Obama administration.

Scot is an Internet and digital media CEO and board member with over 20 years of experience in consumer and B2B services, online advertising, M&A and strategy. Now looking to expand his philanthropic impact, Scot's experience with a nonprofit work development organization is being leveraged by SVP-CT's developing focus on youth unemployment.

Patrick J.P. Millot is a global industrial executive with multiple international assignments in general management and financial functions, and a strong record of business transformation, profitable growth, and cash generation. Currently, he is Chief Executive Officer of LATICRETE, a 2nd generation family business (CT, USA), global leader in chemical materials for tiles& stones and flooring systems. Patrick began his career in the French Civil Service, with posts in France, Hong Kong and Belgium.

With nearly 30 years of experience in corporate technology roles, Arthur has a passion for helping organizations by ensuring their technology and business operations are optimized to help them achieve their mission and vision.

Maria Isabel Mojica is an independent consultant with deep expertise in community change and philanthropy working with emerging, growing, or turnaround organizations with collaborative and mission-focused culture.

Courtney Murphy has over a decade of experience advising large companies on their corporate social engagement and philanthropic strategies.

Amy has a professional background in management consulting and is the co-founder of a start-up firm, Opine, which provides consulting services for small businesses.

Bernadette 'Bernie' Park is currently a DNP student at Yale School of Nursing. She has a BS in Nursing from the College of Mt. St. Vincent and an MSN in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing and an Advanced Certificate as an Adult Nurse Practitioner with a focus in Primary care and Oncology from Columbia University.

Jamilah is the founding Executive Director of FaithActs for Education, a grassroots community organizing nonprofit based in Bridgeport. Founded in October 2014, FaithActs is more than 400 members and 50 churches strong and works to build power with faith leader and their congregations to improve educational opportunities in Bridgeport.

Marcia enjoys a successful career as an entrepreneur while working full-time in State and National Association leadership, nurse education, healthcare fundraising, and statewide coalition building. She is currently the Executive Director for The Connecticut Center for Nursing Workforce, Inc., The Connecticut League for Nursing, Inc.; as well as, owner of Marcia Proto Consulting, LLC. Her life’s work has involved connecting people through education and skills training toward fulfilling career paths, particularly in the healthcare field.

Michelle is a Corporate Social Responsibility professional at Marriott International, where she serves as President of the TakeCare Relief Fund, Inc., a charitable organization that makes need-based grants available to Marriott employees who are impacted by a natural disaster or personal hardship.

Trevor has over 30 years of experience in the commercial aviation financing business. He has an established reputation for building teams and strategies to successfully access the domestic and international debt and equity markets in support of the business.

Jill and Tom's professional experiences span the financial, education, technology, media, and telecom industries. Both have been very active in their community and share a mutual interest in education issues and organizations.

Catalina has worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 20 years and brings a wealth of multicultural experience to SVP. Most recently Catalina served as the founding Executive Director of Building One Community (B1C), an immigrant services nonprofit and center for immigrant opportunity serving the greater Stamford community.

Michael Sandifer has focused much of his professional and personal efforts in advocacy and working to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable.

After beginning his banking career at Chemical Bank, Everett concluded a long and successful 23-year tenure with BNP Paribas when he retired in 2012 as the CEO of Corporate and Investment Banking for North America Region of BNP Paribas SA. Everett’s active areas of philanthropic interest include land preservation, youth education, and job training activities,

Drawing upon his successful career in private equity, Barry's most recent work has centered upon supporting start-up and small businesses with a goal of increasing job growth an economic development in Connecticut.

Eric Seidman has more than 25 years of food industry experience. Currently, he consults with food manufacturers and distributors on a range of projects including product development, strategy, branding, sales and marketing.

A fifth generation family business owner, Sylvia founded the Smith Family Council, a governance body for over 150 family shareholders which has owned the Menasha Corporation (a Wisconsin-based manufacturing company) for 160 years. Sylvia served on the SVP Board of Directors from 2017-21,

Joe Smialowski is the founder of The Innovation and Workforce Discontinuity Initiative, which is focused on the impact of technology, globalization, and urbanization on the “future of work.”

Cathy Smith is highly respected throughout greater Waterbury and Connecticut for her lifelong community service and her leadership in philanthropic projects that have significantly improved the region’s quality of life and facilitated economic growth.

A Bridgeport, Connecticut native who has lived in London, New York, and San Francisco among other places, Christina returned to Bridgeport with a passion not only for community development, but the desire to be part of making Bridgeport a place that people love to be! Christina says she pursued graduate studies "with the specific aim of returning to Bridgeport to make my hometown better and restore it to its former glory!"

Jim Smith is the Chairman of the Board and formerly CEO of Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS) and Webster Bank. Since stepping down from his leadership role at the bank, Jim has invested considerable time to developing proposals to stabilize Connecticut’s state budget and stimulate economic growth the State.

Lorna is the CEO of Horizons National, an academic and enrichment program serving low-income, public school students that was one of SVP's earliest nonprofit engagements (2015-18).

Robert joined SVP Connecticut as a founding Partner after he concluded a 21-year tenure with Glencore, Ltd., a leading integrated producer and marketer of commodities. Robert was a founding member of SVP's Executive Board and was the chapter's first Investment Committee chairman.

Tanya's experience in policy development, nonprofit administration, team management, community organizing and legislative advocacy is a great fit for engaging with SVP Connecticut.

Eric's love for business led him to a long and illustrious career at Enterprise Holdings, a global leader in the transportation service industry. Eric began his career as a management trainee in 1992 and quickly rose through the company, culminating with his appointment as Regional Vice President of the Southern New England region, a position he held until his retirement in September 2018.

Michael Storz is President of Chapel Haven Inc., an organization focused on teaching people with autism spectrum disorders and those with mild cognitive disabilities the skills to live independently in the community.

Catherine is vice president of admissions and marketing for Chapel Haven, a nationally accredited transitional living program with a mission of empowering adults (18+) with developmental and social disabilities to live independent and self-determined lives.

Michael Van Leesten is the Director of Pathfinder Hopkins School, an academic enrichment program. Concurrently, he is the Director of Community Development and a mathematics teacher at Hopkins School in New Haven.

Genevive is the CEO and President of the Connecticut Center for Arts in Technology (ConnCAT) in New Haven. Prior to assuming her current position, Genevive served as Director of Programs and designed and oversaw the implementation of the Adult Career Training programs, and Youth Arts After School and Summer programs at ConnCAT.

Rob has had multiple careers that have spanned the legal, publishing, nonprofit and campaign finance sectors.

John and Kristina Weinman met in Architecture School in Chicago and in their 30 years careers have specialized in different areas of architecture: John worked with consulting firms designing research laboratories for universities and government while Kristina concentrated on hospital architecture.

For the past 20 years, in addition to their professional careers, they have been working on developing after school enrichment programs for middle and high school students. Moving to Connecticut has given them the opportunity to continue their work in developing interdisciplinary programs and working with other nonprofit organizations sharing a common goal of helping students in diverse communities such as Bridgeport, New Haven and Norwalk.

Gayle Weinstein has made a career out of giving back to her community. She served three terms as Weston’s First Selectman from 2009-2015, and one term as a Selectman from 2007-2009.

James Weitzman is the Founder & CEO of 1sm. Prior to 1sm, he was the Director of Business Development and Sales at Cockroach Labs, the SQL database for global cloud services that has raised over $108MM in funding from top venture capital firms.

A national expert on education policy design and implementation, Rich is executive director of BeFoundation, a family foundation devoted to dramatic improvement in the education of underserved children in Connecticut and the vitality of their communities.

Pam Workman-Hilton is an established communications leader who works closely executives and entrepreneurs to solve business and brand development needs with communication and public relation solutions.

Ted is an active digital start-up angel investor and advisor with more than 15 years of experience in the capital markets industry. Currently he is the CTO and Founder of MediaCrossing, Inc. an independent digital media trading partner serving publishers, marketers and agencies.

Lizzy is passionate about connecting human hearts & minds to build better societies, businesses & communities. She is the founder of Lizzy Zawy Public Relations, a Stamford-based public relations and communications firm.

Lawrence is the Vice President, Tax at Coinbase, the leading cryptocurrency exchange in the US and a global market leader. He joined Coinbase in January 2020 and has been an active proponent for clarity and dialogue in the tax regulation of the digital asset economy. Lawrence took on his role as the chief tax officer at Coinbase following a long-standing career as a senior tax executive at the General Electric Company and GE Capital and as a tax lawyer at a number of global US law firms.

Lawrence is a long-standing resident of Connecticut and believes strongly in the value and contributions of all of its residents, including its immigrant population. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School (JD) and McGill University (BA) in his native Canada.