OUR 2024 Stories & News
Member Announcement
October 2024
Congratulations to IWF Connecticut member Laura Grondin for being selected as Vice President of the US Sailing Board of Directors for 2024. US Sailing is the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States.
Laura Grondin is a distinguished business leader and an accomplished sailor. As the Owner and CEO of V Industries, Bingham & Taylor, and Hartford Technologies since 1999, she has guided her companies with strategic insight and industry expertise. Grondin is an active member of Vistage, an international organization for CEOs, and brings her leadership skills to the sailing community as Chair of the International Melges 24 Class Association.
Her volunteer leadership spans numerous roles, including serving on the Board of Trustees at Bay Path University and as past chair of several influential organizations. A world-class sailor, Laura has earned top finishes at major events, including 3rd place at the 2023 and 2021 J/70 Worlds and multiple nominations for the prestigious Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.
Announcement can be found at the following link
New Member
October 2024
Melanie Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. and a former deputy editor of the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page. Her latest book is Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman. She is also the author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience and Escape from North Korea: The Untold Story of Asia’s Underground Railroad.
Melanie is a director of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, a member of the advisory council of the George W. Bush Institute, a trustee emerita of Princeton in Asia, and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Trollope Society.
She grew up in Buffalo and has lived in Tokyo, Toronto, Hong Kong and Manhattan.
Additional information about Melanie can be found at the following Link.
New Member
October 2024
Ann Condon is a consequential leader, attorney, and trailblazer who has been at the forefront of driving impactful change in global environmental and social governance. She was a board member and recently served as Interim President of the Institute for Sustainable Communities.
During her distinguished 30+ year career at General Electric, Ann and her team built and led groundbreaking compliance programs that reshaped the company's approach to environment, health and safety, sustainability, supply chain ethics, and product stewardship. Her leadership was pivotal in demonstrating how reducing GE’s environmental impact could deliver business value, showcase GE technology, and position the company as a global leader in environmental innovation.
An Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) thought leader, Ann supported GE’s acclaimed Ecomagination initiative. Her expertise in regulatory policy and technology was critical to advancing achievement of Ecomagination operating goals, pushing the envelope on sustainability, while bolstering GE’s climate and chemical policy leadership.
A frequent speaker on all aspects of ESG, Ann has been a guest lecturer at Yale University and a Visiting Scholar & Member of the Leadership Council at the Environmental Law Institute.
She is a graduate of the University of Connecticut and holds a law degree from George Washington University’s National Law Center.
Additional information about Ann can be found at the following Link
New Member
October 2024
Glendowlyn (Glen) Thames is on the Amazon’s Global Economic Development team, part of the company’s Public Policy organization, as the Head of Economic Development for the Global Economic Development team for the States of CT, MD and NY.
In this role Glen is responsible for delivering value and assistance to Amazon business verticals and its affiliates such as entry to market strategy, public-private partnerships, and expansion efforts to name a few. To date, Glen has played a pivotal role in Amazon’s expansion of its core fulfillment, last mile delivery, corporate offices, and other operation facilities bringing multi-milliondollar investments and thousands of jobs to communities. In addition, she plays an integral leadership role in Amazon’s Supplier Diversity efforts that have enabled Amazon to surpass its $100M spend commitment with CT-based diverse owned and small businesses.
Prior to joining Amazon, Glen led an intentional career in the public sector for over 15 years. More recently, Glen served as Deputy Commissioner, COO & CFO for the CT Department of Economic and Community Development. She was a key contributor in Governor Lamont’s COVID response, inclusive economic growth strategy, community and small business support programming, workforce development, and business recruitment, retention and expansion strategy.
Formerly, she was founding Executive Director of CTNext, LLC where she managed a full array of technology-based economic development programs focused on fostering entrepreneurship, startup and growth stage businesses on behalf of the State of Connecticut. She has deep domain expertise in public policy, public finance, economic development, small business finance, corporate governance, and organizational leadership.
Glen received a B.B.A from Hofstra University and a MA in Public Policy & Law from Trinity College. She was the 2022 recipient of the CT Woman’s Business Development Council’s Impact Award as well as a recipient of the NAACP 100 Most Influential Blacks in CT. In addition, she has served on many quasi public and non-profit boards and was an elected member of the Hartford City Council from 2016-2020 serving as Council President.
Additional information about Glen can be found at the following Link
Announcement
October 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Barbara Pearce IWF Connecticut Board Member and CEO of The Connecticut Hospice Inc. was featured by CBS News on September 30, 2024 covering Hospice and The Connecticut Hospice Inc.
Barbara Pearce, who joined The Connecticut Hospice Inc. in January 2019 has done tremendous work and progress contributing to a stronger organization. The Connecticut Hospice Inc. is America's first Hospice who has set the standard for home and inpatient hospice care from the Branford, Connecticut hospital since 1974.
Link to the CBS News can be accessed here
Congratulations Barbara Pearce and thank you for all you do
Announcement
September 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Jill Adams IWF Connecticut Board Member and CEO of Adams & Knight was named a Hartford Business Journal’s 2024 C-Suite Honoree. We are proud to have Jill Adams as a member and a Board member and thank her for all her contributions to IWF Connecticut.
The Hartford Business Journal’s 2024 C-Suite award honors the top-performing C-suite level executives who have contributed to their organization’s overall growth as well as their community's well-being.
Jill Adams is CEO of Adams & Knight, one of the largest marketing agencies in the state. Her firm specializes in optimizing marketing ROI by integrating advertising, PR, social media, digital marketing, web experiences, and marketing technology solutions.
To learn more about Jill Adams and her achievements, read the following Hartford Business Journal article.
Congratulations Jill Adams.
Announcement
September 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Roberta Wachtelhausen, IWF Connecticut Member for being Hartford Business Journal's 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree. IWF Connecticut is proud of all her achievements and for being recognized for it by the Hartford Business Journal.
Roberta Wachtelhausen has over 30 years of senior leadership experience shaping products and programs at health plans and other health and wellbeing service organizations across Connecticut, including founding the Connecticut-based business WellSpark Health.
It was Roberta Wachtelhausen’s leadership skills and courage that helped her take an idea, bringing it to life and convincing others to invest in the vision. She overcame many obstacles including financial, launching a new brand at the onset of COVID-19 and keeping employees focused on the mission during all of it. She is a leadership power to be reckoned with.
In addition to be a founding member of the National Wellness Alliance (formerly WELCOA) Roberta Wachtelhausen contributes to three local boards: the CT Women’s Hall of Fame, Connecticut Insurance & Financial Services (CT IFS) and the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. She actively volunteers and supports Habitat for Humanity of Central Connecticut.
To learn more about Roberta Wachtelhausen and her achievements read the following Hartford Business Journal article
Congratulations Bert Wachtelhausen.
New Member
August 2024
Leander A. Dolphin is managing partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP. Leander is the managing partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP, a full-service law firm with six offices throughout Connecticut and New York.
Leander is a partner in the School Law Practice Group. Leander advises universities, colleges, public school districts, independent schools, and other public- and private-sector clients on the full range of education and employment matters. She also works with clients to develop and implement effective non-discrimination policies and to address teacher, staff and student discipline concerns, confidentiality and privacy issues in education, and special education disputes, among other areas.
In private practice and as former vice president of human resources and general counsel for the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Leander has dedicated her career to advising educational institutions and organizations that foster the development of children, youth and young adults. An effective litigator and counselor, she draws on her dispute-resolution experience to help clients identify shared goals and find common ground with staff, parents, students and community stakeholders. Leander is a trusted advisor to many of her clients and is regularly sought out for her guidance and access to resources in areas beyond education and employment law.
A skilled educator in her own right, Leander has been an adjunct professor of education law at Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is James W. Cooper Fellow and an American Bar Association Fellow.
A gifted leader, Leander was named by Governor Ned Lamont as a Commissioner of the Connecticut Judicial Selection Committee, and was elected to Chair the Commission, which is responsible for seeking and recommending to the governor qualified candidates for nomination as judges in Connecticut courts. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the CBIA. In 2022, the Connecticut Law Tribune recognized Leander as the 2022 Attorney of the Year, a prestigious annual award given to one Connecticut lawyer who has had outstanding success and has made significant impact on Connecticut’s legal community. Leander was also honored with one of WBDC’s Impact Awards in 2023. Leander was recently named to the Hartford Business Journal’s Power 50 List and Top 25 Women in Business.
Additional information about Leander can be found at the following link.
New Member
August 2024
Katherine Skinner is a global growth transformation executive, advisor and board director with 30 years of experience expanding and creating new revenue streams for early stage to Fortune 100 consumer products companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kimberly Clark, Wendy’s, Walgreens, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch, and Nestle. She guides innovation and digital transformation strategies to meet emerging consumer, portfolio, go-to-market, and new business opportunities. Katherine provides growth strategy, branding, consumer experience and data technology perspectives.
Katherine is currently a Partner with Sevendots, a global strategic growth consultancy serving major CPG companies. She has developed multi-year portfolio and brand strategies for global CPG companies leading to double-digit growth. She has also contributed thought leadership on the topics of the future of personalization at scale and innovation in CPG. As Founder and CEO of her own firm, Consumer Growth Solutions, Katherine advises early-stage to mid-cap consumer companies seeking new ways to scale and accelerate growth. She also advises non-profit organizations in the areas of humanitarian aid, sustainable economic development and STEM education for under-represented communities.
Katherine is the Board Vice Chair and Audit Chair of Global Hope Network International, a global humanitarian aid organization focused on sustainable development to end severe poverty and empower communities. Katherine advises in the areas of organization strategy, fund development and marketing.
Katherine also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Stevens Institute of Technology School of Business to shape the vision as a premier higher-education institution at the intersection of business and technology, and support achievement of the school’s mission.
Katherine holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology, and a Master’s in Business Administration from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
More information about Katherine can be found at the following link.
Announcement
August 2024
Congratulations to IWF Connecticut member Candice Eggerss for being appointed on the board of the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC).
The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is an international, non-profit organization that works to support communities by creating, implementing, and scaling equitable climate change solutions for communities at the frontline of the global climate crisis.
In her role Candice will bring her extensive experience coupled with her passion to serving undeserved communities thrive in the face of a global crisis.
More information about Candice as a Board Member at ISC can be found at the following link
Congratulations Candice Eggerss!
New Member
July 2024
Allison Fillmore is the Founding Chair of the Board of Visitors at Columbia University’s School of General Studies (GS). GS educates non-traditional students and is one of four undergraduate schools at Columbia University. The mission is elite education equality. Allison serves as a board member of Generation S.O.S (share our stories). S.O.S. saves the lives of children from fatal drug overdoses and alcohol poisoning by sharing their own stories amongst each other.
Allison is a Co-Founder and was a Managing Partner of Monitor Capital, LLC a broker dealer specializing in private placements for hedge funds and private equity partnerships. Prior to Monitor, she was a Partner and Managing Director at Sierra Global Management, a European long-short equity hedge fund. She was on the firm’s Investment Committee participating in stock evaluation and portfolio construction utilizing derivatives. Allison was also responsible for the investors who were predominately European Institutions. Before joining Sierra Global, Allison was Head of Strategic Marketing at MarketXT, where she launched an extended-hour ECN (electronic communication network) with a consortium of Wall Street Firms. Allison started her career in E.F. Hutton’s analyst/manager training program. She has 25 years of executive experience in strategic marketing, product management, and relationship development at noted firms such as E.F. Hutton, PaineWebber, and Fidelity Investments.
Allison feels passionately about supporting women and children in need. She served as the Philanthropy Committee Chair of the international nonprofit called, at the time, “100 Women in Hedge Funds” where she is a permanent Angel. She was a board member of High Water Woman and a President’s Council Member to the International Women’s Health Coalition. Allison served as a Sterling Fellow at Yale University, a Whitney Museum of American Art Director Council member, and a Strategic Advisory Board member for Restore NYC.
She earned a BA in Comparative Literature from Columbia University in the City of New York, where she graduated cum laude.
More information about Allison can be found at the following link.
New Member
July 2024
Djuana Beamon is the Chief Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Empower. She is a seasoned diversity and inclusion practitioner and thought leader with more than 20 years of experience in various business capacities. She has served as a diversity, equity and inclusion professional in several industries and sectors, including Fortune 5 and Fortune 100 companies building and implementing strategies to create inclusive environments that strengthens business and encourages a workplace of respect while embracing our unique differences and celebrating our collective similarities.
Djuana currently serves as a steering committee member for the Middletown Racial Justice Coalition, a board member for the University of New Haven Alumni Board of Directors, and as an advisory board member for the Quinnipiac University’s M&T Center for Women & Business. She has previously served as a Board Trustee and Chair of the Governance Committee for the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center in Hartford, CT as well as the Director, Diversity & Inclusion for the Connecticut Society of Human Resources Management (CT SHRM) State HR Council, and as a board member for Our Piece of the Pie. She served on the Advisory Board for the creation of Human Capital Management Media’s Diversity Value Index.
Djuana has been recognized for her accomplishments and was honored as a Class of 2022 Elite 100 by Diversity Woman Media for Excellence in Leadership, 2021 Moves Magazine Diversity & Inclusion Leader, and she received a 2021 Authentic Leadership Award from the Tri-State Diversity Council. She was also inducted into the 2019 class of 100 Women of Color and is a 2018 Minority Inclusion Project Honoree. She has been featured in Savoy and Latino Leaders magazines and has appeared as a guest on Bonnie Marcus’ “Women Mean Business” radio show. She has also been a keynote speaker at local and national conferences and events.
Djuana received her MBA, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management, from the University of New Haven and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Albertus Magnus College. She received her Certificate in Diversity Management and Cornell Certified Diversity Professional/Advanced Practitioner (CCDP/AP) certification from Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations.
More information about Djuana can be found at the following link.
New Member
July 2024
Chief Shelly L. Carter served for 21+ years in the City of Hartford Fire Department. Chief Carter began her career in July of 1999 as a structural firefighter and was promoted to Driver/ Engineer, Lieutenant/Fire Marshals Office, Executive Officer, House Captain of Engine Company 5, and House Captain of Engine Company 10. Chief Carter retired from Hartford Fire in May of 2021.
After Chief Carter's retirement, she was named the Operations and Training Manager/PIO for the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection within the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. The Chief oversaw emergency management operations at the five DEMHS Regional Offices, the State Emergency Operations Center, and the state emergency management and homeland security training and exercise programs. She managed/coordinated emergency response on a 24/7 basis to emergency events across the state and operated as the state's Multi-Agency Coordinator. She also maintained and sustained federal grant funding by coordinating operations, training, and exercise requirements associated with such federal programs as the Emergency Management Performance Grant and the Homeland Security Grant Program, as well as non-government funding programs such as the Nuclear Safety Emergency Preparedness Program.
Upon stepping away from her position at DEMHS in December 2022, Chief Carter was sworn in as the first Black Female Fire Chief of a department in all the New England States. She became the Institutional Fire Chief for the Department of Developmental Services Fire and Emergency Services. She reconstructed DDS FD and brought fire, life safety, and disaster programs statewide, aligning with the department's mission to provide a safe environment for the individuals supported by DDS.
Chief Carter's newest appointment came in January 2024, when she became the assistant fire chief of the Hamden Fire Department. Her current responsibilities include planning, directing, and supervising the department and its personnel in all administration areas, fire suppression and prevention, emergency medical services, and coordinating Volunteer Fire Companies. She assumes responsibility for the department in the temporary absence of the Chief. Inspects personnel, fire stations, equipment, and grounds to ensure compliance with department maintenance, the Occupational, Safety, and Health Administration (OSHA) Act, and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. She assists in technical aspects, administrating town and department personnel rules and collective bargaining agreements. She administers and oversees the Hamden Fire Department’s Random Drug Testing Program to ensure compliance with all safety standards.
Chief Carter is known for creating opportunities and developing future leaders in the fire service. The Chief is the Founder and CEO of Girls Future Firefighter Camp. “GFFC” is an interactive camp for girls ages 13-18 that teaches young ladies everything there is to know about careers in public safety. The camp has been in operation for nine years and is the first and only of its kind in the state. www.girlsfuturefirefightercamp.com
Chief Carter is the Connecticut State Representative for the International Association of Women in Fire & Emergency Services. She currently sits on the International Association of Fire Chiefs Safety and Survival Team board as a trainer for bullying and harassment in the fire and emergency services. She is a member of the Capital Region Fire Marshals Association, International Association of Arson Investigators, International Association of Black Professional Firefighters, Connecticut Instructors Association, CT Career Chiefs, and International Association of Fire Chiefs. She is also a certified trainer for Cultural Bridges to Justice with the Center for Fire, Rescue &EMS Health Research and “United in Service.”
Chief Carter has an associate degree in journalism and communications from Middlesex Community College, a bachelor's degree in fire administration from Charter Oak State College, and a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College. She is a Dr. Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute graduate and is studying to obtain a Doctorate in Critical Infrastructure.
Additional information about Chief Shelly Carter can be found at the following Link.
New Member
July 2024
Vanessa Williams is an established Board Director with extensive experience as a keynote speaker, global executive coach, and CEO.
Vanessa has served as Director and Audit Chair for Internet Services Inc. (ISI) and Director for the following CEO Trust Advisory Boards: First State Bank of Texas, Virginia Industries, Inc., and Tea-rrific! Ice Cream. Additionally, Vanessa was the Board Chair for Easterseals Capital Region & Eastern CT.
She was on the Virginia State University Business Alumni Advisory Board, New England Air Museum, and The Amistad Center for Art & Culture Board. Vanessa is Sarbanes-Oxley qualified financial expert with audit experience and FINRA 6 and 26 designations.
Vanessa’s board contributions have played a critical role in far-reaching corporate decisions. She brings a keen understanding of the imperatives faced by successful boards and consistently provides unique yet actionable insights.
Vanessa routinely leverages her considerable executive experience in auditing, operations management, and talent leadership. She emphasizes and promotes the central role of the customer in every aspect of organizational success.
Vanessa's unique approach gently challenges assumptions and strategies with insightful and thought-provoking questions. She brings a distinctive blend of Fortune 500 C-level operational expertise and a deeply collaborative approach, making her a valuable asset to companies of all sizes and industries. Her career spans healthcare, financial services, and insurance; her client roster is global and includes boards and executives from a wide range of industries.
As the founder and principal of Leading Edge Consulting, LLC, Vanessa serves as a strategic advisor to business leaders. She supports boards, CEOs, executives, and teams, triggering insight and innovation that enables clients and boards to achieve clarity in goal-setting. As a keynote speaker, Vanessa addresses modern businesses' resilience and leadership challenges.
Vanessa's leadership extends to global service operations, relationship management, productivity, and talent development. She has held key positions at major financial services organizations, including Sun Life Financial (Global Customer Experience and US Customer Relations Operations), Prudential Retirement (VP of Client Services), MassMutual Life Insurance, Aetna, and Kaiser Permanente. Her experience underscores her ability to manage complex operations and drive productivity.
Vanessa is a Professional Certified Coach granted by the International Coach Federation. She holds Corporate Board of Directors Certification by CEO Trust's BoardTrust. She earned her Master’s from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her Bachelor's from Virginia State University.
Additional information about Vanessa can be found at the following link.
Announcement
July 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Co-President Lucie Claire Vincent Ortiz, QRD®, has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 50 Women to Watch For Boards by 50/50 Women on Boards™.
This prestigious recognition showcases a diverse group of exceptionally qualified women leaders ready to serve on public company boards across North America.
More Information can be found at the following link https://lnkd.in/e5SXYnCn
Congratulations Lucie Claire!
Announcement
July 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Lakisha Hyatt is the new president for the Middletown Rotary installed June 23, 2024.
Rotary International is celebrating 100 years. Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders who dedicate their time and talent to tackle the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Lakisha's presidential platform will be the promotion of literacy for our children and mental wellness for all in this post pandemic era.
We are also pleased to announce that Lakisha was named by the Connecticut NAACP as one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in Connecticut, an honor bestowed on Saturday June 29, 2024 during a beautiful ceremony held at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino.
Lakisha serves as the CEO for Connecticut Valley Hospital (CVH), part of the Department of Mental Health in Addiction Services, in Middletown. CVH is the largest inpatient public funded psychiatric and substance use hospital in Connecticut serving a bed capacity of 361 and over 100 employees. Lakisha is proud to be the first African American to serve in this capacity, leading on a platform of service, helping others to achieve their greatest recovery potential.
Join us in congratulation Lakisha Hyatt on her appointment and recognition.
New Member
June 2024
Rhonda J. Tobin is Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole and is responsible for leading the development and execution of the firm’s strategic plans, as well as the daily management and operations of the business of the firm. She is a highly-regarded trial lawyer with significant experience in state and federal courts who has spent her 33-year career at Robinson+Cole. Her practice focuses on representing insurance companies in complex insurance coverage litigation, arbitration and mediation including claims seeking extracontractual remedies. Rhonda has been a member of Robinson+Cole’s Managing Committee since 2009 and co-chaired our firm’s 100-attorney Litigation Section from 2007 until she became Managing Partner in 2021.
Rhonda's insurance coverage practice includes the litigation and arbitration of a broad range of coverage issues under commercial general liability, commercial property, directors’ and officers’ liability, professional liability and excess and surplus lines policies. She has substantial experience in commercial property claims-related litigation, including high profile insurance coverage litigation arising out of the September 11 catastrophe. She has significant coverage litigation and trial experience in connection with sexual abuse claims against religious institutions and schools, as well as coverage disputes involving claims arising out of the #MeToo Movement and the COVID-19 pandemic. Rhonda's reinsurance experience includes the arbitration and litigation of reinsurance disputes related to property and casualty and workers' compensation reinsurance.
Rhonda also has significant experience advising clients about potential extracontractual exposure and defending cases alleging bad faith and unfair claim handling practices through trial. She is regularly retained to monitor claims to provide input on good faith claim-handling and settlement practices. She regularly trains and counsels her clients on good faith claim investigation and settlement practices and is a frequent speaker at insurance industry programs on both coverage and claim handling.
Rhonda was selected for recognition in the “Managing Partner of the Year” category as part of Corporate Counsel’s 2022 Women, Influence and Power in Law (WIPL) Awards
She is a Fellow in the highly-selective American College of Coverage Counsel. She was recognized by the National Law Journal as an Insurance Law Trailblazer in its inaugural listing in 2021. In addition, Rhonda was recognized in 2020 by Business Insurance as one of its 30 “Women to Watch” in North America, and by the Hartford Business Journal as one of its 15 “Women in Business” honorees. She has been listed as one of the Top 250 Women Litigators in the United States and a Local Litigation Star by Benchmark Litigation since 2014, included in Best Lawyers in America and included in the Connecticut Super Lawyers® list from 2017 to 2024. She has been listed in the Hartford Business Journal’s 2024, 2023 and 2022 Power Players section, highlighting the region’s 50 most influential leaders.
Rhonda graduated with a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, and with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Spanish from Duke University.
Additional information about Rhonda can be found at the following link.
New Member
June 2024
Johanna Bond is the President and CEO of Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Middletown Central Regional Tourism District. She fosters business growth by enhancing local economies, championing collaborative initiatives and cultivating strategic partnerships.
Johanna built a 30 years career with the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce starting as the Director of Events and moving to becoming the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer leading to her position of President and CEO.
In her role, Johanna provides strategic and visionary leadership, advocates on behalf of Chamber members at local, regional and state levels influencing policies and legislations that impact the business community. She fosters strong relationships with member businesses, understanding their needs and concerns, and providing relevant resources and support. She cultivates relationships with government officials, policymakers, and community leaders to promote pro-business policies and initiatives. She also address the community needs and priorities by collaborating with businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions an government agencies.
Johanna serves as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the Chamber representing its interests to the media, public and various stakeholder. She promotes programs, events and initiatives through various channels.
Her boards, Commissions and Community Involvement include:
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Blue Ribbon Commission on Tourism, Member
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Connecticut Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (CACCE), Member
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Connecticut Convention & Sports Bureau Board of Directors, Member
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Hospital for Special Care, Corporator
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Hospitality Task Force, Member
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Middlesex County Revitalization Commission, Member
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Middlesex Health, Corporator
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Middlesex Health Community Assessment Committee, Member
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Middletown Sports Hall of Fame Committee, Member
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Northern Middlesex YMCA Development Planning Committee, Member
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Northern Middlesex YMCA, Board Member
Johanna is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University and Middlesex Community College.
Additional information about Johanna and the Middlesex County Chamber of commerce can be found at the following link
New Member
June 2024
Rose Velez-Smith is the CHRO of DoubleVerify’s. She is responsible for all aspects of human resources strategy and people function globally, including talent management, leadership development, total rewards, diversity, inclusion & belonging.
Prior to joining DoubleVerify, Rose managed global HR efforts for Pitney Bowes, spending more than two decades with the organization. She served as Vice President of Total Rewards and HR Shared Services, and led the organization’s COVID Management team throughout the pandemic. During her tenure at Pitney Bowes, Rose was responsible for developing and directing Human Resources Talent strategies globally. In addition, she has developed strategic workforce solutions in the areas of employee relations, engagement and development, recruiting, talent acquisition, mergers and acquisitions, and legal and regulatory compliance.
Prior to Pitney Bowes, Rose was Regional Human Resources Director at Navigant International. In this role, Rose was responsible for the overall development and coordination of human resources activities in the Northeast Region, including leading approximately nine acquisitions in a three-year period. She also spent nine years at Champion International in various HR roles.
Rose is actively engaged with her community as a volunteer and is a member of various professional organizations. She served on the board of the ATD (Association for Talent Development) from 2018-2020 and served as their chair in 2020. Previously she was on the Board of Directors for the Child Care Learning Center in Stamford, CT, served and chaired the Fairchester Board of the Networking for Teaching Entrepreneurship (“NFTE”) and served on the Corporate Advisory Board of Prospanica. Currently she services on the Corporate Advisory Board for the Center on Executive Compensation. Rose has been honored by the Hispanic Association of Corporate Responsibility “HACR” as a Young Hispanic Corporate Achiever and she received the Greenwich YWCA’s BRAVA award, which recognizes outstanding women achievers who have excelled in their professional careers and who also volunteer their time and talent to help others.
Rose has a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and master’s degree in Human Resources Development and Counseling from the University of Bridgeport, CT. She also completed several Executive Leadership Programs at the RBL Group, Cornell University ILR School and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
Additional information about Rose can be found at the following link
New Member
June 2024
Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD is Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council and the Chief Workforce Officer of the newly established Office of Workforce Strategy.
She is an owner of two manufacturing companies, Sound Manufacturing, Inc. and Monster Power Equipment, where she served as President and CEO for 14 years before stepping down to take on her new role with the State of Connecticut.
Kelli-Marie serves on the CT Department of Labor Apprenticeship Council, Department of Economic and Community Development Manufacturing Innovation Fund Advisory Committee and is an emeritus board member of Connecticut Business and Industry Association. She served as a member of the Statewide Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Committee for the State College and University System and worked with Three Rivers Community College to develop their Precision Sheet Metal program and the Early College Opportunity Programs.
Kelli-Marie is able to combine her roles in industry and education to develop learning curricula and establish educational pathway programs from secondary through post-secondary educational systems. This includes industry training and development that supports educators in the development and implementation of pedagogy to improve problem solving, critical thinking, and essential employability skills, to benefit students and the workforce pipeline.
Kelli-Marie earned her degree in Educational Leadership and Adult Learning from the University of Connecticut in 2007. She is also the President Emeritus for the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance and continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Eastern Workforce Investment Board.
More information about Kelli-Marie can be found at the following link
Announcement
June 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Judy Casperson, Consultant and Coach at Casperson Consulting, LLC., was recently announced as the recipient of the 2024 West Hartford Chamber Elizabeth Gustin Basil Women’s Leadership Award.
Judy's commitment to community, leadership, education, human services, and advocacy are some of the few reasons that contributed to her being the recipient of this award.
More information can be viewed at the following link
Join us in congratulating Judy on this award and recognition.
Announcement
June 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Carol Quinn Toomey, Managing Director at Accenture, was recently recognized for her achievements and great leadership by being promoted to the next Managing Director level at Accenture with more advanced executive focus across larger practices..
More information about Carol can be viewed at the following link
Join us in congratulating Carol on her promotion.
New Member
May 2024
Melissa Tait is a Partner of Solutions Engineering in Lippincott’s Experience, Innovation, and Engineering practice based in New York.
An ardent advocate for technology’s potential to improve the world, Melissa’s pragmatic approach to innovation has positively impacted clients, such as LendingTree, Humana, Danaher, Delta Air Lines, Cornell University, Aetna and 3,000 Miles to a Cure. In 2020, the Webby Awards recognized Melissa and her team, alongside SCAN Health Plan, for creating an impactful empathy training course using virtual reality.
Melissa is an accomplished speaker and innovation coach who inspires, ideates, and executes on customer experiences, while leading research, development, and education. She was recently named a finalist for Connecticut’s Women in Innovation Awards, honoring women leading the future of STEM in in the state.
Prior to joining Lippincott, Melissa was a Senior Vice President of Technology at Primacy in Farmington, CT, where she delivered websites, apps, and digital experiences across notable clients including
UChicago Medicine, Gonzaga, Rice University, MIT, Yale New Haven Health, Yale Law School, TIAA and Cannondale.
Before joining Primacy, she served as VP/Director of Technology Enablement at Digitas, where she oversaw a wide variety of tech-driven projects for GE, GM, Philips, Heineken, Mead Johnson Enfamil, Post Consumer Brands, EMS, Marriott, Kraft, Mars and others.
Melissa holds a B.A. in History from the University of Connecticut. Personal hobbies and interests include traveling with her family, ziplining with her daughter, painting, baking, cooking, and music.
More information about Melissa can be found at the following link.
Announcement
May 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Michele Scott, Tribal Councilor for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has been appointed to the following positions:
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Member of the Health and Human Services Department's Advisory Committee on Minority Health (ACMH). Michele was sworn to the position by RDML Felicia Collins, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and Director. The Advisory Committee on Minority Health (ACMH) is a committee of the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that advises the Deputy Assistant Secretary on Minority Health (DASMH) on developing goals and programs to improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities. The ACMH's responsibilities include:
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Improving the quality of health care for minorities.
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Eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities
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Tribal Advisory Committee Delegate of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH). The National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) Delegate is a representative of an elected tribal official or their designated representative who meets with NIH officials to exchange information and views. The TAC provides a forum for advice and guidance on intergovernmental responsibilities related to the NIH's administration and implementation.
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Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) National At-Large Alternate Delegate of the Administration for Children and Families (ACF). The ACF TAC’s primary purpose is to seek consensus, exchange views, share information, provide advice and/or recommendations; or facilitate any other interaction related to intergovernmental responsibilities or administration of ACF programs, including those that arise explicitly or implicitly under statute, regulation, or Executive Order.
Join us in congratulating Michele on these impressive appointments and wishing her success in her new role.
More information about Michele can be found at the following link
New Member
May 2024
Shannon Marimón is Executive Director at ReadyCT. She leads the organization to become a vital conduit for collaborative innovation among education, business, and civic communities, and shaping policies and practices that equitably serve all children in Connecticut. Shannon has worked in PK-12 and higher education for just over two decades.
As a graduate of Connecticut’s public school system, Shannon is committed to narrowing the state’s achievement gap and raising academic outcomes for all students through policy advocacy, public awareness, and capacity building. She also aims to better align our educational system with our workforce needs in order to best prepare students for the world of work.
Before stepping into her role at ReadyCT, Shannon was Director of Talent and Operations for the CT RISE Network, responsible for establishing, advancing, and monitoring organizational goals related to student on-track achievement and college and career readiness.
Prior to RISE, Shannon was Division Director for the Bureau of Educator Effectiveness at the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE). During her five years with the CSDE, Shannon provided leadership and support to districts and schools to expand talent management systems and strategic planning efforts. Her team was responsible for recruitment and retention of educators to the teaching profession, program approval for educator preparation programs, implementation of the state’s teacher induction program (TEAM) and educator evaluation and professional learning system, as well as various leadership development initiatives.
Shannon was a Partner and Director of Site Launch with The New Teacher Project (TNTP) and spent seven years working in higher education in such roles as Student Services and Outreach Manager for study abroad programming at Stanford University, Associate Director of Admissions at Stanford Law School, and Associate Director of Development for the Yale Schools of Art and Architecture. Shannon holds an MBA with a focus on nonprofit and public sector management from the Yale School of Management, an M.A. in art history from Stanford University, and a B.A. in art history and Spanish literature from Dartmouth College.
More information about Shannon can be found at the following link
New Member
May 2024
Karen Goyette is the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Hartford HealthCare.
Karen serves as Hartford HealthCare’s leader for strategy development, system alignment and partnership integration. Her responsibilities include strategic, business and facility planning, ambulatory facility and institute development, as well as the assessment and activation of strategic partnerships for the system. She oversees several other system-wide functions, including Planning, Marketing and Communication, Content Strategy, Government Affairs, Regulatory, Enterprise Transformation, Account Management.
As a member of HHC’s CEO cabinet, she leads the system’s strategic and master facility planning process for institutes, networks and regions; identifies and develops new service locations; and oversees the facility planning and regulatory approval process. Additionally, she leads business development activities for Hartford HealthCare and assists in evaluating the performance of current programs and partnerships. Karen developed and implemented Hartford HealthCare’s first system-wide strategic plan and completed the first system-wide balanced scorecard delineating annual system goals and priorities. Today, Hartford HealthCare’s strategy deployment process is differentiated in the field by its transparency, ability to cascade throughout the organization, and the multi-disciplinary system-wide input used in its development.
Karen also oversees Hartford HealthCare’s significant partnership network, which includes more than 20 ambulatory surgery and endoscopy centers, more than 40 imaging locations and a robust statewide network of urgent care offerings. The system’s partnership strategy ensures HHC’s commitment to providing timely and equitable access to high-quality, affordable care that support communities and healthcare consumers.
Karen most recently was the senior vice president of Strategy and System Integration for Hartford HealthCare. Previously, she has served as vice president of Strategy and Marketing at Hartford Hospital, and vice president of Administration and Business Development at MidState Medical Center, where she also served in various leadership capacities beginning in 2000.
In addition to a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Connecticut, she holds an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Karen was named New England’s “Strategist of the Year” in 2021 by the New England Society of Healthcare Strategy, and is a recipient of the Hartford Business Journal’s “C-Suite Awards” for 2022.
More information about Karen can be found on the following link
New Member
May 2024
Stacey Goodwin is the Vice President of Operations for RYASAP in Bridgeport where she leads data and outcome measurement and process improvement. In 2016, after a 25+ year career in financial services, Stacey brought her organizational governance and operational leadership skills to her passion for increasing opportunities for youth and families from under-resourced communities in Connecticut. Stacey worked directly for organizations and also with them and as part of systems change efforts through her volunteer partnership with Social Impact Partners of CT.
From September 2019 through March 2021, Stacey served as the first Executive Director for Horizons Bridgeport, focused on solidifying the expansion of Horizons academic enrichment programming for Bridgeport, CT students. Prior to joining Horizons Bridgeport, she led The Child and Family Guidance Center’s (Bridgeport) efforts in outcome measurement and continuous quality improvement for three years.
Since early 2018, as a volunteer partner with Social Impact Partners of CT, Stacey has contributed her skills on projects with SIP partner organizations and initiatives in K-12 education, early childhood education, and high school career pathways/workforce development.
After beginning her career in investment banking, Stacey then joined GE Capital and held positions of increasing responsibility over more than 23 years. A Risk Management Executive, she led operating lease underwriting, asset strategy, and portfolio management teams/departments. For eight years, she was the Chief Risk Officer of GE Capital’s Rail Services business, which had the largest asset base amongst North American freight railcar lessors.
Stacey also currently serves as the Chair of the Advisory Board for the Center for Nonprofits at Sacred Heart University. Previously, she led the boards of two organizations focused on youth and education. Serving from 2005-2012, she led the Board of Court Appointed Special Advocates for children (CASA) of
Cook County (Illinois) from 2009-2011. She served her all girls’ high school, Chatham Hall (Virginia), on its Board of Trustees from 2008-2018 and was the Chair from 2013-2017.
In pursuing her transition to the nonprofit sector in 2016, Stacey completed the four-month Encore!Connecticut program for experienced for-profit leaders moving to the non-profit sector. She graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Industrial Engineering and earned an MBA at the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia.
More information about Stacey can be found at the following link
New Member
May 2024
Susan Johnson is the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at The Hartford, responsible for leading enterprise-wide DEI initiatives and aligning them with business strategies. She partners with leaders across the organization to ensure that The Hartford's workforce reflects their customer base, that they drive successful acquisition, development and retention of talent, and that they focus on the right internal and external business and operational activities related to diversity.
Prior to her role at The Hartford, Susan led global talent, diversity and HR functions at Pitney Bowes Inc., Pepsi-Cola, and Campbell Soup Companies. Additionally, Johnson has participated in local, state and national political campaigns and has worked on domestic policy and management issues in the public sector.
Susan’s community involvement includes being a Board member for The Amistad Center for Art & Culture and for the National African American Insurance Association. She is active with The Links Incorporated and with her church community. She speaks nationally on topics covering diversity, leadership, career development and talent management.
Susan’s recognitions include being named the Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year by Reactions publications, a Featured Risk Leader by Risk Matters magazine, listed in Savoy Magazine’s Top Influential Women in Corporate America, a Top Executive in Diversity by Black Enterprise Magazine, and an Industry Icon by Insurance Business of America. Under her leadership, The Hartford earned the 2023 Catalyst Award, the premier recognition of organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives driving representation and inclusion for women.
Susan received her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations from Cornell University.
More Information about Susan can be found at the following Link
Announcement
April 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Carol Quinn Toomey , Managing Director at Accenture for being selected by the Hartford Business as one of the top 25 women Business Leaders. The selected women are the region's most talented women in leadership roles throughout central Connecticut.
More Information can be found at the following link.
Congratulations Carol on the recognition.
Announcement
February 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Jennifer Tombaugh, IWF Connecticut has been promoted to the position of CEO, Tauck, effective October 2024. Jennifer Tombaugh has been with Tauck for 23 years and serving as the President for 13 years.
More information can be found at the following link.
Congratulations Jennifer on your promotion.
Announcement
January 2024
IWFCT is pleased to announce that IWF Connecticut Co-President Lucie Claire Vincent Ortiz has been appointed as Independent Board Director of Toluna, the leading global insights technology and panel provider. Her announcement and a few words about Lucie Claire is captured below.
More information can be found at the following link.
Congratulations Lucie Claire on your appointment.
Announcement
January 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Shari Aser has been selected by YWCA Greenwich as the 2024 Women Who Inspire Honorees and for the impact she has made through professional and philanthropic achievements.
More information can be found at the following link.
Congratulations Shari for this recognition.
New Member
January 2024
IWF Connecticut is pleased to welcome Kathryn Metcalfe as a new member.
Kathryn is a visiting professor at New York University. She recently left her chief communications officer role at CVS Health® for academia to shape the next generation of marketing and communications leaders.
Kathryn has diverse experience across communications, reputation management, crisis and issues management, as well as government affairs, marketing and M&A. Kathryn spent a total of six years at CVS Health, helping the Fortune 4 company transform to a health-driven powerhouse. She returned to the company after a stint at Bristol Myers SquibbTM where she led corporate affairs.
Previously, Kathryn served as the Aetna chief communications officer during its historic deal with CVS Health. She served as chief communications officer of Deloitte® and held senior communications roles at Pfizer and Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. Kathryn started her career working for communications consultancies in the biotechnology and health care industries.
Kathryn is passionate unleashing the power of her function and best known for helping companies accelerate change during transformation. She has received many awards for her work. Most recently, Kathryn was elected to the PRWEEK Hall of Femme and was recognized with a SABRE for her lifetime achievements last year. Kathryn believes the best is yet to come.
Kathryn holds a master’s degree and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University. She served on the board of the Boise Urban Garden School (BUGS) and built a park in her hometown of Boise, Idaho. Kathryn has three children.
More information about Kathryn can be found at the following link.