Twenty-eight professionals from across fields and across the region celebrated their completion of our two-year program that invited them to explore Eastern Connecticut, learn about its leaders and challenges, and discover how they can participate in its success. Leadership Eastern Connecticut’s Class of 2019 built networks, friendships, and a remarkably large shed for The Arc of Eastern Connecticut.Leadership Eastern Connecticut Class of 2019 Celebrates Graduation
On June 19 at the Hilton Mystic, participants and their colleagues and mentors gathered for a graduation ceremony and luncheon. In its 32nd year, Leadership Eastern Connecticut has been connecting rising leaders with opportunities to grow professionally and serve the community, forming the foundation of long-term contributions to the region by its hundreds of graduates.
The Chamber’s Citizen of the Year 2019 Rodney Butler, Chairman Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council and Interim CEO Foxwoods Resort Casino came to congratulate the graduates. Remarking on Eastern Connecticut’s unique sense of community, Mr. Butler saw his passion for improving the world reflected in this group. Gaining a leadership perspective through the program, graduates understand the motivation behind their hard work. “It’s not just about you—in fact, it’s never about you. It’s about your coworkers. It’s about the organization that you work for. It’s about the philanthropic organizations that you support. It’s about your family. That’s what we are doing this for.”
The Class of 2019 completed an ambitious community service project for The Arc Eastern Connecticut, raising $14,000 in donations to construct an outbuilding to support clients’ landscaping microbusiness. Fundraising and donations of labor and supplies were so successful that $3,500 in remaining funds were directly donated to The Arc program.
Echoing a sentiment heard throughout the class, Co-president Brenton Terry, Norwich Public Utilities, said, “The program has provided me with such a greater appreciation of my community at large and has exposed me to so much that I would never have had the opportunity to experience.” The behind-the-scenes looks at government, military, human services, media, and industry taught participants about leadership in different areas and the ways each sector connects in the region. “I was able to take a little piece from each speaker and relate it to who I am and the professional I want to be,” said Mr. Terry.
The new Leadership class is forming now, and applications are being accepted through August 9. For more information, visit ChamberECT.com/leadership-program.
Thank you, Class of 2019 Sponsors: CorePlus Credit Union, Community Concierge, Connecticut Hospital Association, Atlantic Broadband, and Three Rivers Community College.
Leadership Eastern Connecticut Class of 2019
Courtney Assad, Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, Inc.
Caleb Bailey, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra
Jason Bookmiller, Dominion Energy
Kerry Callaghan, Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. (TVCCA)
Mandy Crispim, Chelsea Groton Bank
Rachel Evrett, Chelsea Groton Bank
Rachel Fox, Atlantic Broadband
Sharon Frazier, American Ambulance Service Inc.
Joe Garcia, General Dynamics Electric Boat
Heather Gianacoplos, Mallove’s
Jaclyn Hartline, Foxwoods Resort Casino
Jessica Izzarelli, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union
Daniel King, Law Office of Michael P. Lahan
Patrick Lynch, Connecticut College
Laurie Macha, Mystic Aquarium
Amber Moore, Goldblatt Bokoff LLC
Hao Ni, Connecticut Municipal Electric Energy Cooperative (CMEEC)
Denise Ogden, Dime Bank
Katrina Olender, People’s United Bank
Steven Paternoster, Charter Oak State College
Dawn Renaldi, Groton Utilities
Allison Silva, Chelsea Groton Bank
Cathy Soper-Sheridan, The Mohegan Tribe
Gary St. Vil, General Dynamics Electric Boat
Brenton Terry, Norwich Public Utilities
Stephanie Turbes, Reliance Health
Larry Warner, Mystic Aquarium
Maria Weinberger, Eastern CT State University
