Safe Futures’ Verano Named Regional Chamber’s 75th Citizen of the Year

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut announces Katherine G. Verano, Chief Executive Officer of Safe Futures and Waterford, CT, resident, as its 75th Citizen of the Year, recognizing her lasting impact on survivor advocacy, public safety systems, and community collaboration throughout Eastern Connecticut.

The Citizen of the Year award is the Chamber’s highest civic honor, presented annually to an individual whose professional achievements and community impact have made a meaningful and enduring difference in the region.

“It is an honor to recognize Katherine as our 75th Citizen,” said Tony Sheridan, President & CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. “Her commitment to strengthening the safety, dignity, and well‑being of our neighbors reflects the very best of community leadership. Kathie’s work has improved quality of life for survivors, their children, and their pets across our region while reinforcing the essential partnership between nonprofits, the business community, and the institutions that support a strong, compassionate Eastern Connecticut.”

Verano—known to many as Kathie—is being honored for her decades of service to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse, and for her leadership in strengthening the systems designed to support them.

“I was truly shocked, surprised, and deeply honored to be chosen for this award,” Verano said.

Her work has helped shape coordinated responses to domestic violence across courts, law enforcement, and community agencies throughout Eastern Connecticut.

“Knowing the remarkable individuals who have been named Citizens of the Year before me, I am humbled to even be considered in their company,” she added. “My passion for Safe Futures’ mission and its impact on our community has only grown over the past 33 years, and it has been a privilege to be part of such meaningful work.”

Before entering the nonprofit field, Verano built a successful career in corporate banking with Bank of Boston and Landmark Bank in the Hartford area. Her professional path shifted following the tragic murder of a close friend and colleague—an experience that led her to Safe Futures. She has served the organization in multiple leadership roles since 1993 and now leads it as CEO.

In addition to her leadership at Safe Futures, Verano spent more than 20 years with Connecticut’s Court Support Services Division of Family Relations, where she advocated for thousands of individuals impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, trafficking, elder abuse, and child abuse. Her work helped advance coordinated, victim‑centered responses by strengthening collaboration among courts, law enforcement, and community agencies throughout Eastern Connecticut.

A nationally and internationally recognized trainer, Verano has educated professionals across the United States and abroad on domestic violence, intimate partner strangulation, and the Lethality Assessment Program. She is a Certified Trainer with the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council.

Verano currently serves on the Governor’s Connecticut Judicial Review Council and the Governor’s Council on Women and Girls and is an active member of the New London Rotary Club. She is also an active board member of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) and serves on committees for Alliance for HOPE International’s Family Justice Center and Camp HOPE, and the newly formed Connecticut Alliance for Family Justice Centers, among others. Her honors include The Influential Women and Youth Award, the CCADV First 100 Award, the LeadHership Award, and recognition in The Day’s Grace Magazine.

A celebration honoring Verano will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Foxwoods Resort Casino. Additional details will be announced in the coming weeks.

About Safe Futures:
Safe Futures (formerly known as The Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut) is celebrating its 50^th Anniversary as Southeastern Connecticut’s leading nonprofit organization working to end domestic violence and help individuals and families build safer, more stable futures. Through trauma‑informed services and community engagement, the organization supports survivors in stopping abuse, restoring hope and saving lives. Safe Futures has been a proud member of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut for over 30 years; learn more at safefuturesct.org.

About the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern CT: 

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut is one of the state’s oldest metro chambers, serving businesses for more than a century while advancing a vibrant, sustainable regional economy. Through thoughtful advocacy, strategic partnerships, and innovative programming, the Chamber connects business and community leaders and provides meaningful opportunities for connection, education, and engagement across Eastern Connecticut. Home to the Regional Innovation Center, the Chamber champions entrepreneurship, supports small businesses, elevates local industries, and drives regional economic development; learn more at ChamberECT.com.