A new president and CEO has been appointed to the Special Olympics Connecticut, which provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 10,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Michael Mason, currently chief finance officer and senior vice president, will take helm of the nonprofit group starting Aug. 29. He has more than 40 years of volunteer and professional experience at the local and international levels, and has worked for the Special Olympics Connecticut for more than 20 years.
In his current role, Mason oversees development and administration of the organization’s finances, budgeting and operations.
Mason said he was “excited and humbled” to carry on the legacy of Beau Doherty, who is retiring as president and CEO after more than 36 years with the organization.
Mason became involved with the Special Olympics when he was 9, cheering on his cousin, who was an athlete.
After college, Mason volunteered on the management team and as coach for the Special Olympics Hamden-New Haven program. He was the CFO for the 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games in New Haven, which attracted more than 7,000 participants from 143 countries.
Board Chairman Ken Bowes, vice president of offshore wind siting and permitting at Eversource, said Mason’s leadership, experience and passion for the Special Olympics made him the best candidate for the position.
Mason and his wife, Nora, have three sons and reside in Naugatuck.
