What do you do in your current job?
I lead the Hartford Foundation’s commitment to dismantle structural racism, achieve equity and improve social and economic mobility in our region, partnering with nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders.
I previously served as U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, leading the federal economic development agenda. I was also deputy director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House as principal liaison between the President of the United States and local elected officials.
I previously served as executive director of the federal Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, and before that was mayor of Youngstown, Ohio.
What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year?
Being a part of a leadership team that, along with our staff, donors and stakeholders, helped the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving navigate the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism in meaningful and impactful ways vis-à-vis our community, while also undergoing our own evolution.
In what ways are you involved in the community?
I am on the board of directors for both the MetroHartford Alliance and Advance CT, on the Governor’s Workforce Council, and CHEFA Community Development Corporation Advisory Board.
What’s your guiding business principle?
Significance is paramount to success.