HARTFORD FOUNDATION FOR PUBLIC GIVING - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Foundation in 2023 As a Grants Associate
- Grants Associate
Aaron joined the Foundation in 2023 as a Grants Associate. In this role, he assists the grants administration, always working closely with the Accounting and Finance teams. Aaron was born and raised in Hartford and worked many valuable internships before joining the Foundation. He is a recent graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.
As a Community Impact Officer, Alexis is part of the Employment Opportunities Outcome Team, focusing on post-secondary success. She also works on the Community Leadership Team.
Alexis came to the Foundation with a diverse background in the field of education. Her experience spans across family engagement and program management, including delivering professional development to school districts on topics of cultural competency and equitable practices. She is a longtime champion and career professional in the field of community engagement and development. Alexis has an M.S. in Communications and Information Management from Bay Path, a B.S. in Communications and in Sociology from Eastern CT State University.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
The ability to encounter people from all walks of life that bring such valued assets to the Greater Hartford Community.
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"Don't wait for the right opportunity: create it."
Job Titles:
- Senior Community Impact Officer
As a Senior Community Impact Officer, Amy works with local nonprofits to strengthen their financial management and technology capacity through planning, assessment and grant funding.
Prior to joining the Foundation, Amy served as Vice President of Finance and Administration for The Governor's Prevention Partnership, a statewide nonprofit whose mission is to prevent youth substance abuse and violence. Amy earned her bachelor's degree at the University of Connecticut.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
I love the variety that the Greater Hartford area has to offer!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"The less you talk, the more you are listened to." - Pauline Phillips
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I've served on the board of several nonprofits at both the local and national level.
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Officer
Andrew joined the Hartford Foundation in 2000. As Information Technology Officer, he oversees the Foundation's entire IT infrastructure including hardware, software, security, and networking. He has previously held IT and operational positions in for-profit service industries.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
I really appreciate how many different types of environments are easily accessible. Just a half hour drive can take you from the city out into the country with small towns, farms and the woods.
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"I want to be a great philanthropist with someone else's money." -Linus Van Pelt (Charles Schultz)
In her role as program manager, Ashley engages with town residents across the state of Connecticut's Greater Hartford region about what they love, appreciate and value most about their town of residence, but also the ways in which their community could be better served. She works with groups from different towns on their Greater Together Community Funds to improve upon the lives of their community. She states, "Here and in all spaces I serve, my work is informed by my love for all people, my respect of all people, my willingness to listen without reserve and my desire for better."
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
It's home! I know and love the sights, smells, sounds and tastes. We are our own biggest cheerleaders and rely on the folks who make up the communities to identify, acknowledge and address concerns and the subsequent solutions...true drivers of the change we wish to see. It is a place of great accessibility to different locations, experiences, resources and food! Hartford is small in size, but mighty at heart!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"It always seems impossible until it's done." -Nelson Mandela
Job Titles:
- Senior Development Officer
Betty Ann joined the Hartford Foundation in 2006 and has since performed many roles in the Development department. Currently, Betty Ann works with current and prospective donors to engage them in the work of the Foundation, including collaborating with advisors to donor-advised funds to facilitate donor-directed grants to organizations of their choosing. She also serves as staff liaison to the Catalyst Endowment Fund.
Betty Ann is a native North Carolinian and formerly worked in legislative policy for the United States Senate in Washington D.C. before moving to Connecticut with her family. She earned her bachelor's degree from Duke University.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
I love the different towns and neighborhoods, the accessibility to all things New England including the shore (sailing and kayaking) and the mountains (skiing and hiking), the beautiful parks, trails, reservoirs and riverfront, and the generosity of the people. And yes, the restaurants!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -Corinthians 13:13
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
Betty Ann serves on the boards of the Niantic Bay Sailing Academy, a nonprofit that promotes racing, seamanship and the importance of natural resources through youth sailing, and Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center in West Hartford, where she has also been involved in youth ministry and is a member of the hand bell choir.
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Finance and Administration
As Vice President for Finance and Administration, Bonnie is responsible for the financial operations at the Foundation, including Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology. She spent the majority of her career in financial and operational roles at a Connecticut-based life insurance company, and served as Chief Operating Officer for the City of Hartford. She earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Western New England University.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
The diversity of experiences you can have in such a small geographic reach. You can enjoy the vibrancy of the cultural experiences (arts, theaters, restaurants), wonderful outdoor activities from the rivers to the hills and making meaningful connections to people and places.
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"When you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
Volunteering is one of the most important aspects of my life. I currently serve as a trustee of the Bushnell and a board member of the Connecticut Forum and the IQUILT Partnership.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Communications and Marketing
Brad joined the Foundation in 2019 and leads the organization's communications and marketing efforts, including community relations, brand strategy and awareness, and donor communications. Previously, Brad served as the associate director of Public Relations and Communications at United Technologies Corporation and spent 20 years as a television news anchor, reporter and producer. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Drama and English from Dartmouth College and a Master's of Business Administration from UCLA.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
I love to go out to eat, especially in local restaurants where I might have a chance to interact with the owner. As a frequent customer of locally-owned businesses, I feel more deeply rooted in the community.
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future." -Alex Haley
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
Over the years, I have coached youth baseball and soccer in my hometown, assumed several leadership roles with my college class, and served on several local nonprofit boards, including the Mandell JCC, the Open Hearth and Interval House's "Men Make a Difference" initiative.
Job Titles:
- Senior Human Resources Associate
Job Titles:
- Director of CT Urban Opportunity Collaborative
Cesar previously organized for the Center for Leadership and Justice, where he developed racially-conscious leaders who act collectively on issues that intersect with race and poverty.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
I enjoy the rich and diverse culture of its people… and the delicious food that comes with it!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." - James Baldwin
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
Cesar currently serves on the Board of Directors of Advancing Connecticut Together, serving as it's outgoing Vice Chair. He is also a member of the Pope Hartford Designated Fund.
Chari helps individuals align their charitable goals with their desires to leave a long-lasting legacy in the Greater Hartford community. In this role, she works to create new collaboration opportunities between community stakeholders. Chari also serves as the lead staff for the Black Giving Circle Fund and prospect research initiatives.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
We have all four seasons here!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." -Nelson Mandela
Job Titles:
- Senior Public Policy and Media Relations Officer
Job Titles:
- Senior Community Impact Officer
As a Senior Community Impact Officer, Cierra is responsible for evaluating grant proposals and providing funding recommendations to the Community Impact leadership team. Her areas of focus include, civic education, civic engagement, community organizing and various aspects of giving for the most basic of human needs including food security. Cierra brings years of experience at various philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in an array of programmatic roles including at Capital Workforce Partners and most recently for the American Savings Foundation in New Britain. She received a bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State University and a Master's in Public Policy from Trinity College. In her role, Stancil brings her philanthropic experience and grantmaking skills back to her hometown of Hartford.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
My favorite thing about Greater Hartford is the food. I have favorite Indian, Thai, Jamaican and Vietnamese (Pho) places. I also know where you can get great empanadas. I've visited/lived other places and the food variety and taste does not compare!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking." -Steve Jobs
Are you involved in any volunteer activities?
I have demonstrated my commitment to the residents of Hartford through a range of volunteer roles, including serving as a youth mentor and as an advisor to Capital Workforce Partners. I count my previous service on the board of the Blue Hills Civic Association among my proudest accomplishments.
Cynthia actively supports community impact work related to education, community safety, and the arts. Originally a Miami native, she previously worked at the Knight Foundation supporting efforts to sustain a creative entrepreneurial community.
Cynthia has also worked in the community organizing field for local political campaigns in South Florida.
What do you enjoy most about Greater Hartford?
The diversity of people and proximity to enjoy everything New England has to offer!
What quote best represents your personal philosophy?
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive." -Maya Angelou
Job Titles:
- Vice President for Development
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Community Impact
Job Titles:
- Director of Development, Outreach and External Relations
Job Titles:
- Director of Human Resources
Job Titles:
- Information Technology Administrator
Job Titles:
- Senior Scholarship and Development Officer
Job Titles:
- Senior Community Impact Officer
Job Titles:
- Director, Strategic Partnership Investments
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the President and Manager of Board Relations
Job Titles:
- Senior Scholarship and Development Associate
Job Titles:
- Senior Community Impact Officer
Job Titles:
- Director of Learning, Evaluation, and Capacity Building
Job Titles:
- Senior Learning and Evaluation Officer
Job Titles:
- Senior Community Impact Officer
Job Titles:
- Associate Director, Nonprofit Support Program
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Front Office Receptionist
Job Titles:
- Senior Development Officer
Job Titles:
- Director of Development and Donor Grants
Job Titles:
- Director of Development, Major Gifts
Job Titles:
- Community Impact Associate
Job Titles:
- Senior Communications Officer
Job Titles:
- Community Impact Associate