Month: June 2024 (Page 1 of 4)

In announcing Erin’s appointment last August as executive director of the DCA, the board described Erin as a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in the development of business and brand strategies, digital and communication plans, and integrated campaigns for some of the world’s most recognized and most well-loved brands. Those brands included Nike, ESPN, American Express and Pepsi. She has brought her vision and experience to bear on revitalizing the DCA for a new era.

Video Presentation

Jim Himes represents Connecticut’s 4th District in the United States House of Representatives where he is serving his eighth term. He serves as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and on the House Financial Services Committee.

Jim grew up as the child of a single working mom in a small town. As a member of Congress, Jim works hard to provide all American children the same opportunities he had to succeed: access to a first-rate public school, affordable and effective health care, a decent and safe home, and a supportive community.

Born in Lima, Peru in 1966 to American parents, he spent the early years of his childhood in Peru and Colombia while his father worked for the Ford Foundation and UNICEF. As an American abroad, Jim grew up fluent in both Spanish and English and was raised with an awareness of the unique position of the United States in the world. At the age of ten, Jim moved with his mother and sisters to the United States.

Jim graduated from Hopewell Valley Central High School and then attended Harvard University. After completing his undergraduate work, Jim earned a Rhodes Scholarship, which enabled him to attend Oxford University in England where he continued his studies of Latin America, including research in El Salvador.

Prior to his service in Congress, Jim ran the New York City branch of The Enterprise Community Partners, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of urban poverty. Jim’s team led the way in financing the construction of thousands of affordable housing units in the greater New York metropolitan region, often using new green technologies to achieve energy efficiency and reduce utility costs.

Jim’s experience at Enterprise spurred his involvement in politics. Putting his expertise in affordable housing to work, Jim served as a Commissioner of the Greenwich Housing Authority, ultimately chairing the board and leading it through a much-needed program of reforms. Jim went on to become an elected member of his town’s finance board, setting tax and budget policy for Greenwich. Jim has also served as Chair of his local Democratic Town Committee, organizing others in the community to become more active in the political process.

Jim began his professional career at Goldman Sachs & Co. where he worked his way up to Vice President over the course of a 12-year career. He worked extensively in Latin America and headed the bank’s telecommunications technology group there. Jim and his wife Mary live in Greenwich (with not frequent enough visits from their daughters Emma and Linley).

Summary
Himes Defends Democracy, Critiques Both Parties in Wide-Ranging Talk

At a packed event hosted by the Darien Men’s Association, Congressman Jim Himes delivered a sweeping, often unsparing assessment of America’s political and institutional health—criticizing both Donald Trump’s Republican Party and his own Democrats, while expressing cautious optimism that democratic norms are holding.

Himes, now in his ninth term representing Connecticut’s 4th District, opened with a reflection on America’s political evolution. He noted the shift in once reliably Republican towns like Darien, New Canaan, and Greenwich toward the Democratic column—a change he attributes to rising education levels and discomfort with MAGA populism.

“There are lots of reasons to be worried,” Himes said, citing threats to democratic norms, attacks on immigrants, and hostility toward academic and scientific institutions. But he pushed back on the notion that the U.S. is already in constitutional crisis, praising the judiciary for consistently restraining executive overreach. “The courts have held,” he said, referencing over 240 decisions that have blocked controversial policies.

Himes, who serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, reserved sharp criticism for the Trump administration’s tariff policy. He argued that tariffs have worsened inflation and misunderstood basic economics. “Trump sees tariffs as a tax on China,” Himes said, “but that’s not how tariffs work.” While he predicted short-term pain—higher prices for cars and consumer goods—he called tariffs a “self-correcting” problem due to inevitable backlash from consumers and markets.

Even as he criticized the former president, Himes had tough words for Democrats. He said voters’ top complaint isn’t about “wokeness” or spending—it’s that Democrats appear incapable of delivering results. He pointed to the failure to build a single electric vehicle charging station in Connecticut after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act. “People aren’t stupid,” he said. “They see that.”

He praised a new “abundance movement” emerging in Democratic circles, which seeks to streamline infrastructure approvals and deliver tangible benefits faster. As one example, he cited a small long-delayed bridge replacement project in Greenwich that has taken eight years to begin, when the Empire State building was completed in just over a year.

Turning to foreign policy, Himes was blunt: “Most of our biggest mistakes since the 1960s have been mistakes of idealism.” He critiqued America’s overreach in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, praising President Biden’s instinct to avoid new military entanglements. While he acknowledged the administration’s failures in handling Ukraine aid early in the war, he warned against full U.S. withdrawal. “If Putin comes away from this thinking it was worth it, we should brace for what comes next,” he said.

On national security, Himes criticized reports that a Qatari-donated plane might be used for presidential travel, calling it a “terrible idea” from a security standpoint, given the role Air Force One plays in providing a secure base from which a president must lead in some emergencies. It will likely have to be taken down to its rivets to rebuild as a secure and effective communications center. He also addressed the “Signal Gate” scandal, in which sensitive communications were conducted over unsecured channels. These lapses, he said, show what happens “when you put responsible people in a clown-like environment.”

During a Q&A session, Himes fielded pointed questions from a self-described MAGA Republican in the audience, who expressed concern about Connecticut’s taxes, energy prices, and population trends. Himes responded by noting economic growth in Fairfield County, but acknowledged broader state challenges. He tied high energy prices to limited natural gas infrastructure and called for modernizing Connecticut’s grid and transit systems.

He also drew a hard line on constitutional issues. “You can disagree with me on taxes and immigration,” he said. “But the Constitution isn’t optional. We don’t get to suspend it because someone is unpopular.”

Asked who leads the Democratic Party today, Himes admitted “we don’t have a figurehead.” He predicted Democrats would likely retake the House in 2026 but warned that the current leadership vacuum is demoralizing to activists.

In a closing question, Himes was asked whether the so-called “big, beautiful” Trump-backed tax bill could hurt the U.S. credit rating. He said the legislation would add $3 trillion to the deficit over 10 years and noted growing market concerns. “There may come a point,” he said, “when the capital markets finally say, ‘enough.’”

Despite his many critiques, Himes ended on a cautiously hopeful note. While he acknowledged deep polarization and rising acceptance of political violence, he expressed faith that institutions—and voters—still have the power to restore balance.

“I don’t think we’ve crossed the line,” he said. “And I don’t think we will.”

Video Presentation 

Local author Tim Manners will give a special talk about his book, Schoolboy: The Untold Journey of a Yankees Hero (University of Nebraska Press). Manners, who was a recent guest speaker at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., co-authored the book with Waite “Schoolboy” Hoyt, using a trove of records and writings from Hoyt, who passed away in 1984. Hoyt’s improbable baseball journey began when the 1915 New York Giants signed him as a high school junior, for no pay and a five-dollar bonus. After nearly having both his hands amputated and cavorting with men twice his age in the hardscrabble Minor Leagues, he somehow ended up as the best pitcher for the New York Yankees and teammate with such legends as Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. You don’t have to be a fan of baseball to be fascinated by Hoyt’s astonishing life story!

Tim Manners is a writer, communications consultant and baseball fan. A magna cum laude graduate of Tufts University with a BA in history, he is a former FM-radio disc jockey, publicist and magazine publisher. Currently an essay specialist with The Manners Group, he is co-author of “Schoolboy: The Untold Journey of a Yankees Hero” (2024) with baseball great Waite Hoyt (University of Nebraska Press) and “Relevance: Making Stuff That Matters” (2008), published by Penguin/Portfolio.

Arranged by Frank DeLeo

Summary: “Schoolboy” The Life of Waite Hoyt, Yankees Hero and Forgotten Icon

Tim Manners, author and communications consultant, shared the story behind Schoolboy, a memoir he co-authored based on Hall of Fame pitcher Waite Hoyt’s personal papers. Hoyt, once the ace of the legendary 1927 Yankees, lived a life far richer and more complex than most fans knew.

Origins of the Memoir
Anders met Hoyt’s son, Chris, decades ago and only years later learned of Chris’s famous father. When Chris gifted him eight boxes of Hoyt’s writings—including unfinished memoirs, interviews, and letters—Anders unearthed a firsthand account of Hoyt’s life, ultimately crafting a memoir in Hoyt’s own voice.

Early Life and Baseball Beginnings
Born in Brooklyn, Hoyt grew up near Ebbets Field. At 15, he was signed by the New York Giants after impressing them while pitching for batting practice as a high school ballplayer. Despite the excitement, he was sent to the grueling minor leagues where he endured poverty, violence, and exploitation—experiences that deeply shaped him.

Breakthrough with the Red Sox and Yankees
Hoyt’s major league break came with the Red Sox, where he was ironically brought in to replace Babe Ruth in the pitching rotation. He later joined Ruth again on the Yankees, though their relationship was rocky—including a two-year cold war and a dugout fistfight. They eventually reconciled.

Pitching Stardom
Hoyt became the dominant pitcher on the Yankees during the 1920s, with standout performances in the 1921 and 1927 seasons. In World Series play, he held a 1.89 ERA, cementing his reputation as a “money pitcher.” Manager Miller Huggins admired him, but Hoyt’s penchant for vaudeville in the off season and drinking occasionally jeopardized his career.

Life Beyond the Mound
Outside baseball, Hoyt was a vaudeville performer who earned three times his Yankees salary on stage. He had friendships with stars like Mae West and the Marx Brothers and even crossed paths with Al Capone.

A Complicated Family Life
Hoyt married twice, fathered children in both marriages, and astonishingly went 40 years without seeing his wife or children from his first marriage. His family only reunited decades later, following the publication of Schoolboy, which helped bridge that divide.

Radio Stardom in Cincinnati
After retiring from baseball, Hoyt became the beloved voice of the Cincinnati Reds. Known for his storytelling and warmth, he drew larger audiences during rain delays than during games. Despite a public battle with alcoholism in 1945, his sponsor and fans stood by him, a testament to his character and storytelling charm.

Later Years and Unexpected Talents
Hoyt also became a painter in retirement, selling numerous works. He was friends with famed Mexican artist Diego Rivera, who gifted him a painting—Flower Sellers—that was auctioned decades later (the day of his DMA presentation). Hoyt was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1969, but even then confessed he sometimes wished he’d been a journalist instead.

Legacy and Reflection
Hoyt’s story—of fame, failure, redemption, and resilience—had been largely forgotten, but Schoolboy brought his legacy back to life. Through it, a fragmented family found healing, and fans rediscovered the man behind the stats. Hoyt was a rare figure: a pitcher, performer, broadcaster, artist, and complex human being whose voice still resonates today.

Video Presentation 

One of the basic premises of the Bystander Initiative is that there is an entire systemic framework around sexual and other abuse, which Guiora has labelled the ecosystem. Guiora’s work focuses on bystanders – individuals who witness the crime – and enablers – individuals and institutions who are in positions to prevent the crime but do not do so. He has previously written books about bystander and enabler complicity in the Holocaust and in sexual abuse in USA Gymnastics and other athletic programs.

Amos N. Guiora is Professor of Law at the S.J. Quinney College of Law, the University of Utah. He is a Distinguished Fellow at The Consortium for the Research and Study of Holocaust and the Law at Chicago-Kent College of Law, and a Distinguished Fellow and Counselor at the International Center for Conflict Resolution, Katz School of Business, University of Pittsburgh. Professor Guiora is on the Board of the Lauren McClusky Foundation.

For the past 10 years Guiora has been researching-writing-lecturing on the question of bystanders (originally in the Holocaust) resulting in his books, The Crime of Complicity: The Bystander in the Holocaust and Armies of Enablers:Survivor Stories of Complicity and Betrayal in Sexual Assaults. 

Professor Guiora’s most recent article, Holding Enablers of Child Sexual Abuse Accountable: The Case of Jeremy Bell,  addresses the role of enablers in sexual assault of children.

Professor Guiora Directs the SJ Quinney College of Law Bystander Initiative,  a publicly funded student-staffed initiative.

Professor Guiora has an A.B. in history from Kenyon College, a J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, and a Ph.D. from Leiden University.

Summary
Responsibility of Bystanders and Enablers in Cases of Abuse

In a powerful and deeply personal presentation, Professor Amos Guiora of the University of Utah’s S.J. Quinney College of Law offered a searing indictment of societal inaction in the face of abuse, focusing not only on perpetrators but especially on the enablers and bystanders who fail to intervene. Drawing on his extensive legal scholarship, military service, and personal family history as the child of Holocaust survivors, Guiora made the case that it is no longer enough to spotlight abusers—we must also hold accountable the institutions and individuals who allow abuse to continue.

Guiora leads the Bystander Initiative, a donor-funded, student-staffed effort that researches the legal and moral responsibilities of those who witness or know of abuse but do not act. His work gained national and international attention through two books: The Crime of Complicity: The Bystander in the Holocaust and Armies of Enablers: Survivor Stories of Complicity and Betrayal in Sexual Assault. In both, he analyzes how systemic silence and protection of institutions over individuals perpetuate cycles of abuse.

Guiora shared wrenching survivor testimonies from high-profile abuse cases involving USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar, Ohio State physician Richard Strauss, and others. In each, the perpetrators were enabled by coaches, administrators, and institutional cultures that prioritized reputation and funding over the safety of children. Survivors like Tiffany Thomas and Maddie Larson described the pain not just of the abuse itself, but of the betrayal by those who could have stopped it and didn’t.

Guiora’s own obsession with this topic is rooted in his family’s Holocaust history. His mother survived in hiding in Budapest, his father endured two death marches. Guiora grew up in a household where the Holocaust was never discussed, and it wasn’t until his adult years that he began exploring the topic. The revelation that bystanders played a pivotal role in his parents’ trauma inspired his academic journey to explore the legal responsibility of witnesses to atrocities.

His central argument is bold: bystanders and enablers should be held criminally accountable. In Utah, he helped pass legislation making it a misdemeanor not to dial 911 when witnessing a child or elderly person in danger—a minimal but crucial step. His advocacy is now expanding to other states and countries, although legislation criminalizing enablers—those in authority who fail to act—is more complex and faces greater resistance.

Guiora distinguishes between bystanders (those physically present and passive) and enablers (those in institutional positions who protect perpetrators by prioritizing their institutions over victims). Enablers, he argues, are often more dangerous. They betray trust not through ignorance, but by making deliberate choices to shield institutions at the cost of human life and dignity.

He referenced the tragic case of Jeremy Bell, a 12-year-old murdered in 1997 by a teacher with a long record of sexual misconduct. School administrators had received repeated warnings over decades but took no action. Thanks to private detective Dan Barber, the case was eventually solved—but the enablers faced no consequences.

Guiora also addressed the issue of racial bias in reporting abuse, citing a poignant moment during a lecture at UVA when a Black audience member challenged the presumption that calling 911 is always safe or helpful, particularly for people of color.  Guiora acknowledged the validity of this concern and worked with Utah legislators and civil rights groups to refine the law accordingly.

Throughout his talk, Guiora returned to the idea that legal accountability—not just moral reflection—is essential to changing behavior. While education and awareness are necessary, they are insufficient without laws that demand action and penalize failure.

His work is ongoing, and his message urgent: whether in schools, sports teams, religious institutions, or governments, we must stop protecting systems at the expense of the vulnerable. “All roads,” he said, “lead to the enabler.”

Guiora concluded by offering his email to attendees, encouraging further dialogue, and urging everyone to move beyond sympathy toward accountability. As he put it, “Sympathy is useless when someone is choking. You have to act.”

Video Presentation

More on the Bystander Initiative
To follow up with Professor Guiora: amos.guiora@law.utah.edu

Learn more about contributing to the Bystander Initiative’s work.

Additional information on the Bystander Initiative:

https://www.fastcase.com/product/the-complicity-of-silence-confronting-ecosystems-of-child-sexual-abuse-in-schools/

https://armiesofenablers.com

https://crimeofcomplicity.com

Person to Person

Connecticut, as we all know, is actually a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Yet only half of Connecticut residents said they were proud of the state in a recent survey, even though 73% felt it was a good place to live. Part of the challenge is that Connecticut has not defined itself around its resources and attributes; there are few who can describe  what’s wonderful about our state and those in Fairfield County might see it merely as a suburb of New York. Governor Lamont is determined to change that so that people know better what makes Connecticut special.

Anthony M. Anthony is an executive marketing and communications professional currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for the State of Connecticut. As the first CMO, he oversees the newly created Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism, working tirelessly to shape and promote a compelling narrative about Connecticut as an exceptional place to live, work, and play.

Previously, Anthony served as the Special Advisor and Communications Director to Governor Ned Lamont, where his storytelling skills and strategic guidance contributed to Governor Lamont’s high approval ratings.

Anthony’s expertise was built over the years in the private sector as a creative director and strategist at boutique brand communications agencies in New York City guiding Fortune 500 brands across the tech, media, consumer packaged goods, hospitality, and healthcare sectors.

Summary

Reimagining Connecticut: How the State’s First Chief Marketing Officer is Telling a New Story

What do you think of when someone says “Connecticut”? For many, the answer is fuzzy—maybe a reference to its historic nickname “The Constitution State,” or perhaps just a quiet nod to its proximity to New York or Boston. But as Anthony Anthony—yes, that’s his real name—sees it, that’s exactly the problem.

Appointed in 2023 as Connecticut’s first Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony is on a mission to give the state something it has long lacked: a clearly defined identity. He made a compelling case for why marketing isn’t just about tourism or PR—it’s about state pride, economic growth, and shaping the future.

From Middle Child to Main Character

Anthony quickly realized that Connecticut suffers from what he calls a “middle child syndrome.” It’s wedged between cultural giants—New York and Massachusetts—and has struggled to carve out its own distinctive brand.

“It’s a great place to live,” he said, “but a lot of people here can’t explain why.”

Defining the Brand

Anthony merged the previously siloed offices of tourism and workforce marketing into a single, unified Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism.

The result? A cohesive message built around the phrase: “Connecticut: Make It Here.”

The slogan, he explained, reflects more than just a manufacturing legacy. It’s a call to action for dreamers, builders, innovators, and families. Whether you’re starting a business, writing a novel, or raising a family, Connecticut can be your launchpad.

A New Kind of Marketing Machine

In his first year on the job, Anthony’s team helped drive over 15.4 billion media impressions, up from just over 4 billion the year before. Creative, low-cost campaigns like the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail, the Oyster Trail, and a push to establish the state as the Pizza Capital of America (trademark pending) brought national attention—and a sense of fun—to the brand.

There’s also a strong business case for investing in marketing. According to industry benchmarks, every dollar Connecticut spends on tourism marketing returns about $8 in economic activity. Anthony’s team is also developing a statewide rewards program—“Made”—to incentivize residents to share their experiences and stories online, turning word-of-mouth into a measurable force.

Data-Driven Optimism

Anthony backed up the storytelling with stats that surprised even the most seasoned locals:

• Connecticut has seen four consecutive years of population growth, outperforming national and regional trends.
• The state’s GDP and job growth in key metros like Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield County have exceeded expectations.
• Net promoter scores—a measure of how likely residents are to recommend the state—have jumped by over 100% in categories like work, live, and visit.

He acknowledged challenges, of course—cost of living, traffic congestion, and estate taxes chief among them—but stressed that these aren’t insurmountable. In fact, he said, they’re already being addressed through fiscal stability, infrastructure investment, and targeted tax relief.

Not Just a Campaign—A Community

Anthony emphasized that branding isn’t about spin—it’s about storytelling, culture, and shared values. “We’re not just marketing a state,” he said. “We’re building a sense of belonging.” That’s why the campaign is increasingly tapping into local stories: from shellfish farmers in Stonington to chefs in New Haven, to students and CEOs sharing what makes Connecticut work for them.

And the efforts aren’t limited to tourism. The marketing office is collaborating with business development agencies to attract investment from other states and even abroad. As he pointed out, European firms are increasingly eyeing U.S. locations to avoid tariffs—Connecticut, with its skilled workforce and robust infrastructure, is ready to make its case.

Looking Ahead

Upcoming initiatives include:

• The launch of a Connecticut Pizza Trail (voting is open now).
• Support for America 250 celebrations via the state’s popular tourism site.
• A quarterly thought leadership series to connect business, education, and government leaders.
• Expansion of regional flight access, particularly at New Haven’s Tweed Airport.

Anthony closed with a reminder: marketing Connecticut isn’t just his job—it’s everyone’s. Whether you’re a business owner, a town official, or a lifelong resident, he urged people to share their stories, promote their communities, and proudly say what makes the state worth calling home.

“We all have a stake in how this place is perceived,” he said. “If we want people to make it here, we’ve got to show them how.”

Note: Members interested in engaging with Anthony over the marketing program should email him at anthony.anthony@ct.gov.

Video Presentation

Aaron Cooper has dedicated his career to pre-k through grade 9 independent school education.  He has been a teacher, coach, advisor, and administrator for the last 22 years.  Aaron Cooper joined New Canaan Country School in July 2018.

Aaron earned an Ed.M. in Private School Leadership and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University; he received his B.A. in the Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College, and a diploma from Groton School.

Juliet Cain is a cofounder of the Darien Pollinator Pathway with Deepika Saksena. The DPP seeks, through events and publications as well as through advocacy at the state and local levels, to help eliminate the use of pesticides in our yards and public spaces and to restore pollinator populations with native plantings. As former Chair of the Darien Beautification Commission, Juliet spearheaded the native plantings on the slopes at the Darien Town Hall.

Darien Pollinator Pathways is a part of a larger undertaking to create a corridor of adjacent properties—private residences and public spaces—that provide safe habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other insects. The goal is to make Darien one big pollinator pathway with private, commercial and municipal spaces being pesticide free and hosting native plants. Native plants, as opposed to invasives, are plants that existed before Europeans arrived. These plants will be more resilient, low-maintenance and healthy choices for gardens, and will support native insects and birds—enhancing our natural ecosystems.

Video Presentation 

Even while veterans are often welcomed home from combat tours as heroes, they also may encounter long term neglect in health care, disorientation and PTSD, and even homelessness. This presentation will address these challenges, their scale, their conditions, and programs that seek to address them.

Brigadier General, (Ret.), USA, Ronald P. “Ron” Welch is the Connecticut Commissioner of the state’s Department of Veterans Affairs. Ron enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 22, 1978, and served on active duty with the 2 Ranger Battalion of the 75 Ranger Regiment at Fort Lewis Washington. During his active-duty service, he attained the rank of sergeant and completed Basic Airborne School, Ranger School, Jungle Warfare Course, USMC Amphibious Recon Scout Swimmer Course, Jumpmaster Course, Primary Non-Commission Officer Course, USMC Scout Sniper Course, Emergency Medical Technician Course, Special Operations and Tactics Course, and the Pathfinder School. On May 4, 1981, he sustained serious injuries during a line of duty parachute accident. He left active service after completing his tour of duty on October 2, 1982.

He returned home and joined the Connecticut National Guard and eventually attended Officer Candidate School and on August 11, 1984, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He then served full-time in numerous positions in the Connecticut National Guard’s Infantry units as a rifle platoon leader, company commander, and various staff positions. He was promoted to Colonel on October 1, 2004, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2005 to 2006 as a senior American advisor to an Afghan National Army, Infantry Brigade located in Eastern Afghanistan, providing training, advice, and conducting combat operations.

He retired from military service in 2017. Following his retirement, General Welch sought opportunities to provide support for veterans and active-duty service members and families, and he accepted a position as Vice President of Military and Family Services for Veterans Rally Point with Easterseals Capital Region and Eastern Connecticut, a nonprofit organization that provides expanded access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities for those with disabilities and the veteran population.

Brigadier General Welch is a graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and a Master of Science degree in organizational management in 2007. He also earned a Master of Strategic Studies in 2011 from the U.S. Army War College.

He resides in southeastern Connecticut. His oldest son Stephen is a combat veteran with three tours. He is a full-time Physician Assistant for the CT National Guard, previously serving in the ED at Yale, a daughter Katherine is attending Quinnipiac University in the Occupational Therapy master’s program. And his youngest son Ethan is entering his senior year at Pennsylvania State University majoring in Public Health.

Summary

Brigadier General (Ret.) Ron Welch, Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs, provided a thoughtful and comprehensivel presentation in Darien, outlining the state’s history, current initiatives, and pressing needs in caring for its veterans.

Welch opened by highlighting Connecticut’s unique role in veterans’ history, noting that the nation’s first veterans’ home and hospital were founded in Darien in 1864 by philanthropist Benjamin Fitch. That legacy lives on today in the Shady Grove cemetary in Darien (the first veterans cemetary in our history) and the Connecticut Veterans Home now in Rocky Hill—a 92-acre campus with 40 buildings, 1.5 miles of tunnels, and a five-star rated healthcare facility. The Rocky Hill campus also includes dormitory housing and family homes for women veterans and their children.

A decorated veteran himself, Welch served with the 75th Ranger Regiment and later as a senior American advisor to the Afghan National Army. After retiring, he led efforts at Veterans Rally Point, helping veterans reintegrate through healthcare access, employment training, and education. His personal connection to public service is reflected in his children’s careers—his son is a flight surgeon with the Connecticut National Guard, his daughter is an occupational therapist, and his youngest is pursuing a Ph.D. in epidemiology.

Welch explained that Connecticut is home to roughly 150,000 veterans, with over 80% over the age of 60. This aging population requires increasing support in healthcare, housing, and advocacy. The DVA’s four core missions include skilled nursing care, residential services, advocacy and assistance, and cemetery and memorial services. The department also supports family housing, with five houses on campus currently occupied by single mothers and their children.

Among the DVA’s top priorities are expanding housing, upgrading electronic medical records, enhancing website accessibility, realigning budgets, and increasing outreach. Welch emphasized the importance of local Municipal Veterans Representatives—trained volunteers who serve as the first point of contact for veterans in their towns, helping them connect to services and benefits.

He also discussed the importance of Connecticut’s certified Veterans Service Officers, who have generated $199 million in direct benefits for veterans. Welch is advocating for more service officers in underserved areas, particularly the northeast and northwest corners of the state.

Cemetery services remain a focus, with Spring Grove Cemetery in Darien long at capacity and a growing need for expanded burial space. While efforts to acquire new land in Middletown were recently blocked, the department is actively seeking alternative sites and already has state bond funding secured for the expansion.

Mental health and suicide prevention were a central theme in Welch’s remarks. Since 9/11, more than 120,000 veterans have died by suicide—double the number of names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Welch emphasized that social isolation, substance abuse, and mental injury are common threads in these tragedies. He urged veterans and their families to reach out for help, referencing the importance of confidential therapy, peer support groups, and strategies such as removing ammunition or using gun locks to reduce impulsive actions. “Suicide is a permanent solution to temporary problems,” he said. And he highlighted the need to distract a troubled veteran for 5-8 seconds when they are considering harming themselves in order to give them time understand the consequences of what they are planning.

Welch shared efforts under the Governors’ Challenge, a national initiative to reduce veteran suicide. He also highlighted new approaches to mental health, including peer meetups and emerging therapies like psychedelic-assisted treatment, which is currently being studied. He stressed the effectiveness of group sessions that blend casual conversation, shared activities, and emotional connection.

While traditional veterans’ organizations such as the VFW and American Legion have seen declining membership, Welch noted that younger veterans are engaging in different ways. Events like Irreverent Warriors hikes and “Hike to Remember” ruck marches offer camaraderie and purpose. These modern gatherings, he said, help veterans reconnect and begin to process their experiences in healthier ways.

In response to an audience question, Welch acknowledged the strong partnership between Connecticut’s state and federal VA systems. He praised the care provided at West Haven and Newington facilities, which are affiliated with Yale and UConn medical programs. Despite national budget uncertainty, he assured attendees that veterans’ healthcare and benefits remain protected.

Welch closed by returning to the local history. He spoke about the statue originally placed in Darien, now relocated to Rocky Hill, depicting a Civil War officer comforting a young girl—symbolizing the enduring costs of service and the need to care for veterans and their families.

In presenting a commemorative coin to a local host, Welch thanked the community for its continued support. “We owe our veterans more than words,” he said. “We owe them a life of dignity, opportunity, and care.”

Video Presentation 

HBS Community Partners

Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners (CP) is a group of HBS alumni who work with Connecticut nonprofits on a pro-bono basis. CP works with about 17 nonprofits each year, largely strategic planning assignments of 3-4 months and staffed by  5-7 volunteers. CP also provides 1-2 scholarships for outstanding nonprofit leaders to the HBS program SPNM (Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit  Management), a one week intensive program using the case method for nonprofits taught by HBS professors. CP also awards the Turbo Award of $ 20,000 every other year to a nonprofit who can best leverage this amount. CP will celebrate its 20^th anniversary in 2025.

Andrew Traub will discuss the Community Partners organization and three local case studies of clients as a means of introducing the program to DMA members who may be involved with non profits and service agencies that may be good candidates for pro bono consulting assistance or members who may want to contribute. A speaker from Post 53 will discuss their organization as well as CP’s strategic planning project for them.  Andrew will also discuss  CP work with Darien Community Fund and the Bruce Museum in Greenwich.

Andrew Traub has been a board member of the Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut for 13 years. He has worked on forty projects in social services, education and the arts. Andrew has been board president and chaired several subcommittees. Andrew, a third-generation retailer, worked in this industry for over 40 years as a C level executive of retail and wholesale companies and a consultancy in retail strategy and international brand development. He has been a keynote speaker in both the US and China. Andrew and his wife, Lois, who is a retired attorney, live in Stamford; they have three daughters who live in Arlington, Virginia; Croton on Hudson, NY; and Los Angeles; and four grandchildren.

Arranged by Jan Selkowitz and Tom Mullaney

Note: Members interested in discussing engaging with the Community Partners should email Andrew at atraubconsulting@gmail.com.

Summary

Andrew Traub introduced the Harvard Business School Club of Connecticut Community Partners (CP) as a group of HBS alumni who work with Connecticut nonprofits on a pro-bono basis with strategic business consulting. This was an opportunity to encourage the highly experienced DMA members to consider joining them in the volunteer work; and also to encourage those members who serve on non-profit boards to consider the CP for management consulting that could contribute to setting the goals for their community service organizations and evaluating the structure and impact measures for these non-profts.

CP works with about 17 nonprofits each year, largely strategic planning assignments of 3-4 months and staffed by  5-7 volunteers. Traub presented three case studies of their work: the Darien Community Fund, the Bruce Museum, and Post 53. See their annual report of activities over the past year.

Post 53 is a unique, student-led emergency medical service operating in Darien, Connecticut. Unlike traditional EMS services, Post 53 is a volunteer-run organization staffed largely by high school students, who operate under the guidance of experienced adult advisers. For over 50 years, the organization has provided 24/7 emergency medical care to the town—at no cost to patients.

Tom Mullaney, a CP board member and active consultant with the group who helped arrange the presentation, introduced the program with a scenario personal to many in the room:

“Imagine dining out with your spouse when suddenly, you collapse. Within moments, a team of young but highly trained emergency responders arrives, racing against time to save your life. They transport you to the hospital, ensuring you receive the critical care you need. Weeks later, as you recover at home, you receive a letter—not a bill, but a survey asking how they can improve their services.”

Led by Executive Director Joe Larcheveque, Post 53 trains students rigorously, requiring them to become certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) by their sophomore year. These young professionals respond to medical emergencies throughout town, often encountering high-stakes, life-or-death situations.

The impact of Post 53 was felt firsthand by a surprising number community members in attendance, including residents who credited the organization with saving their lives. One individual recounted surviving cardiac arrest in his driveway thanks to Post 53’s rapid response. Another recalled an emotional moment when a young EMT turned out to be a family friend’s daughter, highlighting the close-knit nature of the Darien community.

The Post 53 program, which receives no direct funding from the town, relies entirely on donations to maintain its fleet of ambulances and support its operations. A major focus of the collaboration with Community Partners was strengthening financial sustainability, ensuring that Post 53 can continue serving Darien’s growing population.

CP’s recommendations included expanding fundraising efforts, rethinking board structure, and evaluating potential municipal funding. The discussion also underscored the resilience and professionalism of Post 53’s student responders, whose experiences often lead to careers in healthcare, public service, and beyond.

Video Presentation