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 20th 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.