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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

In a remarkable tale that intertwines history, pop culture, and the resilience of the human spirit, Bonnie Siegler and Helen Stapinski bring forth The American Way: A Story of Nazi Escape, Superman, and Marilyn Monroe. This compelling narrative delves into the extraordinary journey of Siegler’s grandfather, Jules, who fled Nazi Germany, and the unexpected connections he formed with the cultural icons of his era.

An Unlikely Connection
Jules, a furrier by trade, was living in Berlin in the 1930s when the rise of Hitler threatened his family’s existence. Sensing the impending doom, he made a daring journey to the United States in search of a sponsor who could help them escape. That sponsor turned out to be Harry Donenfeld, the man behind DC Comics and the publisher of Superman.

While Jules was securing his family’s passage to America, two young comic book creators, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, were developing the character of Superman—a hero who would go on to symbolize hope and justice during a time of global turmoil. The connection between Jules and Donenfeld was purely coincidental, yet it intertwined their fates with the rise of one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.

A Brush with Marilyn Monroe
After successfully escaping Germany, Jules settled in New York City. It was there, in the 1950s, that he inadvertently captured history on film. During the shooting of The Seven Year Itch, on the very block where he lived, Jules used his 16mm camera to record Marilyn Monroe’s famous subway grate scene. Unbeknownst to him, this amateur footage would later become the only surviving film of the original shoot—before it was recreated on a soundstage.

Survival and Legacy
Despite the horrors his family endured—many of whom perished in Nazi concentration camps—Jules managed to build a life in America. His survival was not just about escaping a war; it was about reclaiming a future. His story is a testament to the resilience of refugees and the sacrifices made to protect family.

The book The American Way sheds light on a lesser-known chapter of history, where comic books, Hollywood, and real-life heroism intersected in ways that continue to shape American culture. Siegler and Stapinski masterfully weave a story that is both deeply personal and universally relevant.

A Story That Demands to Be Told
The book is not just about Superman or Monroe—it’s about the essence of the American dream, and how those who seek refuge often become the foundation of the country’s cultural and historical fabric. Through meticulous research and intimate storytelling, Siegler and Stapinski bring to life a narrative that is at once harrowing and hopeful.

With The American Way, readers are invited to reflect on the past while recognizing the ongoing struggles of immigrants and refugees seeking safety and opportunity. In Jules’ journey, we see both the best and worst of America—the open doors and the turned backs, the opportunities and the obstacles.

Siegler and Stapinski’s work serves as a reminder that history is never as distant as it seems, and that every family has a story worth telling.

Authors

Bonnie Siegler is the founder and creative director of award-winning, multi-disciplinary, graphic design studio, Eight and a Half. The author of Dear Client, a guide for people who work with creatives, and Signs of Resistance, a visual history of protest in America, she also taught design in the graduate schools of Yale University and the School of Visual Arts for many years. She lives in Westport.  It is a story of Bonnie’s family and she did most of the research finding the threads of her family’s experience.

Helene Stapinski is the nationally bestselling author of three memoirs: Five-Finger Discount, Murder in Matera, andBaby Plays Around. She writes regularly for The New York Times; her work has also appeared in The Washington Post,New York,Travel & Leisure, and dozens of other publications. She teaches at New York University and lives in Brooklyn. Helene was the principal author to support Bonnie’s research.

Video Presentation

Annelise Osborne is chief business officer at Kadena, a blockchain technology company, where she is focused on upgrading finance. Annelise has over 20 years of experience in finance, credit, real estate, family office, risk, structuring, governance, and digital assets. She was previously head of institutional for Arca Labs, working with companies to drive blockchain innovation through strategic partnerships and advisory services as well as COO of Propellr LLC, company that creates a platform for digitally held assets. Annelise spent 12 years at Moody’s Investor Service running teams in structured finance. She is a thought leader, board advisor, university lecturer and author. Her book, From Hoodies to Suits: Innovating Digital Assets in Traditional Finance, hit shelves in June 2024. Annelise holds an M.B.A. from Columbia Business School and a B.A. in Economics from The College of William and Mary.

Summary

Video Presentation 

Jon E. Zagrodzky serves as First Selectman for the Town of Darien, having been elected to this position on November 7, 2023. Jon’s prior Town roles include: member of the Board of Selectmen; member and chairman of the Board of Finance; member of the Town and Police Pension Board; member of the Public Works Garage and Ox Ridge School Building Committee Board; member and president of the Darien Historical Society.

Until his December 2023 retirement, Jon served as COO and CFO at Rhône Group, LLC, a middle market private equity firm, where he was responsible for finance, operations, human resources, administration, information technology, and business planning. Prior to Rhône, he was CAO and Chief Compliance Officer at Oak Hill Capital Management and before that spent 16 years at McKinsey & Company.

Jon earned a BA in Economics and Romance Languages from Washington & Lee University and an MBA from The Wharton School.  He is a commercial pilot and owns a Piper Seneca III. Jon moved to Darien with his wife, Sara, and their two children, Maggie and Jack, in 2005.

Summary

Ric Grefé reports that Darien First Selectman John Zagrodzky provided an update on the state of the town, covering topics such as infrastructure, real estate, public safety, and the highly anticipated development of Great Island.

Town Strengths and Growth
Zagrodzky highlighted Darien’s strong public schools, praising the quality of education, facilities, and student engagement. He noted that the town’s property values remain high, with a 20% increase in average home prices despite a low housing inventory.

New commercial developments, including Corbin District, Heights Crossing, and Darien Commons, are revitalizing the town and attracting businesses. The First Selectman urged residents to support local restaurants and shops, emphasizing the importance of keeping Darien’s economy thriving.

Challenges: Infrastructure, Crime, and Traffic
Zagrodzky addressed concerns over aging infrastructure, including sewer system failures and ongoing flooding issues. He acknowledged that major storms could overwhelm the town’s flood control measures, urging residents to take proactive steps to protect their homes. The challenge for the town is that as much attention as they pay to the flooding issues, the combination of geology, old infrastructure, and the overwhelming cost and disruption of a comprehensive redesign of the infrastructure makes comprehensive change unrealistic.

Crime remains a challenge, with unlocked car thefts continuing to be a problem. “Every stolen car had the keys left inside,” he stated, calling on residents to take basic precautions.

Traffic congestion, particularly on Post Road and near new developments, remains an issue. While improvements such as better signal timing and road redesigns are in progress, the First Selectman acknowledged that traffic will remain a long-term concern due to regional development in Norwalk and Stamford.

Great Island and Town Debt
Zagrodzky reassured residents that a master plan is being developed through public workshops, balancing conservation with community use. However, a legal dispute over tree removal on an access road has delayed progress.

Darien’s town debt has reached approximately $192 million, largely due to school renovations and the Great Island acquisition. Future borrowing, including possible renovations to Middlesex Middle School, could push this figure higher. Despite these financial commitments, the town’s AAA credit rating remains intact.

Looking Ahead
Upcoming initiatives include sidewalk expansions, a modernized parking system, park improvements, and stricter enforcement of blight regulations. The town is also exploring better town service payment options for residents, such as digital transactions.

Zagrodzky ended on a positive note, praising Darien’s sense of community and volunteer spirit. “This is the best place to live, and I want everyone to feel the same way,” he said. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the town newsletter and social media updates.

Video of Presentation

Presentation Slides: SOTT 2025 DMA

Video Presentation