BRIDGEPORT, CT – The Housatonic Community College Foundation (HCCF) on Monday announced the addition of four new board members who will help support the organization’s work to improve Housatonic Community College (HCC) students’ access to quality postsecondary education.
“We are fortunate to welcome this strong and distinguished team of new board members who bring diverse expertise and insight to our work,” said HCCF Board President Bruce Murray, Senior Institutional Trust Officer, SVP, People’s United Bank. Each of these members will be an invaluable resource in upholding our mission, especially as students now return to campus and rebuild from the pandemic and its economic impacts.
The not-for-profit organization has been supporting HCC and its students for over three decades. In addition to providing scholarships, awards, and assistance funds to students, the Foundation provides financial assistance to the College, assisting in its role as a unique educational resource for the region.
The new board members began their three-year terms with HCCF earlier this year. The four new board members are:
Douglas H. Wade Jr., President of Wade’s Dairy, Inc. As a fourth-generation president, Doug Wade manages his family business, which began in 1893. He serves on a number of boards, actively supports multiple local organizations and advocates for those most in need, promoting efforts to reduce poverty, provide quality education and restore America to the land of opportunity.
Andrea Jones, most recently was VP, Human Resources at Bigelow Tea. She has held HR leadership roles at Fortune 500 companies, including United Technologies and Danaher Corporations. Andrea holds a Master of Science degree in Operations Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Central Florida.
Jennifer Cutrali, Vice President, Credit Administration Manager, Fairfield County Bank. Jennifer has additionally held management positions at Patriot Bank and TD Bank. She holds an MBA in Finance and a Bachelor of Science from Southern Connecticut State University, and has served as a member of the Hamden Planning & Zoning Commission, among other volunteer roles.
Marilyn Ward Ford, Attorney and professor of law at Quinnipiac Law School. Marilyn founded and directed the clinical program at the University of Bridgeport School of Law. Her probono litigation work has helped numerous organizations that serve disadvantaged people and at-risk youth. Marilyn’s many published works and service on many boards has earned her several prestigious community service awards, including the Thurgood Marshall Award for community Service, the Presidential Award from the Bridgeport Chapter of the NAACP and was honored as an All Star by the Connecticut Bar Association.
“Housatonic Community College depends upon the work of the Foundation and we are grateful to its board members who dedicate their passions and expertise to supporting our community college. They understand that investing in HCC has a lasting impact on students, their families and our wider community,” said Dwayne Smith, CEO Housatonic Community College.
To learn more about the Housatonic Community College Foundation visit www.housatonic.edu/foundation/ or contact Kristy Jelenik at KJelenik@housatonic.edu.
