NEWS/UPDATES

IWFCT Member News

Welcome to Our “Class of 2025” IWFCT Members!

We’re thrilled that 15 new members joined IWFCT in 2025. Please take a moment to review this list of inspiring women, follow them on LinkedIn, and welcome them into our fold. Nisha Arora, Board Member, Town of GreenwichDr. Patricia Benson, CEO, Housatonic Campus, CT State Community CollegeNell Derick Debevoise Dewey, Keynote Speaker, Subtraction Strategist, Nell 3DTiffany Donelson, President, CEO, Connecticut...

Congratulations to Our 2026 Board Members!

At January’s Annual Meeting, an impressive slate of candidates was approved for our IWFCT Board. So grateful to all these busy women for stepping up to IWFCT board responsibilities. And a huge thank you to those board leaders stepping down. We look forward to working with all our members to take IWFCT to the next level! Row 1 (left to...

The Power of Many: What Iceland’s Story Reminds Us About Women’s Leadership

Written by Paddi LeShane, October 2025 This past weekend, IWFCT members, Jill Adams, Barbara Hopkins and myself joined a full room at the Norfolk Library in Connecticut’s northwest hills for a watch party of a new documentary capturing one of the most extraordinary moments in modern women’s history: Iceland’s “Women’s Day Off.” Nearly 80% of the country’s female residents—across every...

Laura Grondin Named VP of US Sailing Board

Congratulations to IWF Connecticut member Laura Grondin for being selected as Vice President of the US Sailing Board of Directors for 2024. US Sailing is the National Governing Body for the sport of sailing in the United States. ​ Laura Grondin is a distinguished business leader and an accomplished sailor. As the Owner and CEO of V Industries, Bingham &...

Congratulations to Bert Wachtelhausen, HBJ Lifetime Achievement Recipient

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Roberta Wachtelhausen, IWF Connecticut Member for being Hartford Business Journal’s 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award Honoree. IWF Connecticut is proud of all her achievements and for being recognized for it by the Hartford Business Journal. ​ Roberta Wachtelhausen has over 30 years of senior leadership experience shaping products and programs at health plans and...

Barbara Pearce in the News

Barbara Pearce, IWF Connecticut Board Member and former CEO of The Connecticut Hospice Inc., was featured by CBS News on September 30, 2024 covering Hospice and The Connecticut Hospice Inc. Barbara Pearce, who joined The Connecticut Hospice Inc. in January 2019 has done tremendous work and progress contributing to a stronger organization. The Connecticut Hospice Inc. is America’s first Hospice...

Ann Condon, ESG Trailblazer, Joins IWFCT

Ann Condon is a consequential leader, attorney, and trailblazer who has been at the forefront of driving impactful change in global environmental and social governance. She was a board member and recently served as Interim President of the Institute for Sustainable Communities. During her distinguished 30+ year career at General Electric, Ann and her team built and led groundbreaking compliance...

Amazon Exec, Glendowlyn Thames, Joins IWFCT

Glendowlyn (Glen) Thames is on the Amazon’s Global Economic Development team, part of the company’s Public Policy organization, as the Head of Economic Development for the Global Economic Development team for the States of CT, MD and NY. ​ In this role Glen is responsible for delivering value and assistance to Amazon business verticals and its affiliates such as entry...

Author, Former WSJ Editor, Melanie Kirkpatrick, Joins IWFCT

Melanie Kirkpatrick is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute in Washington, D.C. and a former deputy editor of the Wall Street Journal’s editorial page. Her latest book is Lady Editor: Sarah Josepha Hale and the Making of the Modern American Woman. She is also the author of Thanksgiving: The Holiday at the Heart of the American Experience and Escape...

Jill Adams Named HBJ CEO of the Year

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Jill Adams IWF Connecticut Board Member and CEO of Adams & Knight was named a Hartford Business Journal’s 2024 C-Suite Honoree. We are proud to have Jill Adams as a member and a Board member and thank her for all her contributions to IWF Connecticut. ​ The Hartford Business Journal’s 2024 C-Suite award...

Candice Eggerss Appointed to Board of ISC

Congratulations to IWF Connecticut member Candice Eggerss for being appointed on the board of the Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC). The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is an international, non-profit organization that works to support communities by creating, implementing, and scaling equitable climate change solutions for communities at the frontline of the global climate crisis. In her role Candice will...

Global Growth Consultant, Katherine Skinner, Joins IWFCT

Katherine Skinner is a global growth transformation executive, advisor and board director with 30 years of experience expanding and creating new revenue streams for early stage to Fortune 100 consumer products companies including The Coca-Cola Company, Kimberly Clark, Wendy’s, Walgreens, PepsiCo, Anheuser-Busch, and Nestle. She guides innovation and digital transformation strategies to meet emerging consumer, portfolio, go-to-market, and new business...

Managing Partner of Shipman & Goodwin, Leander Dolphin, Joins IWFCT

Leander A. Dolphin is managing partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP. Leander is the managing partner at Shipman & Goodwin LLP, a full-service law firm with six offices throughout Connecticut and New York. Leander is a partner in the School Law Practice Group. Leander advises universities, colleges, public school districts, independent schools, and other public- and private-sector clients on the...

First Black Female Fire Chief in New England, Chief Shelly Carter, Joins IWFCT

Chief Shelly L. Carter served for 21+ years in the City of Hartford Fire Department. Chief Carter began her career in July of 1999 as a structural firefighter and was promoted to Driver/ Engineer, Lieutenant/Fire Marshals Office, Executive Officer, House Captain of Engine Company 5, and House Captain of Engine Company 10. Chief Carter retired from Hartford Fire in May...

Allison Fillmore, Hedge Fund Pioneer, Joins IWFCT

Allison Fillmore is the Founding Chair of the Board of Visitors at Columbia University’s School of General Studies (GS). GS educates non-traditional students and is one of four undergraduate schools at Columbia University. The mission is elite education equality. Allison serves as a board member of Generation S.O.S (share our stories). S.O.S. saves the lives of children from fatal drug...

Board Leaders to Watch: Lucie Claire Vincent Ortiz

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that Co-President Lucie Claire Vincent Ortiz, QRD®, has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 50 Women to Watch For Boards by 50/50 Women on Boards™. ​ This prestigious recognition showcases a diverse group of exceptionally qualified women leaders ready to serve on public company boards across North America. ​​ Congratulations Lucie Claire!...

Global HR Leader, Rose Velez-Smith, Joins IWFCT

Rose Velez-Smith is the CHRO of DoubleVerify’s. She is responsible for all aspects of human resources strategy and people function globally, including talent management, leadership development, total rewards, diversity, inclusion & belonging. Prior to joining DoubleVerify, Rose managed global HR efforts for Pitney Bowes, spending more than two decades with the organization. She served as Vice President of Total Rewards...

Legal Leader Rhonda Tobin Joins IWFCT

Rhonda J. Tobin is Managing Partner at Robinson+Cole and is responsible for leading the development and execution of the firm’s strategic plans, as well as the daily management and operations of the business of the firm. She is a highly-regarded trial lawyer with significant experience in state and federal courts who has spent her 33-year career at Robinson+Cole. Her practice...

Kelli-Marie Vallieres, CT Chief Workforce Officer, Joins IWFCT

Kelli-Marie Vallieres, PhD is Vice Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Council and the Chief Workforce Officer of the newly established Office of Workforce Strategy. ​ She is an owner of two manufacturing companies, Sound Manufacturing, Inc. and Monster Power Equipment, where she served as President and CEO for 14 years before stepping down to take on her new role with...

CEO of Middlesex County Chamber, Johanna Bond, Joins IWFCT

Johanna Bond is the President and CEO of Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the Executive Director of the Middletown Central Regional Tourism District. She fosters business growth by enhancing local economies, championing collaborative initiatives and cultivating strategic partnerships. ​ Johanna built a 30 years career with the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce starting as the Director of Events and moving...

Carol Quinn Toomey Promoted at Accenture

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Carol Quinn Toomey, Managing Director at Accenture, was recently recognized for her achievements and great leadership by being promoted to the next Managing Director level at Accenture with more advanced executive focus across larger practices.. Join us in congratulating Carol on her promotion. More Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-quinn-toomey/...

New Member: Susan Johnson

Susan Johnson is the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer at The Hartford, responsible for leading enterprise-wide DEI initiatives and aligning them with business strategies. She partners with leaders across the organization to ensure that The Hartford’s workforce reflects their customer base, that they drive successful acquisition, development and retention of talent, and that they focus on the right internal...

Michele Scott Appointed to U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Committee

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Michele Scott, Tribal Councilor for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, has been appointed to serve as a Member of the Health and Human Services Department’s Advisory Committee on Minority Health (ACMH). Michele was sworn to the position by RDML Felicia Collins, M.D., M.P.H., Deputy Assistant Secretary for Minority Health and Director. The...

New Member: Karen Goyette

Karen Goyette is the Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer at Hartford HealthCare. Karen serves as Hartford HealthCare’s leader for strategy development, system alignment and partnership integration. Her responsibilities include strategic, business and facility planning, ambulatory facility and institute development, as well as the assessment and activation of strategic partnerships for the system. She oversees several other system-wide...

Experience Innovation Leader, Melissa Tait, Joins IWFCT

Melissa Tait is a Partner of Solutions Engineering in Lippincott’s Experience, Innovation, and Engineering practice based in New York. ​ An ardent advocate for technology’s potential to improve the world, Melissa’s pragmatic approach to innovation has positively impacted clients, such as LendingTree, Humana, Danaher, Delta Air Lines, Cornell University, Aetna and 3,000 Miles to a Cure. In 2020, the Webby...

Stacey Goodwin, Financial Services Leader and Non-Profit Executive, Joins IWFCT

Stacey Goodwin is the Vice President of Operations for RYASAP in Bridgeport where she leads data and outcome measurement and process improvement. In 2016, after a 25+ year career in financial services, Stacey brought her organizational governance and operational leadership skills to her passion for increasing opportunities for youth and families from under-resourced communities in Connecticut. Stacey worked directly for...

Jennifer Tombaugh Promoted to CEO of Tauck

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Jennifer Tombaugh, IWF Connecticut has been promoted to the position of CEO, Tauck, effective October 2024. Jennifer Tombaugh has been with Tauck for 23 years and serving as the President for 13 years.​More information can be found at the following link.​Congratulations Jennifer on your promotion. More Info:https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/tauck-unveils-new-leadership-line-up-tw...

Former Chief Communications Officer of CVS Health, Kathyrn Metcalfe, Joins IWFCT

IWF Connecticut is pleased to welcome Kathryn Metcalfe as a new member. ​ Kathryn is a visiting professor at New York University. She recently left her chief communications officer role at CVS Health® for academia to shape the next generation of marketing and communications leaders. Kathryn has diverse experience across communications, reputation management, crisis and issues management, as well as...

Shari Aser Named a “Woman Who Inspires” by YWCA

IWF Connecticut is pleased to announce that member Shari Aser has been selected by YWCA Greenwich as the 2024 Women Who Inspire Honorees and for the impact she has made through professional and philanthropic achievements.​ Congratulations Shari for this recognition. More Info: https://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/greenwich-ywca-sharon-stone-river-house-girl-scout-18616706.php...

Lucie Claire Vincent Appointed as Board Director of Technology Leader Toluna

IWFCT is pleased to announce that IWF Connecticut Co-President Lucie Claire Vincent Ortiz has been appointed as Independent Board Director of Toluna, the leading global insights technology and panel provider. Her announcement and a few words about Lucie Claire is captured below. ​Congratulations, Lucie Claire, on your appointment! More Info: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240129034814/en/Toluna-Names-Lucie-Claire-Vincent-Ortiz-to-Board-of-Directors...

Guergana Rangatcheva, CFO of Bradley, Foster & Sargent, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Guergana Rangatcheva as a new member. ​ Guergana has a twenty-year history of guiding organizations in all matters financial, including audit, tax, budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, treasury, human resources, and employee benefit functions. Today, at Bradley, Foster & Sargent (BFS), an investment and wealth management firm, headquartered in Hartford, Guergana is Chief Financial Officer. As...

CEO of Girls with Impact, Jennifer Openshaw, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Jennifer Openshaw as a new member. ​ Jennifer — called “one of the most outspoken proponents for empowering women to control their financial lives” by CBS MarketWatch – is CEO of Girls With Impact, a modern business and entrepreneurship academy. Her expertise and national reputation as a financial innovator have made her a valuable ally...

Non-Profit CEO Vikki Pryor Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Vikki Pryor as a new member. ​ Vikki Pryor serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the non-profit, Getting Out and Staying Out, GOSO. She leads the organization to achieve GOSO’s mission to interrupt violence through programs supporting the education, employment and emotional well-being of at-risk and legal system involved young adults. Vikki is...

Sirius SVP, Nicole Hughey, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Nicole Hughey as a new member. ​ Nicole Hughey is Senior Vice President, Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Social Impact at SiriusXM, the leading audio entertainment company in North America. A trusted leader and advocate for all employees, Nicole established and leads SiriusXM’s DE&I strategy, mission, goals, and priorities and the company’s philanthropic...

Leading Legal Expert for Non-Profit Organizations, Melinda Agsten, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Melinda Agsten as a new member. ​ Melinda recently became Special Counsel to Wiggin and Dana LLP after having been a partner for forty years. She has spent decades helping health care, educational, charitable, and other tax-exempt organizations address legal challenges so they can focus on achieving their missions. Melinda advises clients on a range...

Kate Maloney, Executive Director of the Infosys Foundation, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Katherine (Kate) Maloney as a new member. ​ As an Assistant Vice President at Infosys Ltd and the Executive Director of the Infosys Foundation USA, Kate is inspired to advance the Foundation’s commitment to tackle the digital skills gap from K12 to the tech talent workforce. Kate has over 20 years of international policy and...

Wendy Foster Joins Social Venture Partner as COO

Congratulations to Wendy Foster on her new role as Chief Operating Officer with Social Venture Partners Connecticut (SVP-CT). Her announcement and a few words about Wendy is captured below. Wendy is an accomplished, mission-driven, C-suite leader and nonprofit board member with more than three decades of executive leadership driving organizational capacity, adaptability, and sustainable growth in the corporate and nonprofit...

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Councilor, Michele Scott, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Michele Scott as a new member. ​ Michele Scott is a Tribal Councilor for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. As an elected official of the 7-member governing body, she oversees the sovereign government and all of its enterprises including Foxwoods Resort Casino, Foxwoods El San Juan, Norwich Inn and Spa, and more. She holds a...

Dr. Nance Roy, Chief Clinical Officer of the Jed Foundation, Joins IWFCT

IWFCT is pleased to welcome Dr. Nance Roy as a new member. ​ Nance is a psychologist with over 30 years’ experience who has dedicated her career to protecting the mental health of teen and young adults and reducing suicide. As the Chief Clinical Officer of the Jed Foundation and Assistant Clinical Professor at the Yale School of Medicine, Dept....

Peggy Boissoneau Connects with IWF Members in the UK

IWF members connecting globally during travels. ​ Our IWFCT member Peggy Boissoneau took the opportunity to connect with IWFUK members during her travel to London during the Holiday season. Despite the busy time of the year, our IWF members were able to connect and meet at the Royal Academy in the Burlington House Piccadilly. ​ They had much to share...

Lorraine George Harik Featured in Stamford Magazine for Family Business

Join us in congratulating our IWFCT member Lorraine George Harik for being featured in the Stamford Magazine for their family business “Zesty Z”. ​ Both Mother (Lorraine) and Son (Alexander) brainstormed on bringing a delicious Mediterranean popular diet to US Consumers. They wrote a plan and launched the business using their innovative thinking and their business skills to run the...

Laura Grondin One of the Finalists of U.S. Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year

Join us in congratulating our IWFCT member Laura Grondin for being one of the three finalists for the US Sailing’s 2022 Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. ​ Laura Grondin’s success as a skipper in the J/70 class earned her a spot as one of this year’s finalists. Grondin helmed her way to first place at the J/70 East Coast Championships...