Age: 38
Title: President and CEO
Company Name: Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford Inc.
Company Location: Hartford
Residence: Bloomfield
Career Highlights: I first walked through the doors of a Boys Club at the age of 8. I was a member for 10 years. Now, I am the president and CEO of the country’s first Boys & Girls Clubs organization, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford. I have been a Boys & Girls Clubs professional for more than 18 years. I have had the opportunity to help thousands of young people develop into productive and responsible citizens. To know that I have inspired and guided young men and women to become doctors, lawyers, or engineers is rewarding and is one of the many highlights of my career. I have had the opportunity to meet former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and I look forward to meeting our current president, Barack Obama.
Community Involvement: I am presently a board member of the Pillar Community Development Corp., Covenant Preparatory School and The First Cathedral. I am a volunteer assistant coach for a 9- to 12 -year old instructional baseball league in which my sons participate. I am also an avid fan of my children who are actively engaged in sports and other activities in our town.
Musical Inspiration: I am inspired by several musical artists. I like the soulful sounds of Luther Vandross, the precision of The Temptations and sultry voice of Patti LaBelle. My musical inspirations are many but one song can best describe my character and disposition, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Listen to the lyrics, “No matter where you are, no matter how far, just call my name, I’ll be there in a hurry, you don’t have to worry.” I have had the privilege to touch and help so many youths and others during my professional career. There is truly no mountain too high or valley too low that would prevent me from trying to reach someone in need.
Person you admire most and why: I admire the fortitude and determination of my parents who raised five children to dream and have compassion for others. My father taught and showed me what a hard worker should be and what qualities he/she should possess. My mother showed me the importance of family and how to care for and love one another. She was the backbone of my family. My wife is the backbone of our family, and, together, we are raising three wonderful boys.