Dean's Advisory Board

Mike Allison

President, Stanley Engineered Fastening

Stanley Black & Decker

Mike Allison joined Stanley Black & Decker in April 2011 and currently serves as President of Stanley Engineered Fastening Industrial. In this role, he is responsible for the strategic oversight and business performance of the division, driving innovation and operational excellence across a diverse portfolio of fastening and assembly solutions. With over 15 years of experience deeply rooted in product management, Mike has amassed extensive experience across multiple industries, including Automotive, Aerospace, and Industrial. His expertise spans a wide range of product lines, such as storage solutions, tools, fasteners, and assembly systems, enabling him to deliver impactful results and foster growth in complex, global markets. Mike holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in International Business and Marketing from Central Connecticut State University. He also earned a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics from the same institution, equipping him with a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and strategic leadership. A dynamic leader with a passion for innovation and operational excellence, Mike continues to play a pivotal role in advancing Stanley Black & Decker’s mission to empower those who make the world.

Wyatt Bosworth

Manager, CT Public Policy

Amazon

Wyatt Bosworth leads the Connecticut state and local public policy for Amazon. Key responsibilities include developing and advancing policy positions on critical state issues, building coalitions with government officials, business leaders, and community stakeholders, and representing Amazon before state and local legislative bodies.

Rosa Chen

Director of Research & Portfolio Manager

Bradley, Foster & Sargent

Rosa is the Director of Research and a Portfolio Manager at Bradley, Foster & Sargent. As Director of Research, she is responsible for overseeing the firm's independent stock, industry and macroeconomic research efforts, with a focus on high quality companies with sustainable competitive advantages. In addition to this role, she provides investment management services and financial advice to high net worth clients as a Portfolio Manager. Rosa is also an adjunct faculty member at the University of Connecticut and faculty advisor for the Student Managed Fund. She has over 20 years of investment experience with previous experiences at New England Asset Management, Mesirow Financial and Deloitte and is a CFA charter holder and Certified Public Accountant.

Brian Choquette

Managing Partner

Kb3 Advisors

Brian Choquette is the Managing Partner at Kb3 Advisors, where he leads the firm’s energy consulting practice. With a focus on large commercial and industrial clients, Brian helps organizations navigate the complexities of deregulated energy markets by developing tailored strategies that reduce costs, manage risk, and align with long-term operational goals. His expertise spans competitive electricity and natural gas procurement, tariff analysis, and budgeting support across multiple utility territories. In addition to his client-facing responsibilities, Brian oversees strategic planning and financial operations at the firm. He plays a central role in deploying strategy for Kb3’s largest accounts, ensuring that the firm delivers consistent value and long-term results. His leadership helps drive Kb3’s mission to be a trusted advisor to businesses seeking clarity and performance in a rapidly changing energy landscape. Beyond his work at Kb3 Advisors, Brian serves as Treasurer for the Honor Them Hockey Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports youth athletes and promotes leadership, discipline, and opportunity through the game of hockey. His commitment to community and youth development reflects the same values of service and impact that define his professional work.

Martin Geitz

American Savings Foundation Endowed Chair

Central Connecticut State University

Martin J. Geitz is the current American Savings Foundation Endowed Chair for Banking and Finance at Central Connecticut State University. In this role, Geitz brings a practitioner’s perspective to students through the banking courses he teaches and events he arranges. Recently, Geitz worked with the Dean and the Finance Department faculty to achieve approval to launch an Undergraduate Certificate in Banking Excellence at Central in Fall 2025. This is the first program of its kind offered by a college or university in New England.

From 2004 until 2019, Geitz served as President and Chief Executive Officer of SBT Bancorp (SBTB – OTC) and its principal subsidiary, Simsbury Bank & Trust Company, Inc. In late 2019, Liberty Bank acquired SBT and Geitz retired from Liberty at the end of 2021. Geitz began his banking career in 1981 with Continental Illinois National Bank. From 1984 to 2000, he held a variety of executive leadership roles with Fleet Boston Financial Group. Prior to joining SBT in 2004, Geitz worked in banking roles at two insurance companies, MassMutual and Cigna.

From 2013 to 2021, Geitz served on the board of directors, including as Chairman during 2020 and 2021, of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. Geitz held other banking industry leadership roles with organizations including the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, the Connecticut Bankers Association, the Connecticut Community Bankers Association, and the American Bankers Association. Geitz is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University (1978 BA) and Cornell University – Johnson Graduate School of Management (1981 MBA).

Evan Goldstein

Shareholder

Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C.

Evan S. Goldstein is a shareholder at the law firm of Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. in the firm’s Hartford, CT office and is a member of the firm’s General Corporate Counsel, Commercial Litigation and Creditors’ Rights and Bankruptcy practice groups. Evan is the Chair of his firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee and is a committee member of the firm’s marketing, hiring and recruitment and accounts receivables/finance. Attorney Evan Goldstein received his J.D. from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Yeshiva University, New York, New York and received his B.S. from the University of Vermont. Evan played #1 singles and doubles on the men’s tennis team. Evan is on the Board of Governors for the Hill-Stead Museum, was the past Chair of the Stanley Whitman House and Museum, and was the past President of the Connecticut Bar Association, Commercial Law and Bankruptcy Section. Evan is also an adjunct professor at Central Connecticut State University in the School of Business, Management and Organization and teaches Law 250 Legal Environment of Business. Evan lives with his wife, Lisa and three children in Farmington.

Andréa Hawkins

CEO & Founding Partner

Leading Culture Solutions

Andréa Hawkins is the CEO and Founding Partner of Leading Culture Solutions, a boutique advisory firm helping organizations navigate strategic planning, culture transformation, leadership development, interim executive leadership, and organizational health—all through a human-centered and values-driven lens. With over 20 years of executive leadership experience in healthcare, finance, and insurance across Fortune 100 companies, Andréa now guides small and mid-sized for-profit and nonprofit organizations through growth and change. Her approach blends emotional intelligence with strategic insight, linking innovation to culture and driving lasting impact. Appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to Connecticut’s Social Equity Council, Andréa helps shape cannabis-related policies to benefit communities harmed by the war on drugs. She also served on the MetroHartford Alliance’s Racial Equity and Economic Development Leadership Committee and is the Past President of the Amistad Center for Art & Culture. She and her husband, Doug, previously co-owned three cafés and founded the Berkins Family Fund to support entrepreneurs of color. In 2023, they were honored with the Greater Hartford Urban League’s Entrepreneurial Spirit Award. Her credentials also include certification in ProSci ADKAR (Change Management), HBDI, and TKI Conflict Management.

Thomas Hyde

Chief of Staff

AdvanceCT

Thomas “Tommy” Hyde is AdvanceCT’s chief of staff. Prior to joining AdvanceCT, he was the executive director of the Waterbury Development Corp., and CEO of the closely linked Naugatuck Valley Regional Development Corp. The Waterbury Development Corp. managed more than $100 million in economic development projects during Hyde’s tenure, including the ongoing reconstruction of underground utilities and streetscapes in the city’s downtown; several multimillion-dollar brownfield cleanups; the construction of a greenway along the Naugatuck River and major park construction projects, among others. His previous positions include four years at the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development as director of outreach, and then as director of government affairs and special projects. Tommy also worked as special assistant to Governor Dannel P. Malloy. He has a bachelor’s degree from Trinity College, Hartford and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

Lisa Jacobi

SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

COCC

Lisa Jacobi is responsible for leading COCC’s HR Total Rewards, Talent Development, Digital Communications, and Corporate Services Teams. Lisa focuses on four key areas to ensure COCC remains competitive within the marketplace: Health & Wellness, Workplace Culture, Learning & Development and Human Capital Management. She has been a driving force in finding the right talent to power COCC’s impressive growth, while shaping a culture that has made the company a preferred employer of choice for several years in a row. She has built a progressive and technically advanced service philosophy and has been a key factor in COCC’s continued top employer awards. She continues to impact the organization through her growth of COCC’s leadership team, advancing COCC’s employee base through a progressive professional development program, along with ensuring all employees are fully engaged in COCC’s business priorities. Lisa deeply believes that how COCC collaborates internally directly impacts the overall quality of service that its clients receive each and every day. COCC’s strongest asset is its people, and keeping them highly engaged in the business mission ensures future success for COCC.

Peter Longo

Senior Managing Director, Investments

Connecticut Innovations, Inc

Peter Longo has spent over 30 years in numerous roles at Connecticut Innovations (CI). Peter is responsible for overseeing the technology and venture debt investments at CI by evaluating investment opportunities, structuring investments and monitoring portfolio companies through active board participation. Peter’s past CI investments include: Achillion Pharmaceuticals (IPO), Cardium Health (acquired by Centene), CYA Technologies (acquired by enChoice), Aventri fka eTouches (acquired by HGGC), NeuVis (acquired by Rational Software), Nufern (acquired by Rofin-Sinar), SilverSky (acquired by BAE Systems), Payveris (acquired by Paymentus), PCC Technology Group (acquired by Clearview Capital), Device42 (acquired by private equity syndicate), Post-N-Track (management buyout), DiA Imaging Analysis (acquired by Philips) and FinTron (acquired by Apex).

Jennifer Marchand

Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Treasurer

Torrington Savings Bank

Jennifer Marchand serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer of Torrington Savings Bank, a $1 billion mutual savings bank headquartered in Torrington, CT. Jen oversees the bank’s operational and financial functions with a focus on efficiency, compliance, and strategic planning. She leads several departments including Finance, Deposit Operations, Digital Banking, Loan Servicing, Strategic Products and Services, Facilities and Physical Security, helping ensure day-to-day operations run smoothly and in line with regulatory expectations. Jen is a Certified Public Accountant and served as the bank’s Chief Financial Officer for five years before taking on her current role. Prior to TSB, she worked at PwC for six years, focusing primarily on audit and tax clients in real estate and manufacturing. Jen earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Central Connecticut State University and her MBA in Finance from the University of Hartford. Outside of work, Jen serves on the Boards of The American Mural Project in Winsted and Friends of Troop 3 in Torrington, and on the West Regional Advisory Council of the Women’s Business Development Council. In 2022, Jen was awarded with Hartford Business Journal’s Top 25 Women in Business Award. Jen is married with two children.

Hunter Mathena

President

Greater New Britain Chamber of Commerce

With extensive experience in business, real estate, economic development, and environmental health and safety, Hunter Mathena brings a well-rounded and strategic perspective to every professional role. My career began early—working in my family’s construction and development business at age 13—and has since evolved into a track record of leadership, entrepreneurship, and trusted advisory roles. I have successfully managed personal real estate investments while maintaining a full-time career in the environmental sector, earning a strong reputation for reliability and results. I currently serve as the Economic Developer for the City of New Britain and proudly hold the position of President of the Chamber of Commerce. In these roles, I foster public-private partnerships, promote small business growth, and lead initiatives that drive regional economic vitality. I also serve on multiple advisory boards and community service-based boards of directors, reinforcing my commitment to civic engagement and inclusive development. I hold an International MBA and a B.S. in Management from Central Connecticut State University, with concentrations in Management, Marketing, and Organizational Leadership.

Mike Nicastro

Chief Executive Officer & Principle

Coppermine Advisors, LLC

Michael (Mike) Nicastro is the Chief Executive Officer and Principal of Coppermine Advisors, LLC a strategic consulting firm based in Connecticut.

A 45+ year veteran of financial and regulatory technology, Mike most recently served as Executive Chairman of FinTron an early stage WealthTech company, leading the sale of FinTron in 2024 to Apex FinTech Solutions. In 2017 Mike assumed the role of CEO of Continuity Control and began a transformative pivot of the company which included the expansion of its compliance and enterprise risk management via the acquisition of TraceRisk in 2019. During his time with Continuity Mike was named by the Financial Technology Report as one of the Top 25 RegTech CEOs and Top 50 FinTech CEOs in both 2020 & 2021. In 2021, Mike led the strategic sale of Continuity to Mitratech.

Earlier in his career, he was Senior Vice President & CMO of Open Solutions Inc. a company that he helped launch in 1994. During his tenure, Mike was responsible for overall marketing, partnership and product strategy and was involved in every phase of the company’s growth, including 20+ acquisitions, a 2003 IPO and a private equity sale in 2007 valued at $1.4 billion. Other career highlights include roles as SVP/CMO of COCC, CEO of the Central Connecticut Chambers of Commerce, Product Manager with NCR Corporation (recognized in 1992 with the “Chairman’s Customer Satisfaction Award) and working in the banking industry with Citicorp and community banks in Connecticut.

Mike serves on the board of iDentifi and recently served on the boards of Epic River and Allied Payment Network. He served for 10 years on the board of the former Simsbury Bank & Trust where he was a member of the loan and audit committees. He has also served for 19 years as a member of the Governing Board and is the current Board President of the Tony Award winning Hartford Stage Company. An Eagle Scout, he is a Trustee and Past Board President of the Connecticut Rivers Council, BSA. He also serves as a Director & Treasurer of The American Clock & Watch Museum. Mike is a past president and director of the Association for Financial Technology.

Mike is Entrepreneur in Residence, and a member of the faculty of Central Connecticut State University, School of Business where he was a finalist for the Excellence in Teaching Award in 2025 and is Chair of the School of Business Advisory Council. He is a part-time faculty member at Western New England University, School of Law teaching mergers & acquisitions and has been a guest lecturer at Yale University, School of Management.

Cynthia Rider

Managing Director

Hartford Stage

Rider has been the Managing Director of Hartford Stage since 2019. Previously, she was the Executive Director at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and prior to joining OSF, Cynthia Rider spent nine years at Kansas City Repertory Theatre as Managing Director and the Associate Director for Advancement & Administration. Her experience also includes six years as Executive Director of the Kansas City Friends of Alvin Ailey. In her early non-arts career, she served as Associate Director of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Partnership, which worked to strengthen small and medium-sized manufacturers across the state. Rider’s theatre experience also includes time spent on the stage. After graduating from Boston University, she started her theatre career as a resident company member at the Alley Theatre in Houston.

James Smith

President and Chief Connector

Universal Connectivity

James Smith is President and Chief Connector of Universal Connectivity, a telecommunications service provider based in West Hartford, Connecticut. Universal Connectivity believes every business deserves to be better connected. This fuels our mission to enhance our client’s growth and competitiveness with forward thinking scalable communications systems. Growing up in an entrepreneurial household and being one of nine children, he attributes his entrepreneurial spirit and drive to his mother who started a placement agency in 1966 called Exclusively Women catering to helping women with job placement.

Prior to acquiring a Universal Connectivity, James was with Verizon Wireless where he lead the Network Implementation and Construction of the first three generations of wireless networks both in the Northeast region and later at headquarters overseeing hundreds of millions in the annual capital expansion of the network. After a decade career at Verizon Wireless, James stepped out of his role to start a Telecommunications Consulting practice serving wireless carriers and large enterprises.

Ann Marie Sokol

AVP - Emerging Talent - Retired

Travelers Insurance Company

Ann Marie Sokol worked with the Emerging Talent organization for approximately 9 years to attract, develop and retain high-potential participants to Travelers leadership and development programs, focusing on finding synergies and efficiencies across 8 unique programs.

Gary Whitehill

Chairman

Geostrategic Holdings

Gary Whitehill is a globally respected board director, innovation strategist, and geostrategic advisor who equips companies, governments, and institutions to lead through disruption and scale transformational growth. A 2007 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Central Connecticut State University, Gary earned a triple undergraduate degree while competing as a dual-sport athlete in football and track & field. Gary previously served on the CCSU School of Business Advisory Board, where he was instrumental in the university’s successful attainment of AACSB accreditation in 2014. Today, he returns to support CCSU in preparing future-ready business leaders—bridging classroom to boardroom with insight grounded in real-world complexity and global execution. Educated at Harvard Business School and Harvard Kennedy School, Gary has operated in 100+ countries, advising Fortune 500 CEOs, heads of state, and visionary founders. His work has catalyzed over $7B in economic impact and helped drive $1B+ in venture growth. Whether architecting AI-era strategy, aligning cross-sector coalitions, or preparing firms for IPO, Gary brings clarity, conviction, and momentum to every table he joins—empowering institutions to lead boldly and build what’s next.