Dean's Advisory Board

The Dean’s Advisory Board at Central's School of Business is a strategic partner that advises on curriculum and industry trends, supports student career outcomes through real-world connections, and advocates for and strengthens the School’s standing in the broader business landscape. This collaboration ensures that Central's business graduates are well-prepared, well-connected, and well-regarded as they embark on successful careers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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