TEAM announces appointment of new CEO effective today

Timothy Makris

 

Blood drive slated Feb. 7 at Ansonia Armory

 

Derby Board of Education appoints new principal of Irving School

Marc Russo

DERBY - The Derby Board of Education recently appointed Marc Russo as principal of Irving School.
Russo came to the Derby Schools on Feb. 8, 2018 as Dean of Students at Derby Middle School. 

In August of 2019, he moved into the role of Elementary School Dean of Students serving both Irving and Bradley Schools. He has collaborated with principals to create a safe and supportive environment and establish deep-rooted community relationships.

Russo earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Providence College, a Masters of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of New Haven and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership from Quinnipiac University. Prior to his move to Derby, he taught Language Arts and Math in North Haven for 18 years while coaching baseball, softball, and football.

Russo said, “I am humbled and honored to be able to renew my service to Derby Public Schools as the principal of Irving School. My focus is centered on advancing student progress, fostering social-emotional wellness, and nurturing and growing the Irving School community. I believe building relationships, embodying kindness, and answering these three questions in collaborative decision-making: Did we do the right thing? Did we work to the best of our abilities? And, did we show people we care? Irving Wildcats will continue to show respect to ourselves, to others, and to our school!

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway, Jr. said, “We are thrilled at Mr. Russo's appointment to the position of Principal at Irving School. Mr. Russo brings his years of experience, relationship building and support for students, staff and families to his new role as principal. In Mr. Russo's 3-year tenure as Dean of Students for Irving and Bradley schools he has developed into a leader earning the respect of many students, staff and family members. With this type of experience in the school and district, he will hit the ground running. We were very fortunate to have had a highly competitive pool of candidates and Mr. Russo rose to the top throughout the process.

Board chairman Jim Gildea said, “Marc has a wealth of experience working with our students and staff both at the middle school and at the elementary school levels. Marc did an outstanding job in a very competitive hiring process and garnered strong support amongst all of the relevant stakeholders; parents, staff, administrators and board members, all whom were represented on the hiring committee. As Marc was the type of administrator, who rolled his sleeves up and jumped right in, he will offer a strong sense of continuity and I am confident that the school will continue to excel and maintain the close-knit family atmosphere that exists there.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

TEAM to offer income tax assistance at 4 locations

 This is shared from TEAM's Facebook page.

Board of Education appoints business manager for Derby Public Schools

John Passarelli

DERBY - The Board of Education has appointed 
John Passarelli to the position of Business Manager for Derby Public Schools. 

The appointment was made on the  recommendation of the Advisory Selection Committee and Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway. 

John joins our family from the Production Resource Group, located in New Windsor, N.Y., where he was the director of finance and financial planning and analysis. 

Prior to PRG, he served in various finance/financial management roles of increasing responsibility throughout his career.

John received his bachelor of Business Administration Degree in finance and accounting from Pace University, his MBA from Mount Saint Mary College and is currently pursuing certification as a Certified Management Accountant. 

Board Chairman Jim Gildea said, “The Derby Board of Education welcomes John Passarelli to the family as our new business manager. John brings many years of service in the area of finance and we are confident he will continue the strong foundation that has been created by our previous business manager Mark Izzo. John has proven that he is a relationship builder and we look forward to working with him as a Board and watching him work with the various stakeholders and City officials.”

Mark Izzo, previous business manager, said, “I am excited to welcome John to the Derby Public Schools family. He has an extensive financial management background and will provide the district with outstanding financial stewardship as part of Dr. Conway’s leadership team. Congratulations and good luck John!”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew J. Conway Jr. said, “John embodies our Derby family
values and comes to the table with not only a strong financial background, but someone who has a reputation of not having ‘a bad bone in his body, a great guy and even better employee.’ We are excited to welcome John to the family. John will have the opportunity to learn from the best,
as retired business manager Mark Izzo will help introduce John to all aspects of the role of a
school district business manager.”

This is a press release from Derby Public Schools.

Valley United Way welcomes part-time development director

Brian Mezzi

After months of strategic planning and working with the community on Coronavirus relief, Valley United Way has announce the hiring of a Brian Mezzi of Clinton as part-time Development Director.

Mezzi currently works at United Way of Greater New Haven as Assistant Development Director.
Hearing of the good work he was accomplishing there, Interim President/COO of Valley United Way David Kennedy approached UWGNH to consider a work-share scenario that would enable Mezzi to work for the Valley part time. “The shared services agreement we have entered into with UWGNH is the best of so many worlds,” Kennedy said. “We have been able to bring a very talented United Way development professional onto our team, while he continues to support corporate partnerships and United Way of Greater New Haven’s workplace campaign.”

With 10 years of non-profit experience, primarily with United Ways in Connecticut, Mezzi has spent most of that time cultivating and creating relationships with workplaces that are looking to contribute to local needs.
Last year, Mezzi worked with a diverse portfolio of local businesses to successfully raise over $1 million for the greater New Haven community.
He also is no stranger to giving back to the community. An avid fencer, Mezzi is former Head Coach for the North Haven Fencing team and is the Co-Chair of the CT High School Fencing Association.

He has won awards for his roles in service and leadership through organizations like Americorps and the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Mezzi said, “I look forward to engaging with individuals and partners throughout the Valley. I make it my goal to inspire others, both in and out of the workplace, to give and get involved in their community. I look forward to working together in a ‘United Way’ to change what's possible for the Valley.”

As Valley United Way is still working remotely due to Coronavirus, it was not a typical orientation for a new employee. Mezzi started at Valley United Way July 13 and will continue working remotely, along with other VUW staff, until further notice. 

For questions related to Development and Workplace Giving for Valley United Way, contact Mezzi at: Brian.Mezzi@valleyunitedway.org.
___

As a leading philanthropic organization in the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Valley United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of the community through philanthropy, volunteerism, and collaboration.
For more information visit www.valleyunitedway.org or contact David Kennedy, Interim President/COO at 203-538-6341.


This is taken from a press release from Valley United Way.

TEAM, Inc. in Derby names development, communications manager

Lisa Savoid

Who? Lisa brings more than 20 years of experience in communications, sales, marketing and advertising, and development. 

Lisa’s previous work experience includes the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Cumulus Media in Bridgeport, Journal News, Digital First Media and AT&T Communications. 
She is currently involved in Ansonia’s Board of Education Community Conversation and Joel E. Smilow Clubhouse Advisory Board. 

What? Lisa will work with CEO David Morgan and the leadership team to increase public awareness and her leadership responsibilities cover TEAM’s entire service area throughout the Greater Valley region and surrounding communities. 

Why? After experiencing the for-profit industry and non-profit, she discovered her passion is to make a difference in her community. 
“Shortly after returning to the for-profit industry in 2018, I realized my love for non-profit and desire to return. I joined TEAM because I wanted to make a direct impact in my community," Savoid said.

This is a press release from TEAM, Inc.

Gentile named to state legislator committees

State Rep. Linda M. Gentile

HARTFORD - State Rep. Linda M. Gentile, D-Ansonia, Derby, has been appointed to the newly formed State Coordinators Committee of National Conference of State Legislators by Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin/Southington. Aresimowicz also appointed Gentile to the Labor & Economic Development Committee of NCSL.

"I am grateful for Speaker Aresimowicz's confidence in my leadership and organizational skills and I am honored to be his appointment on these important and busy committees,” Gentile said. “I look forward to this new challenge. NCSL is a premier organization that provides valuable research and legislative information to legislators from all major parties all over the country."

“I’m so glad Representative Gentile has accepted this appointment,” said Aresimowicz. “Linda is extremely hardworking and well respected by her peers. With her many years of experience as a legislator she has a wide array of knowledge about the legislative process and is a strong leader. I know she will be an asset to this committee.”

In her role as a State Coordinator, Gentile will work closely with the administration and staff of NCSL to promote the committee’s mission to fellow legislators in Connecticut as well as legislators in other states in the Northeast.  

The NCSL’s mission is to improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures, to promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures, and to ensure the state legislature remains a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.

This newly created leadership role is essential in strengthening NCSL’s work in states across the country.

As part of her new role, Gentile will be developing legislative leaders from both parties, providing them with knowledge on how to access NCSL’s research, training services, and website. 

She will additionally be giving legislators in and out of state a better understanding of all the standing committees, including the Labor and Economic Development Committee, as well as policy process.  

Gentile will be attending the NCSL Capitol Forum in San Diego, California from Dec. 10-13 with travel and conference attendance being paid for by scholarship and personal funds. The Capitol Forum is where legislators and staff together to tackle critical state-federal issues, gain insight from national experts, and work with committees to craft the States’ Agenda.

This is a press release from Gentile's office.

Cassetti appoints Lundeen fire marshal in Ansonia

Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti, left, congratulates Darrick Lundeen after appointing him the city's new fire marshal./ Photo from the City of Ansonia Facebook page

The following information was posted Wednesday on the City of Ansonia Facebook page: 

"Mayor David Cassetti is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrick Lundeen as Ansonia’s Fire Marshal, which is effective immediately. 

"Mr. Lundeen has been acting Fire Marshal since late February 2017, upon the retirement of predecessor Ray Tingley. The appointment culminates a three-month interviewing process involving a handful of applicants. 
“With more than 31 years of firefighting service, beginning with Eagle Hose in Ansonia, Darrick brings extensive experience and professionalism to this most important public safety position,” said Mayor Cassetti.
"He is a lifelong City resident, having climbed the ladder of fire service training, and experience including career firefighter in East Hartford, and Deputy Fire Marshal in Fairfield and Ansonia.

"The Mayor also announced the appointment of Joseph Kingston III as Deputy Fire Marshal to the City. Mr. Kingston, also a City resident, is the son of former Ansonia Fire Chief Joe Kingston, whose term expired in 2015 and remains active within the City’s Fire Department."