Valley United Way names Pacowta President, Chief Professional Officer

Michael E. Pacowta

The Valley United Way board of directors today announced that Michael E. Pacowta has been named President and Chief Professional Officer. 

Pacowta brings a wealth of leadership experience and a passion for positive change within the organization’s five-town region of Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. 

He succeeds Interim President and Chief Executive Officer David Kennedy, who retired on Jan. 9.
“The board of directors is thrilled that Mike will lead VUW. He will focus on building fundraising momentum to strengthen our partner agency’s impact within the community,” said board chair, Karen Stockla. “Mike first joined as Area Director in August 2022 and has consistently displayed the qualifications and expertise needed to drive the organization towards providing lasting change for the Valley.”
Stockla added, “While we are excited about this new chapter of growth for VUW, the Board is grateful for David Kennedy’s leadership and guidance during the past three years. This was especially true during the pandemic, where he was instrumental in raising funds as part of the Valley Community Covid-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which supported community members who were severely impacted by Covid-19.”
Pacowta said, “I am excited to lead VUW by working with our generous donors, corporate and agency partners, volunteers, staff, board of directors, and community members to better understand and address the many challenges within the Valley. I believe strongly in the work that our organization carries out and am certain that through our collaboration, we will be successful in delivering greater investment to improve the lives of those most in need.”

Pacowta has a long-established presence in the Valley, serving as President of the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce from 1991-94, and as Mayor of Shelton from 1985-91.
He also served for several years as President of the Greater Waterbury Chamber of Commerce and, immediately before joining VUW, held the position of Employment Specialist with TheWorkplace, Inc.

For more information about the Valley United Way, visit www.valleyunitedway.org or contact  Pacowta, President and Chief Professional Officer, at 203-538-6349.

This is a press release from Valley United Way.

Watercolor Workshop slated at The Sketch Book Studio in Milford

 

Boys & Girls Club in Shelton names new board president

Fred Serra/ Contributed photo

SHELTON - The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley is pleased to announce its new Board President and five new Directors:

Frederick W. Serra, NFP – President
Harry Burlakoff, Minuteman Press of Shelton – Director Christopher Douglas, Encon – Director
Dave Jones, Splash Car Wash – Director
Christen Perry, Wellington’s Restaurant – Director Carlo Sarmiento, City of Derby – Director
“Fred has clearly demonstrated his commitment and value as a member of our Board of Directors,” Shaye Roscoe, Executive Director, said. “Fred’s company, Serra & DelVecchio, has been a valued supporter of our Club for more than a decade. We look forward to his leadership over the next three years, as well as the experience of our five new Directors: Harry Burlakoff, Christopher Douglas, Dave Jones, Christen Perry, and Carlo Sarmiento.”

Serra, a Club kid himself, brings a wealth of experience to the Boys & Girls Club as a local business owner of 35 years. 
Serra began serving the Club in 2005 as a Corporator, advancing to a Director, and taking the reins as Back-a-Kid Annual Appeal chairman in 2017, before being tapped for the Presidency.
During his career Serra was CEO and Chief Mergers and Acquisitions Officer of Serra & DelVecchio Insurance. He is now a Managing Director of NFP, the fourth largest independent insurance broker in the country. 
Serra serves on many local boards and was the past Chairman of the Connecticut Benefit Brokers.

Fred, his wife, Lisa, and their six children and grandchildren live in the Valley.
“I have worked in private business my entire career, and many of my clients were nonprofit organizations,” Serra said. “I understand their unique needs, and my number one goal is to build on the strong Board the Club currently has - creative thinkers that are passionate about our mission.”
The newest Directors were inducted onto the Board at the Club’s annual meeting and are part of the organization’s strategic plan to enhance the diversity and industry knowledge of the Board.

“Our new Directors have a broad range of experience and lots of enthusiasm, which will help us execute our vision and keep pace with the rapidly growing needs of our community and the kids we serve,” Roscoe said.
Harry Burlakoff of Minuteman Press Shelton has been involved in the community since opening his business in 2009. Harry joined the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Seeds to Leads Networking Group, the Valley United Way’s Corporate Volunteer Council, and the Exchange Club of Shelton. 
Giving is in Harry’s nature, and he goes above and beyond assisting our Boys & Girls Club, as well as the other nonprofits in our region. Harry is a graduate of the Leadership Greater Valley Class of 2015.
Chris Douglas is co-President of Encon, which he joined in 1982 as a service technician. Known as one of the hardest working men in the industry, Chris quickly acquired the experience and education necessary to advance into sales and engineering in 1987. 
He has extensive industry knowledge of commercial HVAC design, installation, and building controls. Chris holds professional licenses in heating, piping, cooling, electrical, and solar. As a charismatic executive with a dedication to excellence, Chris leads by example and sets a high standard for the entire company. Chris is an alumnus of the Boys & Girls Club. While attending the Club he enjoyed spending time in the fitness room and participating in the floor hockey league. He joined the Board as a way of giving back. Chris and his wife reside in Shelton.
Dave Jones is originally from Monroe and now resides in Shelton with his wife of six years and two infant sons. He has been employed with Splash Car Wash in Shelton for 14 years. He played high school baseball and football and attended community college. 
While growing up, Dave’s father taught him that “when people are different they may need a helping hand, so use your God-given ability to help others.” Dave found himself always helping out those who were different. Dave joined the Board of Directors because he realized the Boys & Girls Club was much more than a place to play sports. It was a place where kids who may feel different because of their circumstances can find a safe haven and guidance for their future.
Christen Perry has been familiar with the Boys & Girls Club her whole life. Her father, Leon Sylvester, was a Board member for many years, and her husband, Ben Perry, is a Club alumni as well as a past Board member. 
Christen received her degree in Business Management from Post College and has worked at Market Data and the Ascot Club, and is now with Wellington’s Restaurant, all in Shelton. Christen, Ben, and their daughters live in Shelton.
Carlo Sarmiento was born in Argentina, and he and his family came to the United Stats in 1981. He now serves the City of Derby as the Building official, Planning and Zoning Enforcement Agent, the Blight Officer, and the Relocation Officer. 
Carlo is an accomplished cook and donates much of his time helping charitable organizations and nonprofits with their catered events. 
In addition to serving on the Board, he is a member of the Valley Angels as well as the Sargeant in Arms for The Fourth Watch.

Welcoming environment
Boys & Girls Clubs fill the gap between school and home. 
The Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley provides a welcoming, positive environment in which kids and teens have fun, participate in life-changing programs, and build supportive relationships with peers and caring adults. 
More than 3,300 kids in four units attend  programs on a yearly basis.
For more information visit www.BGC-LNV.org.


This is a press release from the Boys & Girls Club.