Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz Recruit Leaders From Connecticut's Largest Companies to Advance the Goals of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls
Statement
Governor Ned Lamont and Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz today announced that they have recruited senior level executives from some of Connecticut's largest companies, including several Fortune 500 companies, to serve on a Corporate Leadership Circle that will work to help advance the goals of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls.
Created at the beginning of this year by Governor Lamont and chaired by Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, the council consists of constitutional leaders, state legislators, and state agency heads and has been tasked with providing the state with a coordinated response to issues that impact the lives of women, girls, their families, and the State of Connecticut. The members of the Corporate Leadership Circle will work in cooperation with the council on efforts to expand these goals within Connecticut's business community.
"Connecticut has an incredibly diverse collection of businesses representing so many sectors, and I am particularly pleased that an overwhelming number of them have agreed to work with us on our efforts to ensure equality and opportunity for women and girls," Governor Lamont said. "Their participation says a lot about their principles, and we value their input with the council."
"This is a diverse and impressive array of corporate leaders who are invested in Connecticut and committed to ensuring that women and girls across our state have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential," Lt. Governor Bysiewicz said. "The State of Connecticut has already taken critical steps to uplift women and I look forward to working with leaders in the private sector, particularly many of the state's largest employers, to discuss how they too can be part of our efforts."
The following businesses will be represented on the Corporate Leadership Circle:
Aetna, A CVS Health Business: Tanya Taupier, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Amphenol: David Silverman, Senior Vice President for Human Resources
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals: Nancy Di Dia, Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Americas
Charter Communications: Rhonda Crichlow, Senior Vice President, Chief Diversity Officer
Cigna: Hollie Ward, Managing Director of Leadership Development
Comcast: Rob Earley, Vice President of State Government Relations
EMCOR Group, Inc.: Maxine Lum Mauricio, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
Eversource Energy: Margaret L. Morton, Vice President Government Affairs
Frontier Communications: Elisa Bannon-Jones,Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
General Dynamics Electric Boat: Elicia Spearman, Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Horizon Technology Finance: Elaine Sarsynski, Board Director
KeyBank: LaKisha Jordan, Corporate Responsibility Officer Connecticut/Western Massachusetts & Hudson Valley/Metro NY
LEGO Systems, Inc.: Skip Kodak, Executive Vice President of Americas
Linde:Anne K. Roby, Executive Vice President
Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.: Kimberly Williams, Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Synchrony: DJ Casto, EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer
Tallan Inc.: Michelle Petri-Hall, Chief Financial Officer
The Hartford: Susan Johnson, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer
UnitedHealthcare: Elizabeth C. Winsor, Northeast Region CEO
United Rentals, Inc.: Jessica T. Graziano, EVP and Chief Financial Officer
United Technologies Corporation: Gail G. Jackson, Vice President, Diversity & Inclusion
XPO Logistics: Sarah Shelden, Vice President, Corporate Affairs
Gail Jackson, Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion, United Technologies Corporation, said, "UTC commends the governor's vision in forming this important council. We look forward to using this opportunity to continue to build upon the work our company is already doing to advance women's opportunities for success, not only in Connecticut, but across our company, industry and beyond."
Elicia Spearman, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, General Dynamics Electric Boat, said, "Electric Boat is pleased to partner with leaders from the private and public sectors on the Governor's Council for Women and Girls. As the premier designer and manufacturer of submarines that support our nation's defense, we are looking for the next generation of engineers and technical experts and skilled tradespeople. We believe that investments in programs and partnerships can help broaden opportunities in these and other STEM fields for women."
Margaret Morton, Eversource Vice President of Government Affairs, said, "We at Eversource applaud Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz for launching this important initiative and look forward to partnering with this remarkable group to further the council's goal to positively impact the lives of women and girls in Connecticut. Given Eversource's firm commitment to empower its employees and nurture future leaders of our industry, it's a natural fit and an honor for us to support the Governor's Council on Women and Girls and the Corporate Leadership Circle."
LaKisha Jordan, Corporate Responsibility Officer, at KeyBank, said, "KeyBank is proud to be a member of the Corporate Leadership Circle of the Governor's Council for Women and Girls. Key's diversity and inclusion efforts are fundamental to how we run our business and to our company's culture. We are strongly committed to the principle of gender equity and actively involved in a number of coalitions that support women in the workplace and advocate for gender parity. Business leaders have the unique power to drive societal change by facing gender bias in the workplace head on, and KeyBank is pleased to be asked to add our voice to this important initiative."
Maxine Lum Mauricio, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at EMCOR Group, Inc., said, "I'm excited to be a part of the State of Connecticut's first-ever council created for the sole purpose of empowering women and girls. I look forward to working with the governor, lieutenant governor, and members of the council to help further state-wide efforts in gender equality and opportunity."
Robert Pomeroy, Horizon Technology Finance Chairman and CEO, said, "Horizon is committed to enthusiastically working with the governor's office to drive opportunities for women and girls in Connecticut."
Elaine Sarsynski, Horizon Board Director, said, "Paving the glide path for our women and girls to accomplish all of their dreams and ambitions is our center-point in joining the Corporate Leadership Circle. What is good for women and girls is great for the state."
Elizabeth Winsor, Northeast CEO for UnitedHealthcare, said, "We look forward to working with state and corporate leaders to ensure that young people, especially girls and young women, have the opportunities and tools they need to achieve their career and life goals. And, as health care company, we look at workforce equity and STEAM educational opportunities beyond just our business but more importantly toward improving the health and wellness of our communities, including for women and children."
Rhonda Crichlow, Chief Diversity Officer at Charter Communications, said, "Charter is committed to making a lasting impact in the communities where we live and work. We are proud to be part of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls and look forward to leveraging our business expertise to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women and girls across Connecticut."
Elisa Bannon-Jones, Frontier's Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, said, "As one of the original sponsors of the Paradigm for Parity, Frontier Communications is committed to the principles of gender equality and providing career opportunities for women that offer every opportunity to determine their future, develop their talents and earn a good living. I am excited and honored to participate in the Governor's Corporate Leadership Circle and look forward to working with Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, and other Connecticut business leaders to move this important initiative forward to advance the goals of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls."
Nancy Di Dia, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals' Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Americas, said, "We are honored to join the Corporate Leadership Circle for the Governor's Council on Women and Girls. As a healthcare organization, we are focused on developing new pathways for women and girls in STEAM. We are so pleased to see Lt. Governor Bysiewicz and Governor Lamont invest in this important topic that will fuel the future of Connecticut's workforce."
DJ Casto, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Leader of Synchrony, said, "We commend Governor Lamont and Lt. Governor Bysiewicz for their leadership in addressing critical issues impacting women and girls in Connecticut. Synchrony values diversity and inclusion. The company is committed to supporting the personal and professional development of women and building the next generation of leaders."
Representatives of additional companies may continue to be added as the group's efforts progress.
For additional information on the Governor's Council on Women and Girls, visit the group's website here.
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