The CT Black Expo

Leader of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven Chosen to Succeed Will Ginsberg on Nov. 2

New Haven, Conn. (Sept. 17, 2024) – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven has named Dr. Karen DuBois-Walton as the next president and chief executive officer of the region’s community endowment and largest grant maker to local nonprofits. DuBois-Walton, most recently the president Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of New Haven, succeeds Will Ginsberg, who is stepping down after 24 years, on Nov. 2. 

“I am thrilled to be taking on this leadership role at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven and for the opportunity to work with the team and in this community with so many committed volunteers and donors to build a stronger, more connected and more equitable Greater New Haven Region," DuBois-Walton said. "My vision for the future is one where we work together to create a more equitable and inclusive Greater New Haven — a region where every resident in all 20 towns has the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or zip code. This is the work I have committed to in my personal and professional career and it is what I am most excited to continue at The Foundation.  This work requires bold and collaborative solutions and my work is known for that." 

Dr. DuBois-Walton brings two decades of leadership experience in government and public sectors. For the past 16 years, she has been president of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven (HANH), which serves more than 6,000 families and 14,000 individuals and includes the Glendower Group, LLC (the development affiliate of HANH) and 360 Management Group, Inc. (the property management affiliate). Leading the $800 million umbrella organization, she has spearheaded initiatives to address systemic inequities in housing and community development, education and economic access and opportunity

“Karen is an extraordinary leader of high integrity. She has a longstanding commitment to Greater New Haven and possesses the experience and vision needed for bringing together all stakeholders to create a more equitable and inclusive community.” said The Foundation Board Chair Marcella Nunez-Smith. “As we welcome Karen, we also extend our immense gratitude to Will for his leadership and overseeing the incredible growth of The Foundation during his tenure.”

The search process for a new president and CEO began following Ginsberg’s announcement in the fall of 2023 that he would retire in November 2024. He has served at The Foundation’s helm since 2000.

The Community Foundation Board of Directors chose Dr. DuBois-Walton following a rigorous national search conducted by a committee of current and former board members in partnership with Koya Partners, a search firm that specializes in placing CEOs in mission-driven roles.

“Karen has the unique combination of leadership ability, experience and deep connection to and passion for the Greater New Haven community that put her at the top of a very talented candidate pool,” said Fernando Muñiz, chair of the search committee and vice chair of The Foundation’s Board of Directors. “I thank my fellow committee members for their time, expertise and wisdom in completing this important work and we all look forward to The Foundation’s next chapter with Karen as our new leader.” 

In addition to Muñiz, other search committee members included Nunez-Smith, current Board members Greg Pepe and Valarie Shultz Wilson, and former Board Chair Khalilah Brown-Dean.

“Karen is a great member of our community and a longtime inspirational community leader. She is a perfect fit for The Community Foundation because she knows our community, she understands our community and she loves our community. The Foundation’s Board could not have made a better choice,” said Ginsberg. 

Dr. DuBois-Walton holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology and is the immediate past chair of the CT State Board of Education. She previously served as chief of staff and chief administrative officer for Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. in New Haven.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. DuBois-Walton is actively engaged in community building, advocacy and civic leadership. She serves as chair of the Board of the Melville Charitable Trust, overseeing a $130 M asset base and directing program and mission-related investments toward addressing the root causes of the crisis of homelessness. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Yale University, and master’s degree and Ph.D. from Boston University. She resides in New Haven with her family. 

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About The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven’s mission is to inspire, support, inform, listen to and collaborate with the people and organizations of Greater New Haven to build an ever more connected, inclusive, equitable and philanthropic community. Established in 1928, The Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the U.S. Generations of donors past and present have built the Foundation’s permanent charitable endowment, which serves 20 towns in Greater New Haven. The Foundation operates under a strategic plan to expand opportunity and equity throughout our region. For more information about The Foundation, visit cfgnh.org or follow @cfgnh on Facebook and Twitter

Treasurer Erick Russell will deliver keynote remarks at the United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut’s 2024 Impact Breakfast on Tuesday in Norwalk. The event is being held to celebrate the achievements of the organization and to unveil its new strategic plan. Treasurer Russell’s remarks will connect the mission of the United Way with work being done in the Office of the Treasurer to strengthen economic participation across Connecticut.

What:   Treasurer Russell Delivers Keynote at United Way Event

When:   Tuesday, September 17, 2024
                        8:00 AM – 9:30 AM

Where:  Pinstripes
           100 North Water St.
           Norwalk, CT

Christopher "Chris" Bethune, a native son of New Haven, Connecticut, is the face of Tubi’s upcoming series “Divided Loyalty”.

The youngest among four siblings, Bethune has always been known for his playful nature and vivid imagination, which is what led to his interest in the arts. Chris' acting career commenced in 2017, with classes at the Actor's Gym under Reno Venturi in Hamden, CT. As he refined his acting skills, Chris secured roles in various projects, including advertisements for Bob's Discount Furniture, Weight Watchers, LL Bean, Shark Ninja, and Helen of Troy. His talents extended to films and Broadway, featuring in "What Life?" by Timothy Graphenreed alongside Debbie Blackwell-Cook. Presently, Chris is set to star as "Jerome" in the upcoming series "Divided Loyalty," penned and created by Steven Rashan, which will air on Tubi in Fall 2024, preceded with a red carpet series premiere hosted by Mr. Bethune Enterprises, 

Saturday, October 5, 2024, 6pm at the Canal Dock Boathouse on the waterfront in New Haven,CT 

We will have a Red Carpet, music by DJ Herman Ham , Live Music, catered food by EsquireNthekitchen, Hors doeuvres, cocktails, Photo booths with VIP specials and a few guests making waves in the music/entertainment industry.

TICKETS HERE

Interactive Design Charrette!
Be part of shaping the future of our community! This multi-day event will offer flexible drop-in sessions and evening presentations.
Kickoff Meeting: September 9th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM at Robert T. Wolfe Apartmen 

HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has submitted a request to President Joe Biden and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) seeking a federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County in response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that portions of Connecticut received earlier this week.

The governor is requesting under such a declaration the support of direct federal assistance to supplement the state and its municipalities in meeting critical emergency protective requirements and providing restorative efforts that defend public safety. This includes a request for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to provide support for the repairing of dozens of bridges, dams, and other infrastructure, as well as for the Environmental Protection Agency to provide support in response to the numerous oil tanks, propane cylinders, vehicles, vessels, and drums that are floating in multiple waterways. Additionally, the governor is also requesting assistance from the Federal Highway Administration for the numerous destroyed and compromised state roads.

Crews from the Connecticut Department of Transportation, with the support of their local partners, have been working since the immediate aftermath of the storm to assess, clean, and repair washouts on state roads where possible, as well as to secure these areas to prevent further damage. The state agency has also begun the process of developing plans for the repairing of the severely damaged Route 34 so that it can be reopened, as well as for other structures that need to be replaced.

Under his authority, Governor Lamont declared a civil preparedness emergency in response to the flooding on Monday.

“This was an extreme amount of rainfall in an incredibly short period of time that resulted in historic levels of flooding in western Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “Our state experienced two fatalities in which people were swept away from flood waters, and first responders bravely rescued and evacuated hundreds of people during and after the storm. Scores of state and local roads are washed away or compromised, dams and bridges have been affected, and oil tanks, vehicles, and other hazardous items were flooded into waterways. I appreciate President Biden and FEMA for considering this request to assist our state and municipalities with the immediate effort to protect public safety in the aftermath of this devastation.”

This request for a federal emergency declaration is not to be confused with a request for a FEMA major disaster declaration, which could provide federal funding to support homeowners, businesses, and local and state governments with financial assistance for the costs of repairing and rebuilding infrastructure damaged in the storm. That type of declaration requires the state and local governments to provide FEMA with a detailed accounting of all public and uninsured private property damage incurred as a direct result of the storm and a cost estimate that can determine whether certain thresholds have been met. That process typically takes several weeks to complete, and the Lamont administration is already working with municipalities to conduct it. Any homeowners and business owners who experienced damage to their property from this storm are strongly urged to contact their town’s local emergency management office as soon as possible so that their damages can be documented as part of this effort.

**Download: Governor Lamont’s request for a federal emergency declaration

“Throughout this afternoon and evening, I have been working with our state’s emergency management team to coordinate with mayors, first selectmen, and other municipal officials on any immediate response needed due to the severe and sudden rainfall that has impacted our state today. So far, our urban search and rescue teams have helped at least 100 people evacuate unsafe conditions. We will continue helping towns with any resources they need to immediately respond and keep the public safe.

1. Q River and The Empire throwback Thursday's 

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Sonya Massey, a beloved mother, friend, daughter, and young Black woman, should be alive today. Sonya called the police because she was concerned about a potential intruder. When we call for help, all of us as Americans – regardless of who we are or where we live – should be able to do so without fearing for our lives. Sonya’s death at the hands of a responding officer reminds us that all too often Black Americans face fears for their safety in ways many of the rest of us do not.

Sonya’s family deserves justice. I am heartbroken for her children and her entire family as they face this unthinkable and senseless loss. Jill and I mourn with the rest of the country and our prayers are with Sonya’s family, loved ones, and community during this devastating time.

I commend the swift actions that were taken by the Springfield State’s Attorney’s office. While we wait for the case to be prosecuted, let us pray to comfort the grieving. Congress must pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act now. Our fundamental commitment to justice is at stake.

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