Staff & Board

A volunteer group of Valley leaders serves as the Foundation's Board of Directors and the President implements the Board's objectives and carries out the daily operations.

Front Row Left to Right – Sharon Closius, Aleta Miner, Beth Colette, Thomas Sutnik, Alan Tyma, Jack Walsh ~ Back Row Left to Right – John Ready, Valerie Knight-Di Gangi, Nancy Valentine, Ray Oppel, Terry Jones, Donald Smith, Jr. ~ Not Pictured – Wendy Gamba, James Hodge, Jr., Jennifer Magri, Fred Ortoli, Angela Powers, Marianne Smythe, Diane Stroman

The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is governed by knowledgeable, civic-minded citizens. VCF's affiliation with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven allows VCF's board to focus on leadership and development. The Board of Directors plays a major role in setting strategy, community leadership and awarding grants.

Staff

Sharon L. Closius

President and CEO

203-751-9162

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Beth Colette

Administrative Assistant & Development Associate

203-751-9162

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Valerie Knight-DiGangi

Program Officer

203-751-9162

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John Ready

Donor Services & Communications Officer

203-751-9162

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Wendy Gamba

Chief Financial Officer

203-777-2386

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Current Board

Donald W. Smith, Jr. PE

Board Chair

Jack Walsh

Vice Chair

Raymond Oppel

Treasurer

Marianne Smythe

Secretary

Jennifer Magri

Alan Tyma Esq.

Terry H. Jones

Aleta Miner

Fred Ortoli

Angela G. Powers

Diane L. Stroman

Thomas M. Sutnik Esq.

Nancy Valentine

Past Board

William C. Bassett

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2012)

Lynne Bassett Perry

Dates of Board Memberships: (2013 – 2019)

James E. Cohen

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2007)

Susan Coyle*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2011 – 2016)

Timothy P. Dillon, Esq.

Dates of Board Memberships: (2007– 2015)

Rick Dunne

Dates of Board Memberships: (2012 – 2015)

William W. Ginsberg

Dates of Board Memberships: (2011 – 2017)

David M. Grant

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2011)

James A. Hodge Jr.*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2018 - 2020)

M. Elizabeth Kennard

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2014)

Rob Lesko

Dates of Board Memberships: (2015 – 2019)

Ernestine Luise

Dates of Board Memberships: (2009 – 2011)

Francis H. Michaud Jr.*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2017 – 2019)

Bill Nimons

Dates of Board Memberships: (2010-2017)

Joseph A. Pagliaro Sr.*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004)

Joseph A. Pagliaro Jr.

Dates of Board Memberships: (2005 – 2014)

Mary L. Pepe

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2013)

David M. Rifkin

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2005)

James E. Ryan

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2009) and (2012 – 2018)

Kenneth E. Schaible

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2011)

Gregory Stamos, Esq.

Dates of Board Memberships: (2006 – 2013)

Karen Stanek*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2013 – 2016)

Diane Stroman

Dates of Board Memberships: (2010 – 2017)

Leon Sylvester

Dates of Board Memberships: (2007 – 2015)

Alan J. Tyma

Dates of Board Memberships: (2004 – 2012)

James White*

Dates of Board Memberships: (2015)

John Zaprzalka, CPA

Dates of Board Memberships: (2007 – 2016)

*deceased
Italics indicates Member of the Founding VCF Board of Directors