Shari G. Cantor ‘81, mayor of West Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized as one of the 2021 Hartford Business Journal’s Women in Business. Cantor also serves as a trustee of the University of Connecticut.
All News & Notes
The News & Notes is a resource for alumni and current students of the University of Connecticut School of Business to stay up-to-date with their alumni network. We hope by providing information about our accomplished alumni, students and other alumni will have the opportunity to gain a better understanding about their industry and broaden their network.
Christine D. Gagnon ‘99, ‘02 MSA, ‘04 MBA
Christine D. Gagnon ‘99, ‘02 MSA, ‘04 MBA, has been named one of the Top 50 Women in the Equipment Finance industry for 2021 by Monitor Daily. Gagnon, CFO of Africa Asset Finance Company, was nominated based on her industry engagement and unique contributions in finance and leasing. Previously, Gagnon held leadership positions at Ernst & Young LLP and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
Erin R. Hatzikostas ‘05 MBA
Erin R. Hatzikostas ‘05 MBA, founder & CEO of b Authentic inc, has been recognized as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Women in Business.
Jacinth C. Smiley ‘91
Jacinth C. Smiley ‘91 has been appointed group vice president of Corporate Strategy by Hormel Foods. In this role, Smiley will be responsible for leading the development and execution of the company’s growth and investment strategies.
Dr. Madhavi Gorusu ‘07 MED, ‘19 EMBA
Dr. Madhavi Gorusu ‘07 MED, ‘19 EMBA, a hematologist and oncologist with Starling Physicians, has been recognized as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Women in Business.
Lesa Vanotti ‘10 MBA
Lesa Vanotti ‘10 MBA, president & CEO of Torrington Savings Bank, has been recognized as one of the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Women in Business.
Daniel Silva ‘00
Daniel Silva ‘00 has been appointed chief information security officer of Union Savings Bank. In his new role, Silva will oversee information security, legal processing, physical security, and Bank Secrecy Act compliance. Silva joined USB in 1998.
Kelli-Marie Vallieres ‘92, ‘05 MA, ‘08 Ph.D.
Kelli-Marie Vallieres ‘92, ‘05 MA, ‘08 Ph.D., was appointed by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont to lead a new state office, the Connecticut Workforce Unit, designed to collaborate with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Department of Labor to advise state officials on workforce strategies and initiatives. Vallieres was also recently named among the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Power 50.
Eric Galvin ‘96
Eric Galvin ‘96, CFO of ConnectiCare, was recently named among the Hartford Business Journal’s 2021 Power 50 for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. Galvin significantly expanded ConnectiCare’s telemedicine coverage and quickly mobilized resources ensuring the successful transition of the company’s 700 to remote work.
Joseph Kask ‘86
Joseph Kask ‘86, CEO of BlumShapiro, Inc., recently negotiated the joining of BlumShapiro with Minneapolis-based CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA), the 8th largest accounting firm in the country. Mr. Kask is now CLA’s managing principal for all of New England.