Board of Directors
If you would like to be considered for a position on the Board, please contact Elsie Bisset, Nominating Committee Chair.
CEDAS Committees
For those who have an interest in getting more involved in CEDAS, but not as a member of the Board of Directors, we welcome member participation on the various committees. The following is a description of the CEDAS committees with contact information for questions that you might have. If you would like to officially volunteer, please contact Elsie Bisset, Nominations Committee Chair.
Policy Development Committee
The CEDAS Policy Development Committee meets throughout the year to craft and advance a legislative agenda within the General Assembly. During the legislative session, the committee typically presents the agenda to the Commerce Committee, monitors the progress of bills, and offers oral and written testimony to various committees as needed and communicates progress and outcomes to the membership on a regular basis. For questions on this committee contact John O’Toole.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee meets on an as needed basis to review communication initiatives and to assure that CEDAS is providing valuable information to our membership in a timely manner. As a matter of practice, the committee chair solicits and edits content for our periodic newsletter and for news flashes. When necessary, the chair convenes the committee (often electronically) to review content and/or the form of our communication efforts. For questions on this Committee contact Jim Burke.
Program Committee
The purpose of the Program Committee is to provide training and event planning for the CEDAS Membership. Training sessions are chosen based on relevant and timely topics that provide information and educational opportunities to CEDAS members. Events are held throughout the state at venues that highlight growing segments and/or businesses within Connecticut's economy. Topics for training sessions and venues for events are designed based on input from the membership. The Program Committee is made up of board members and other volunteers: Robert Santy (Chair), Doreen DeSarro, Shelly Saczynski, Garrett Sheehan and Trent Wright. For questions on this committee contact Bob Santy.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee coordinates outreach efforts including introducing potential members to the benefits of joining CEDAS and periodically providing membership surveys to solicit input on membership services. For questions on this committee contact Dale Kroop.
CEDAS Annual Meeting/Events Committee
The members of the Annual Meeting/Events Committee are responsible for the planning of the CEDAS Annual Meeting and for the planning and fundraising required for the Team Connecticut Rally and EDDY Awards. For the past ten years, both events have been held together in early December. At the CEDAS Annual Meeting, subcommittee members choose the location/venue, plan/mail the invitations and assist, where required, with the program, which includes a review of accomplishments, the election of officers, the recognition of outgoing officers/Board members and the presentation of the CEDAS Member of the Year award.
Working in conjunction with the staff of the Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC), subcommittee members assist in the planning, organizing and fundraising for the Team Connecticut Rally and EDDY Awards. This event features the Governor and/or other top officials, and an Academy Awards-style ceremony that recognizes the outstanding professionals, projects and programs that exemplify the Team Connecticut spirit.
This committee also plans and organizes the Annual CEDAS Holiday event held jointly with the Connecticut Chapter of the Northeastern Economic Developers Association (NEDA). For questions on this committee contact Peggy Brennan or Doreen DeSarro.
Scholarship Committee
The CEDAS Scholarship Committee meets as needed, usually by email or phone, to evaluate applications by CEDAS members for financial assistance to attend economic development educational courses, and to recommend appropriate action by the CEDAS Board. For questions on this committee contact Mark Waterhouse.
Nominating Committee
The CEDAS Nominating Committee has been traditionally led by the immediate Past President of CEDAS. Input from the CEDAS Executive Committee and Board of Directors is received during the year regarding potential vacancies and members interested in serving on the Board. The Board of Directors consists of a President, two Vice Presidents, Treasurer, Secretary and the Immediate Past President, and additional directors up to a total not to exceed 21 members.
While officers and directors are appointed each year at the Annual Meeting, the terms for elected officers has traditionally been two years. The function of the Committee between election years is to identify candidates for any unexpected Board vacancies. During election years, the Committee works with the current officers and Board members to identify a slate of officers for election.
The Committee and Board of Directors would like to encourage members who are not currently serving on the board to become involved as members of the various committees.
