Meet Our Team

Your business will benefit from the expertise and knowledge that the experienced team at CONNSTEP brings to your organization and its employees. We’re dedicated to helping Connecticut’s manufacturing and business community successfully thrive in a competitive environment.

Leadership

  • Beatriz Gutierrez

    President & CEO
    Beatriz leads the development and execution of CONNSTEP’s strategic plan, supporting Connecticut manufacturers...
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  • Jeff Orszak

    Director, Business Technology & Innovation
    Jeff assists Connecticut companies with innovation and product development. He is responsible for coaching...
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  • Caroline Bernardoni

    Director, People & Culture
    Caroline manages all aspects of the HR department for CONNSTEP including the diversity, equity, and inclusion...
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  • Barbara Fernandez

    Director, Public-Private Partnerships and Development
    Barbara utilizes her wealth of experience to drive the growth of CONNSTEP. She cultivates and maximizes...
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  • Mike Stimson

    Director, Strategic Engagement & Process
    Mike manages the continuous improvement and quality delivery teams to ensure the delivery of impactful...
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  • Robert Blakey

    Controller
    Robert manages all areas of accounting at CONNSTEP and is responsible for financial planning, compliance,...
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Business Development Advisors

  • Paul Aiello

    Business Development Advisor
    Paul Aiello is responsible for account management and business development for the Eastern Connecticut...
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  • Doug Narins

    Business Development Advisor
    Doug is responsible for account management and business development in the Fairfield and Litchfield counties....
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  • Prakaithip Romanow

    Business Development Advisor
    Prakaithip is responsible for account management and business development in the state of Connecticut,...
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  • Caitlyn Casper

    Business Development Administrator
    Caitlyn is responsible for providing administrative support.
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Consultants

  • Matin Karbassioon

    Continuous Improvement
    Matin provides consulting, training, facilitation, and mentoring to manufacturers, healthcare institutions,...
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  • Carissa Roman

    Continuous Improvement
    Carissa provides consulting, training, facilitation, and mentoring to Connecticut manufacturers and service...
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  • Anna Mumford

    Cybersecurity
    Anna provides cybersecurity assessments, conducts risk analyses and performs compliance reviews with...
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  • Rachele Brown

    Quality Management
    Rachele works with manufacturers to identify quality improvements in a number of certifications including...
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  • Jack Crane

    Senior Advisor
    Jack provides manufacturers with guidance and mentoring in strategic planning, marketing, new product...
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Staff

  • Cindy Malota

    Assistant Controller
    Cindy is responsible for assisting and facilitating the many aspects of CONNSTEP’s accounting process,...
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  • Shelly Talley

    Business Process Manager
    Shelly is in charge of CONNSTEP’s Project Management Office where she initiates and administers project...
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  • Kelly Tubridy

    Executive Administrative Assistant
    Kelly provides senior-level administrative support for the President and CEO of CONNSTEP, the Board of...
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  • Arani Osler

    Leader of Operational Excellence
    Arani leads the Operational Excellence (OpX) function at CONNSTEP.
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  • Bernice Zampano

    Program Manager
    Bernice manages the CONNEX Connecticut Supply Chain Solution database, directing customer engagement...
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  • Dean Simmons

    Senior Copywriter
    Dean handles the development of content and execution of copy across multiple communications platforms,...
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  • Eric Wright

    Supply Chain Program Manager
    Eric oversees the strategic execution and management of CONNSTEP’s Connecticut Supply Chain Optimization...
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