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
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Beatriz Gutierrez
President & CEOBeatriz leads the development and execution of CONNSTEP’s strategic plan, supporting Connecticut manufacturers...Read more -
Jeff Orszak
Director, Business Technology & InnovationJeff assists Connecticut companies with innovation and product development. He is responsible for coaching...Read more -
Caroline Bernardoni
Director, People & CultureCaroline manages all aspects of the HR department for CONNSTEP including the diversity, equity, and inclusion...Read more -
Barbara Fernandez
Director, Public-Private Partnerships and DevelopmentBarbara utilizes her wealth of experience to drive the growth of CONNSTEP. She cultivates and maximizes...Read more -
Mike Stimson
Director, Strategic Engagement & ProcessMike manages the continuous improvement and quality delivery teams to ensure the delivery of impactful...Read more -
Robert Blakey
ControllerRobert manages all areas of accounting at CONNSTEP and is responsible for financial planning, compliance,...Read more
Business Development Advisors
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Paul Aiello
Business Development AdvisorPaul Aiello is responsible for account management and business development for the Eastern Connecticut...Read more -
Doug Narins
Business Development AdvisorDoug is responsible for account management and business development in the Fairfield and Litchfield counties....Read more -
Prakaithip Romanow
Business Development AdvisorPrakaithip is responsible for account management and business development in the state of Connecticut,...Read more -
Caitlyn Casper
Business Development AdministratorCaitlyn is responsible for providing administrative support.Read more
Consultants
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Matin Karbassioon
Continuous ImprovementMatin provides consulting, training, facilitation, and mentoring to manufacturers, healthcare institutions,...Read more -
Carissa Roman
Continuous ImprovementCarissa provides consulting, training, facilitation, and mentoring to Connecticut manufacturers and service...Read more -
Anna Mumford
CybersecurityAnna provides cybersecurity assessments, conducts risk analyses and performs compliance reviews with...Read more -
Rachele Brown
Quality ManagementRachele works with manufacturers to identify quality improvements in a number of certifications including...Read more -
Jack Crane
Senior AdvisorJack provides manufacturers with guidance and mentoring in strategic planning, marketing, new product...Read more
Staff
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Cindy Malota
Assistant ControllerCindy is responsible for assisting and facilitating the many aspects of CONNSTEP’s accounting process,...Read more -
Shelly Talley
Business Process ManagerShelly is in charge of CONNSTEP’s Project Management Office where she initiates and administers project...Read more -
Kelly Tubridy
Executive Administrative AssistantKelly provides senior-level administrative support for the President and CEO of CONNSTEP, the Board of...Read more -
Arani Osler
Leader of Operational ExcellenceArani leads the Operational Excellence (OpX) function at CONNSTEP.Read more -
Bernice Zampano
Program ManagerBernice manages the CONNEX Connecticut Supply Chain Solution database, directing customer engagement...Read more -
Dean Simmons
Senior CopywriterDean handles the development of content and execution of copy across multiple communications platforms,...Read more -
Eric Wright
Supply Chain Program ManagerEric oversees the strategic execution and management of CONNSTEP’s Connecticut Supply Chain Optimization...Read more