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

    Beatriz Gutierrez

    President & CEO
    Beatriz leads the development and execution of CONNSTEP’s strategic plan, supporting Connecticut manufacturers...
    Read more
  • Matthew Wurtzel's Headshot

    Matt Wurtzel

    Director, Business Development
    Matt is responsible for managing CONNSTEP’s business development efforts, working collaboratively with...
    Read more
  • Jeff Orszak

    Jeff Orszak

    Director, Strategic Growth & Technology
    Jeff assists Connecticut companies with innovation and product development. He is responsible for coaching...
    Read more
  • Mike Stimson

    Mike Stimson

    Director, Strategic Engagement & Process
    Mike manages the continuous improvement and quality delivery teams to ensure the delivery of impactful...
    Read more
  • Rob Blakey's Headshot

    Robert Blakey

    Controller
    Robert manages all areas of accounting at CONNSTEP and is responsible for financial planning, compliance,...
    Read more

Business Development Advisors

  • Paul Aiello

    Paul Aiello

    Business Development Advisor
    Paul Aiello is responsible for account management and business development for the Eastern Connecticut...
    Read more
  • Headshot of David Green

    David Green

    Business Development Advisor
    David is responsible for sales and business development at CONNSTEP, helping manufacturers across the...
    Read more

  • Doug Narins

    Business Development Advisor
    Doug is responsible for account management and business development in the Fairfield and Litchfield counties....
    Read more
  • Kathleen Milazzo Swahn

    Kathleen Milazzo Swahn

    Senior Business Development Advisor
    Kathleen is responsible for account management and business development for the greater Hartford region...
    Read more

  • Prakaithip Romanow

    Business Development Advisor
    Prakaithip is responsible for account management and business development in the state of Connecticut,...
    Read more

Consultants

  • Jack Crane

    Jack Crane

    Senior Advisor
    Jack provides manufacturers with guidance and mentoring in strategic planning, marketing, new product...
    Read more
  • Matin Karbassioon's Headshot

    Matin Karbassioon

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

    Carissa Roman

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

    Anna Mumford

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

    Rachele Brown

    Quality
    Rachele works with manufacturers to identify quality improvements in a number of certifications including...
    Read more

Administration

  • Cindy Malota

    Assistant Controller
    Cindy is responsible for assisting and facilitating the many aspects of CONNSTEP’s accounting process,...
    Read more
  • Dean's Headshot

    Dean Simmons

    Senior Copywriter
    Dean handles the development of content and execution of copy across multiple communications platforms,...
    Read more

  • Shelly Talley

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

  • Kelly Tubridy

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

  • Bernice Zampano

    CONNEX CT
    Bernice manages the CONNEX Connecticut Supply Chain Solution database, directing customer engagement...
    Read more