Contact Us

Connecticut Association of Nonprofits
(CT Nonprofits)
90 Brainard Road, Suite 201
Hartford, CT 06114

Phone: 860-525-5080
Fax: 860-525-5088

Hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Media Contact:

Liza Andrews
Public Policy Director
(860) 525-5080
landrews@ctnonprofits.org

Interview Resources

Liza Andrews
landrews@ctnonprofits.org
Public Policy Director  /
Nonprofit Cabinet Project Director

Lobbyist, Mental Health, Connecticut Association of Substance Abuse Agencies (CASAA)

Liza joined Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) in February 2008 as its Public Policy Specialist and Nonprofit Cabinet Project Director. She works on issues affecting CT Nonprofits’ mental health and substance abuse providers, as well as on cross-sector policy matters affecting all members.

Liza graduated from UConn with a Master of Social Work in 2005.  She interned and later filled an interim position as Legislative Analyst with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, a commission within the CT General Assembly dedicated to achieving full equality for women. In the fall of 2005, Liza joined the office of Senator Gayle Slossberg as her legislative aide. While there she worked closely with community advocates and state agencies to advance the Senator’s legislative agenda, as well as assisted constituents with their needs. 

Membership Development, Member Services, Product Marketing, Partnerships and Collaborations, Center for Professional Development, Annual Conference

As the Director of Membership and Training, Mark oversees membership development and manages the Association’s Center for Professional Development, CT Nonprofits’ training center, which offers over 130 capacity building workshops throughout the state each year. Mark serves as the organization’s point person for CT Nonprofits’ Annual Conference, membership relations and inquiries from the community at large. He’s been credited with developing collaborative relationships with key community organizers, which have resulted in a lasting impact on the nonprofit sector state-wide.

Prior to joining CT Nonprofits, Mark worked in public relations for the Jamaica Tourist Board and in higher education as an Assistant Director of Admissions. Mark has a B.A. in Communication from Central Connecticut State University.

Children & Youth Sector - Adolescent Environment for Group & Independent Services (AEGIS,) Children's Council, Foster Care Services, Safe Homes, Short-Term Assessment and Respite Homes, Children and Family Treatment Agencies (CAFTA,) Juvenile Justice

Jon joined CT Nonprofits in October 2007. As a Policy Specialist he oversees the service and advocacy efforts to over 100 children’s services providers. He brings with him the perspective of having worked primarily in the direct service field; serving as a Youth Counselor in an emergency shelter, Residential Counselor at a Residential Treatment Center, Recreation & Education Coordinator at an alternative detention center, and, just prior to joining CT Nonprofits, Jon served as Patient Care Liaison & Ryan White Program Coordinator, overseeing the HIV/AIDS program at a community healthcare center. While in this role, he was appointed a member of the Greater Hartford Ryan White Planning Council, charged with planning and assessment of HIV resources in Central and Eastern Connecticut.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut with degrees in both Non-Governmental Organization & Humanitarian Assistance and History, Jon was an active student leader, heavily involved in human rights and social justice work.

When not at work, Jon enjoys the laughter, love, and chaos of close friends and family. He and his wife recently bought a little house, where their love of animals has led to animal rescue work and a home filled with fur. 

Lobbyist, Development Directors Forum, Public Relations / Communications Directors Forum

Ron has been the Executive Director of CT Nonprofits for nearly three decades. He has led the organization through many changes and much growth. He sees his role as helping to make the world friendly and safe for nonprofits. Under his leadership, CT Nonprofits has committed to organizing the political and economic power of our State’s nonprofit community, and promoting its value to our state-elected officials, key decision-makers, and the citizens of Connecticut.

Ron graduated from Trinity College in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in religion. His previous board affiliations include Hartford Areas Rally Together, Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford, National Council of Nonprofit Associations, Nonprofit Mutual Risk Retention Group, Foodshare of Greater Hartford, Southside Neighborhood News, Capitol Region Conference of Churches, and UCONN’s Nonprofit Advisory Board.

If you’re looking for Ron, you’ll most likely find him at the LOB. If not, he’s probably at a Yoga class or visiting his grandchildren… or leaping tall buildings in a single bound. 

Center for Professional Development, Social Media, eCommunications, Web Maintenance

Our newest addition, Erin joined the CT Nonprofits staff in December 2009. As the Training Coordinator and Communications Assistant, Erin prepares CT Nonprofits' quarterly calendar of workshops and administers these trainings state-wide. In addition, she supports Marketing & Communications efforts by tending to our Social Media sites and assisting with eNewsletters, publications and web maintenance.

A 2009 graduate of Providence College, Erin has a BA in Humanities from the Liberal Arts Honors Program and a minor in Business Studies. Erin has gained valuable experience in Marketing & Communications though internships at Delta Dental of Rhode Island and Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund (CWELF). Erin’s enthusiasm and diligence will be great contributions to CT Nonprofits’ Center for Professional Development and the educational benefits it offers to our members.

In her spare time, you can find Erin on the mountain learning to snowboard, expressing her creativity in her art, or cheering for her favorite, often disappointing yet hopeful, New York Mets.

Web Manager, Publications, Advertising, Communications, Strategic Marketing Initiatives

Melissa joined CT Nonprofits in November 2008. With a background in communications and print design, Melissa combines written and visual meaning to leverage brands and build connections. She is responsible for brand management and communications for CT Nonprofits, including the development of the Association’s print and electronic publications, public relations, strategic marketing initiatives and web site.

Before coming to CT Nonprofits, Melissa worked in Alumni Relations at Providence College, and as the Communications / Graphics Coordinator for The Groden Network in Providence. She has a BA in English and Philosophy from Providence College, along with a certificate in Business Studies. She also completed an intense 3-year program in Print Design at RISD and is a member of AIGA CT.

A native of Newington, CT, Melissa is happy to be back in her home state after 10 years in wonderfully quirky (kind of like her) Rhode Island. She is excited to continue her work in the nonprofit community, and looks forward to contributing to CT Nonprofits’ efforts on behalf of its members. 

Human Resources Forum, Finance Directors Forum

Accounting is in her blood...after countless years of studying accounting, working for her family’s accounting firm, and volunteering in her community, Karen found a way to combine her two passions: Finance and Nonprofit service. Thirteen years ago, Karen joined the nonprofit community where she has dedicated her life to making other peoples lives easier. Within days of receiving an MBA in Finance & Accounting from Regis University, she joined CT Nonprofits in July 2006 and shares her nonprofit knowledge and passion with her peers across the nonprofit community.

Karen oversees the operations at CT Nonprofits; ensuring all facets of the organization work together to serve, strengthen and support the nonprofit community.

A native and life-long resident of CT, Karen has spent most of her professional career in Western, MA. She’s grateful to CT Nonprofits for bringing her “home.”

Prior to joining CT Nonprofits, Karen was Corporate Controller for the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts and 13 of its not-for-profit affiliated organizations including the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce. In addition, she previously served as CFO at the Community United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield, MA and as Foundation Services Coordinator at the Community Foundation of Western, MA. 

Peggy O’Toole has been the Bookkeeper for CT Nonprofits since 2004. While she may manage our financial transactions on a part-time basis, she has plenty of other nonprofit clients to keep her hopping. Peggy’s talents for managing cost allocations and balancing accounts coupled with her gentle personality and great sense of humor make her an invaluable asset to CT Nonprofits.

If Peggy can’t be found processing payables and managing receivables, she can be found on the slopes or traveling with her husband and two sons. Just ask her about her trip to Egypt, skiing in Utah or fun in the sun in Florida; she always has a good tale or two to share.

Center for Professional Development

Donna is the not just the Administrative Assistant for CT Nonprofits: She is our glue. Our front line. Visitors can count on being greeted by her contagious laugh upon entering our Hartford office, where she provides administrative and program support to the Center for Professional Development. In addition to trying to keep the staff sane (which is a never-ending battle), she works with agencies and individuals interacting with the Association and assists with the Annual Conference.

Prior to joining Connecticut Nonprofits in 2002, Donna worked in the Medical and Corporate field as an HR Office Manager and Administrative Assistant. In these positions she developed strong organizational, office support and administrative skills.

Donna’s great laugh is only surpassed by her heart. If you ask, she will be happy to tell you stories about the loves of her life: her husband, 2 children and 4 grandchildren.

Lobbyist, Developmental / Intellectual Disabilities (DD/ID), DD Business Managers Forum, Community / Criminal Justice, Arts & Culture, CT Nonprofits Week at the Capitol.

Julia’s path has never been a straight line… but more a full circle. When Julia joined the CT Nonprofits team in March 2002, she provided advocacy and support to the Developmental Disabilities Division, the Business Managers’ Forum and the Connecticut Youth Services Association. Since that time, responsibilities have evolved to also include the Community Justice and Juvenile Justice Divisions. In addition, Julia provides support to the Arts and Culture member organizations of the Association. Each Division provides unique rewards, opportunities and challenges. In her present role, Julia enjoys significant interaction with nonprofit executives, fiscal directors, state agency officials and legislators. Among her favorite interactions: securing the Annual Conference Keynote.

Prior to joining the CT Nonprofits team, Julia’s experience included many years in the fields of disabilities, nonprofit development and the arts. Julia attended Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, with a Fine Arts double major. She served as Executive Director to Very Special Arts Connecticut following several years of service on the Board of Directors.

In her spare time, Julia developed and administers the annual ‘James Wilcox Memorial Award’, sponsored in part by the Ragged Mountain Foundation. The annual climbing award serves as a catalyst for the future adventures and expeditions of others on big walls throughout the world.