Pictured from left to right: JoAnn Reynolds-Balanda, Baba Frew, Dr. Angela Chapman.
Connecticut Community Foundation is proud to announce the election of three accomplished community leaders to its Board of Trustees: Dr. Angela Chapman, Baba Frew, and JoAnn Reynolds-Balanda. These new trustees will bring their expertise and commitment to a dynamic board, representing residents from across the Foundation’s 21-town service area in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.
As stewards of the Foundation’s mission, the Board of Trustees guides the organization in fostering philanthropy, supporting local nonprofits, and cultivating leadership. Together, they work to create a more inclusive, equitable and thriving community.
“We are thrilled to welcome Angela, Baba, and JoAnn to our board,” said Michael Giardina, chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. “Their wealth of experience, passion, and perspective will help us deepen our impact across the region and expand equitable opportunities to all the residents who call this community home.”
Kathy Taylor, President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation commented, “Our Trustees bring invaluable insight and expertise to our work, and we are looking forward to the unique contributions of each of these new members of our Board. Community leaders like Angela, Baba and JoAnn are important advocates who will help us to create more inclusive, just and vibrant communities.”
Dr. Angela Chapman has over 20 years of experience in Administrative Management, with 12 years in public higher education. As Associate Dean of Development at Connecticut State Community College Naugatuck Valley, she leads the Institutional Advancement office. She also teaches Nonprofit Management and Grant Writing as an Adjunct Professor at Charter Oak State College. Dr. Chapman holds degrees from Albertus Magnus College, the University of New Haven (MBA), and the University of Hartford (EdD). She serves as Vice Chair of the Board at A&S Addiction Services, is a Board member for the Waterbury Chamber of Commerce, a Corporator for Thomaston Savings Bank, and an active United Way of Greater Waterbury member. Additionally, she has led youth programs at Mount Olive Church of God in Christ for over a decade.
Baba Frew taught Spanish and Human Geography at The Taft School for more than 30 years after earning both her BA and MA from Middlebury College. At Taft, she served as the chair of the Modern Languages Department and held the Edwin C. Douglas Chair, in recognition of her dedication to Taft’s students. Outside the classroom, she was the Director of Community Service, overseeing numerous service-related activities and organizations, and Director of The Global Leadership Institute, a rigorous co-curricular program that brings together students from Taft and Waterbury public schools for shared learning and leadership experiences. She also contributed to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic Planning Committee, helping to shape Taft’s community priorities. After retiring from Taft in June, Baba moved to Woodbury, where she lives with her husband, Peter.
JoAnn Reynolds-Balanda retired after a 20-year career with the United Way of Greater Waterbury, where she served as Vice President of Community Impact. She implemented a nationally recognized outcomes measurement evaluation for funded programs and led initiatives addressing homelessness and food insecurity. During COVID, she collaborated with Waterbury leaders to ensure essential services for those quarantined. JoAnn is passionate about early literacy and was recognized for promoting the Sparkler app in Waterbury, which supports child development. Her career also includes roles in Maternal Child Health Coordination, 211 casework, truancy program direction, and as Executive Director of Waterbury Youth Services. A Waterbury native, JoAnn lives in Watertown with her husband, a retired teacher, and has two adult children, both teachers.
In addition to electing new trustees, the Foundation’s members re-elected Avery Gaddis, Tomas Olivo, Jean Solomon and Saran White to serve second three-year terms on the Board of Trustees. Brian Jones will be departing the Foundation’s board, having completed six years of service.
Biographies of all the Foundation’s trustees can be viewed at www.conncf.org/board.
