Community Foundation of Greater New Britain Makes Board Changes

CCSU’s Jessica Hernandez, Local Realtor Nina Jankowski Join Board as Jack Miller, Trish Walden Retire

New Britain, Conn., February 14, 2017 – The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain (CFGNB) has added two new board members even as it wishes farewell to two long-time board members and community leaders who have stepped aside for retirement.

New to the Foundation board are Jessica Hernandez, Coordinator of Community Engagement with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU), and Nina Jankowski, long-time owner of The Real Estate Exchange, New Britain. Meanwhile, Jack Miller, retired president of CCSU, and Patricia Walden, recently retired executive vice president of Central Connecticut Senior Health Services, have moved on following completion of their board tenures.

“Board changes such as these are routine for organizations such as ours, and they are always accompanied by a mixture of sadness and anticipation,” said Jim Williamson, president of the Community Foundation. ”We are grateful for the service of Jack and Trish, are sad to see them go, and wish them the best in their new pursuits. At the same time we are thrilled to welcome Jessica and Nina and very much look forward to their contributions.”

Hernandez has served in her capacity with CCSU, where she helps develop and manage the university’s community outreach grants and programs, since 2014. The holder of a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut, Hernandez also serves in leadership capacities with the YWCA New Britain, Community Mental Health Affiliates, Greater New Britain Arts Alliance and the Coalition for New Britain’s Youth.

“It is an honor and privilege to join the Community Foundation board,” said Hernandez. “Working closely within the community as I do in my role with CCSU and other organizations, I am well aware of the Foundation’s mission and look forward to playing a small part in advancing the Foundation’s impact in the communities it serves.”

Jankowski, a native of Poland, graduate of CCSU and current president of the Polish-American Business & Professional Association, has owned and operated New Britain’s Real Estate Exchange since 1985. She is a former member and minority leader of the City of New Britain Common Council, and has been active in leadership capacities with a multitude of local organizations including the Rotary Club of New Britain-Berlin, New Britain Institute, YWCA New Britain, Junior League (New Britain and Hartford), and Sacred Heart Church, New Britain.

“The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain plays a vital role in the four communities it serves, and it will be my honor to be part of such a dynamic organization helping to make our communities the best they can be,” she said.

Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain is “Where Good Begins” in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The Foundation works to inspire philanthropy, manage permanent charitable assets effectively, and partner to address key community issues through strategic leadership.  For more information, visit www.cfgnb.org