Staff

Our Vision: To make our community vibrant
and a better place to work and live.

Kaylah J. Milligan
Kaylah J. MilliganPresident and CEO
860.229.6018 x305

Kaylah Milligan is the President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. She joined the Foundation in 2013 and has spent her entire career with the organization, advancing through a series of leadership roles including program associate, assistant director of development, director of development and community response, and director of philanthropy.

In her role as President and CEO, Kaylah provides strategic leadership for the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts, community initiatives, and organizational growth, working closely with the Board of Directors, donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders to strengthen the region she serves.

A proud alumna of Central Connecticut State University, Kaylah gained early nonprofit experience in the Dean’s Office and with the Alumni Association while earning her BA in Anthropology and an Interuniversity Spanish degree from the University of Salamanca. She later earned her Master of Public Administration from Marist College with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.

Outside of work, Kaylah is usually chasing after her two children, Theo and Maya—or searching for the perfect latte with her husband, Ryan.

To contact Kaylah Milligan:

Email: kaylah@cfgnb.org

Phone: 860.229.6018, x305

Joeline Wruck
Joeline WruckDirector of Grants & Initiatives
860.229.6018 x307

Joeline Wruck is the Director of Grants & Community Initiatives at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain (CFGNB), bringing more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. Since joining the Foundation in 1997, she has played a central role in shaping CFGNB’s grantmaking, leading strategic initiatives, and strengthening partnerships with nonprofit organizations, donors, board members, and community leaders across the region.

Joeline oversees the Foundation’s comprehensive grantmaking and several cornerstone initiatives, including the Community Response Grants Program, the Catalyst Giving Circle, the First Years First Early Childhood Initiative, Greater New Britain Volunteers, and CFGNB’s Capacity Building Initiative. Through this work, she helps steward millions of dollars in strategic investments annually while supporting nonprofits with training, technical assistance, and resources to enhance their effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Before joining CFGNB, Joeline served for eight years in a similar leadership role at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Colgate University. A Connecticut resident, she previously served on the Newtown–Sandy Hook Community Foundation Distribution Committee, chairing the committee in 2015.

After nearly three decades at CFGNB, Joeline remains deeply motivated by the opportunity to support organizations and initiatives that make a meaningful difference in the Greater New Britain community.

Robert S. Trojanowski
Robert S. TrojanowskiVice President & CFO
860.229.6018 x314

Bob joined the Foundation in September 2011 after nearly 20 years of executive level financial management at St. Vincent’s Health Services, Bridgeport, Connecticut. While there, he was the CFO for several of their affiliated corporations with both financial and operational duties, overseeing budgets of over $20 million annually.

At the Foundation, Bob assumes responsibility for the Foundation’s Endowment, together with overseeing day-to-day operations and programs. He works with the Board and several committees to support the mission of the organization.

Bob’s educational achievements include a B.S. Accounting, M.B.A. Finance and a Jurist Doctorate degree.

To contact Bob Trojanowski:

Email:
bob@cfgnb.org

Phone:
860.229.6018, x314

Mark Berardi
Mark BerardiAssistant Director of Philanthropy
860.229.6018 x 306

 

As Assistant Director of Philanthropy, Mark Berardi partners with donors, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, and professional advisors to strengthen our community and inspire lasting impact. Over the past 20 years, Mark has worked across Connecticut’s nonprofit and philanthropic sectors, building relationships, leading communications and engagement efforts, raising charitable support, and advancing initiatives that expand opportunity and improve lives.

Before joining the Foundation, Mark served as a Development Officer at Connecticut Community Foundation and as Director of Membership and Training at Connecticut Association of Nonprofits. He has also volunteered and held advisory roles with a wide range of nonprofit organizations across the state. Mark is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in communication.

A passionate scuba diver and shark enthusiast, Mark lives in Southington with his wife, daughter, and rescue pets.

To contact Mark:

Email:
mberardi@cfgnb.org

Phone:
860.229.6018 x 306

Candice Tabone
Candice TaboneSenior Community Impact Officer
860.229.6018 x302

Candice Tabone joined the Foundation in January 2019 as Office Manager and Scholarship Coordinator. She was promoted to Program Manager in June 2020 and advanced to her current role in January 2023.

In her role, Candice oversees all facets of the Foundation’s Scholarship Program, as well as the grants program for the Community Chest of New Britain and Berlin, a partner organization for which the Foundation provides staff support.

Candice is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where she worked in the Dean’s Office of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and interned with the Prudence Crandall Center in New Britain. Candice holds two certificates in Nonprofit Leadership from the Harvard Kennedy School of Executive Education.

Outside of work, you can find Candice coaching cheerleading (even if she says she is “retired”) or spending time with her fiance, Zak and their fur babies – two cats, Nemo & Nora and Bernese Mountain Dog, Boogie.

To contact Candice Tabone:

Email: ctabone@cfgnb.org

Phone: 860.229.6018, x302

Jalene Cuffee
Jalene CuffeeCommunications & Development Officer
860.229.6018 x 308

Jalene Cuffee is the Communications and Development Officer at the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, where she manages the communications and marketing efforts through social media, digital content, storytelling, and community outreach. She works to increase awareness of the Foundation’s impact, support donor and community engagement, and strengthen relationships with nonprofit partners and stakeholders.

Jalene also manages the Foundation’s Community Sponsorship Awards program and supports various fundraising, stewardship, and engagement initiatives. With a background in nonprofit communications and development, she is passionate about connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference in their communities.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from New England College. Outside of work, Jalene enjoys spending time with her dog, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops.

To contact Jalene Cuffee:

Email: jalene@cfgnb.org

Phone: 860.229.6018, x308

Christine Utting
Christine UttingAccounting & Database Manager
860.229.6018 x313

Chris joined the Foundation in November 2004 and oversees the financial administration of the organization.

She is the principal communicator for financial matters and staffs the Audit and Finance and Investment Committees. Chris works with all agencies and donors to provide financial reports and other fund accounting information.

She is a graduate of Keene State College, Keene, New Hampshire.

To contact Christine Utting:

Email:
cutting@cfgnb.org

Phone:
860.229.6018, x313

Lauren Knapp
Lauren KnappOffice Manager & Scholarship Associate
860.229.6018 x 300
As the Office Manager & Scholarship Associate at the Foundation, Lauren supports the organization’s mission to inspire philanthropy, responsibly manage charitable assets, and address key community issues through strategic leadership. In this role, she oversees daily office operations, supports executive administration, coordinates communications and community engagement efforts, and assists in managing scholarship programs that help expand educational opportunities within the community.

With a background in early childhood education and five years of experience working with children and families, Lauren brings strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a people-centered approach to her work. She is passionate about continuous learning, building meaningful relationships, and creating positive experiences for donors, community partners, scholarship recipients, and visitors alike.

Known for her collaborative spirit and dedication to service, Lauren enjoys supporting initiatives that strengthen the community and help others thrive. Guided by the quote, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” she values personal growth, creativity, and lifelong learning. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her loved ones, exploring various hobbies, and keeping up with her delightfully chaotic kitten, George.

To contact Lauren Knapp:

Email: Lauren@cfgnb.org

Phone: 860.229.6018 x 300