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n e w h a v e n b i z . c o m | M a r c h 2 0 2 0 | n e w h a v e n B I Z 27 NEW HAVEN POWER 50 THOMAS S. GRIGGS JR. CO-DIRECTOR INTER NATIONA L FESTIVA L OF A RTS & IDEAS Residence: Milford College(s): University of Connecticut, BS; University of New Haven, MBA One of New Haven's most committed and inde- fatigable champions over three decades, straddling the cor- porate and non-profit arenas. Now working to lead the city's reach-for-the-stars event to the next level. Describe your organization and its economic impact: From the beginning [1996], the Festival's mission has been not only to feature world-class artists from New Haven and beyond, but to stimulate economic development. In 2019 the Festival drew visitors from 130 Connecticut municipalities, 26 states and 15 countries, which [generated] $9.2 million in economic impact. Volunteer much? I was on the board of Creative Arts Workshop for 27 years, 11 as president. I've been on the board of the Gateway Community College Foundation for a decade and I was on the board of the Festival for five years, before they asked me to join [full time]. What advice would you give up- and-coming professionals? Volun- teer in the non-profit field! You'll gain skills, have opportunities for leadership positions and network with wonderful people. Speaking in tongues: I love foreign languages. I minored in German and took classes in Dutch, Swed- ish and Icelandic. I'm learning Arabic now, using Babbel. HEATHER LaTORRA PRESIDENT & CEO M A R R A KECH INC., NEW H AV EN Residence: Rocky Hill College(s): Southern Connecti- cut State University, BS, MS Stalwart leader of one of community's best-known non-profits is not exactly a job-hopper. LaTorra started at Marrakech as a college intern 35 years ago, was of- fered an entry-level job upon grad- uation in 1986 and then (before we knew it) was named president and CEO in 2014. What is Marrakech?: Marrakech was founded in 1971 in New Hav- en through the efforts of two Yale students who believed that people with disabilities had the right to live and work in their communi- ties —so they made it happen. Almost 50 years later, Marrakech employs more than 750 of the most talented, caring and dedicat- ed people and supports more than 1,200 Connecticut residents with disabilities or who face other barriers, in living and working in their communities. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your profes- sional success? ere is no such thing as 'I can't.' All of us have unlimited potential, and no one can make me believe otherwise. I have the potential, you have the potential, everyone does — we can all make great things happen. What advice would you give to ris- ing business professionals? Leave your comfort zone behind; great things happen outside of it. Take risks and put yourself out there. Believe it or not, people want oth- ers to succeed and will encourage and support you on your way. JOHN L. HOPKINS CEO & PRESIDENT POST UNIV ERSITY, WATERBURY Residence: Middlebury Education: University of New Hampshire; Cornell University, Executive Management & Finance Certification Founded in 1890 as a business school in downtown Waterbury, private, for- profit Post retooled its mission 20 years ago as a pioneer in online education, including Connecticut's first fully online MBA program. Hopkins became CEO in 2016. What role does Post play in the community? A central part of Post's ethos is to be a contributor to the community. I accept the [role of ] an ambassador of social, civic and economic vibrancy for Waterbury and Connecticut. Post employs almost 2,000 associates, most from Connecticut but also around the globe, given the online nature of our institution. We've invested in Waterbury nonprofits through direct financial contributions, plus about $30 million in scholarships/aid annually. What personal characteristic has most contributed to your professional success? Listening may influence your thinking, which will change your actions, which will change your outcomes. It's amazing what you can learn when you listen. Also, a fundamental obligation of a CEO is to constantly challenge associates' thinking. What advice would you give to young people? Build relationships of trust and respect. Stop worrying about what others think. Be curious…engage. Ask questions. Be original. Always be humble. No heroes and no victims. PAUL A. McCRAVEN PRESIDENT & CEO CONNCORP HOLDINGS, LLC, NEW H AV EN Residence: Wallingford College(s): State University of New York/Fredonia, BS, MS; Quinnipiac University, MS Veteran bank- er, non-profit board stalwart and all-around community go-to guy. Founded in 2017, ConnCORP develops com- mercial and residential properties in underserved areas in New Haven, and invests in promising new businesses to create jobs and economic development oppor- tunities. ConnCORP owns and operates three retail businesses: Orchid Café, Orchid on the Green and Petals Market. What characteristic has most con- tributed to your professional suc- cess? Having an entrepreneurial/ intrapreneurial spirit has contrib- uted greatly to my success. In 21 years in banking, I proposed to es- tablish a new subsidiary company (now NewAlliance Foundation) for the bank that was ultimately funded with $50 million, and I became its president. What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals? Get involved in the community. ere are ample opportunities to serve on non-profit boards, volunteer services, or join organizations doing something positive. It's also a great way to meet new people, network and gain leadership experience. World record: I was a founder and president of Streetwise Records and was executive producer of the Candy Girl album by New Edition. Candy Girl went No. 1 on charts in both the U.S. and UK. >> Higher Education/Non-Profit

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