Hartford Business Journal

Women In Business | March 22, 2021 | Hartford Business Journal 13 S haron Traficante is the deputy executive director, operations and administration, for the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), where she is responsible for the authority's day-to-day operations and support functions at Bradley International Airport and the CAA's five general aviation airports. One of the first CAA staff members, Traficante was responsible for the development and implementation of the administrative policies and procedures for the new organization. She has over 25 years in commercial aviation, starting her career as an administrative officer with the British government, working at U.S. military installations in the United Kingdom. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? Without a doubt, being part of the team that helped to shape the vision and direction of the new Connecticut Airport Authority. I am immensely proud of what has been accomplished; to see the economic growth at Bradley Airport was a direct result of those efforts. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I have two key goals. I want to continue to focus on mentorship and professional development for the next generation of airport professionals, and to support the airport's growth by bringing in new and innovative programs and initiatives to enhance the overall customer experience. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? The biggest challenge in my career was certainly during the very early days of the CAA. We were working on developing the framework for the new organization, which involved building the administrative structure from the ground up, including the CAA's policies and procedures. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? I have reassessed my work priorities and I am working closely with employees as they adapt to a very different - in some cases remote - working environment. As we become much more reliant on advanced technology as a way of communicating, I am finding that communication is key, more than ever. What are your keys to maintaining business success? Teamwork, collaboration and communication. The key is working with a strong, supportive and motivated team who all share the same goals and vision. Sharon Traficante Employer: Connecticut Airport Authority Title: Deputy Executive Director, Operations and Administration WOMEN IN BUSINESS AWARDS 2021 S abrina Trocchi is president and chief executive officer of Wheeler. In this role, she is responsible for the overall operation of the $85-million organization, offering integrated primary care, behavioral health, prevention/wellness, child welfare, community justice and special education services to over 50,000 people each year. Trocchi oversees Wheeler's ongoing strategic direction to achieve its mission and ensure continued success. She is a noted expert on person-centered care, evidence-based practices, medication-assisted treatment for addiction, and today's dynamic health care environment. She holds a PhD in public health from the University of Connecticut and a master's in public administration from the University of Hartford. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? Throughout the pandemic, our commitment to supporting the individuals, families and communities we serve remained our priority. We quickly converted to telehealth, ensured access to critical services, collaborated to provide COVID testing and vaccinations, and opened a new Waterbury center, expanding primary care and behavioral healthcare across the lifespan. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Disparities in health and access to care persist across Connecticut, including in Wheeler's health center communities. Addressing this systemic injustice is a significant priority, in addition to increasing the diversity and cultural responsiveness of our workforce and strengthening community-level approaches to improve health and health care for all. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Four months into my role, we faced the pandemic together, testing everything I knew about leadership. My focus was on transparency and regular communication, keeping staff informed on how we were mitigating COVID, promoting information sharing to address concerns, and ensuring our patients had access to vital services. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? The pandemic highlighted the importance of adaptive, servant leadership, rapid but thoughtful decision-making and transparent communication. This often required making decisions without having all the necessary information, and adapting new approaches rapidly to effectively meet urgent staffing, patient/client/student and community needs. COVID challenged everything we thought we knew. Who has been your most important mentor and why? I've been privileged to work with many exceptional leaders, notably Thomas A. Kirk Jr., the former commissioner of the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. He was compassionate, caring and saw the "big picture," mobilizing his team and a strategic vision focused on high- quality and effective care. Sabrina Trocchi Employer: Wheeler Title: President & CEO PRIMARY AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADDICTION EDUCATION WELLNESS AND PREVENTION Thank you for your leadership in these trying times! -Your 1,000 colleagues at Wheeler Congratulations to Wheeler President & CEO Sabrina Trocchi, PhD, MPA WheelerHealth.org V anotti assumed the role of president and chief executive officer of Torrington Savings Bank (TSB) on October 1, 2020. She joined the bank as part of the accounting team in 1996 and held roles of progressive responsibility, most recently senior vice president and chief financial officer. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Post College and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. In addition to leading TSB, Vanotti is active in the Torrington community, serving on a number of boards and advisory committees. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far? My biggest accomplishment has been being named the 14th president and first woman CEO of this pillar of the Torrington community. I am honored by the trust placed in me by the Board of Trustees and humbled by the 152-year legacy built by my predecessors. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I want to take the bank to the next level. We have a strong foundation of capital and liquidity that will support both geographic and asset growth. The technology available today allows us to reach customers in ways that weren't possible 10 years ago. It's an exciting time for us. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? My biggest professional challenge was being a working mom. Juggling a full- time job, two pre-teens and going back to school for my MBA in the evenings and on the weekends. Looking back now, I do not know how I did it, but I had an amazing support team in my family and colleagues. How has the COVID-19 pandemic forced you to adapt as a leader? I've always tried to be empathetic, but the pandemic raised that to a new height. I had to ask our retail team to come to work and serve our community despite personal risk. I have a deeper appreciation for the folks who are on the front line every day, making a difference. What legacy do you want to leave after your career is over? My goal is to have used my position and expertise to support aspiring professionals maximize their growth and potential. Whether it be as a role model for young women, a mentor or as an educator, I want to know I've made a contribution to someone's career and shown them the value of perseverance and hard work. Lesa A. Vanotti Employer: Torrington Savings Bank Title: President & CEO

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