Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1404446
24 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 23, 2021 Jeremy Szechenyi Age: 34 Company: MetroHartford Alliance Title: Chief Marketing Officer No. of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: Avon Town where I work: Hartford College: Virginia Commonwealth University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in Business Management Matthew Teich Christopher N. Troxell Kel Thomas Age: 38 Company: Halloran Sage Title: Partner No. of years with current company: 12 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Providence College Highest degree: Juris Doctorate Age: 36 Company: Liberty Bank Title: Senior Vice President, General Auditor No. of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: Glastonbury Town where I work: Middletown College: CCSU (undergrad) University of Hartford (grad) Highest degree: Master's degree in Accounting and Taxation, University of Hartford Age: 38 Company: The Hartford Title: Investment Counsel No. of years with current company: 2.5 years Town where I live: Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: United States Military Academy at West Point Highest degree: Juris Doctor & Master's degree in Business Administration. (JD/ MBA) J eremy Szechenyi is the chief marketing officer of MetroHartford Alliance where he helps market and brand the organization, its initiatives, programs and events. In previous roles, he was a consultant in the marketing, branding and ecommerce spaces for domestic and international companies and entrepreneurs. He has also managed and grown entrepreneurial and innovation programs in Hartford in collaboration with Wesleyan University, the University of Connecticut, the University of Hartford and Trinity College. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1. Took leaderhip of and grew the MetroHartford Alliance marketing department during the pandemic 2. Mentored, advised and supported hundreds of entrepreneurs through the process of launching and growing their business concepts. 3. Managed and built collaborative entrepreneurial programs based in Hartford to support student, domestic and international entrepreneurs. 4. Founded Lonegrade, building sustainable watches and accessories in the United States to address issues with planned obsolescence and fast fashion. What's been your biggest professional/work accomplishment so far in your career? The MetroHartford Alliance is exceptional at bringing people together around common interests and causes. While historically done through in-person events, the pandemic forced a shift to virtual events. This required sizeable adjustments to the marketing strategy and events planning processes. I developed strategies, executed plans and supported a successful transition. A ttorney Matthew Teich focuses his practice on the areas of finance, commercial real estate and corporate transactions. Teich works with major banks and middle market companies in Connecticut and the broader New England and tri-state region, routinely acting as counsel to institutional lenders and businesses in large high-profile commercial lending transactions. He also represents owners, developers and businesses in the documentation, negotiation and closing of commercial real estate acquisitions, dispositions and leasing transactions. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1. Named a Partner at Halloran Sage in 2018 in recognition of my contributions to the firm's success. 2. Serves as trusted counsel to major area businesses and oversees hundreds of millions of dollars in transactions each year. 3. Is an active and engaged member of the regional business community. 4. Strong supporter of several nonprofit organizations through sponsoring and attending annual golf tournaments and other events. What's been your biggest professional/work accomplishment so far in your career? There are several high-profile commercial transactions that come to mind when I think of my professional accomplishments, but the most meaningful accomplishment has been earning the trust of my clients. I take great pride in being responsive and providing top-quality legal work for them. K el Thomas is an attorney for the Hartford Investment Management Company. He provides legal counsel to all of HIMCO's private sector investment teams. Before HIMCO, Thomas began his career in private practice representing national and local financial institutions and small business owners. Prior to embarking on a path toward the legal profession, Kel served in the U.S. Army. He completed his active-duty service as a Captain stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1. Served my country in the U.S. Army on active duty and the State of CT in the national guard. 2. Appointed as a commissioner on the Hartford Planning & Zoning commission. 3. Chair of HYPE. 4. Chair of Kinsella Arts, Inc. What's been your biggest professional/work accomplishment so far in your career? Prior to becoming an attorney, my biggest accomplishment was serving an extended tour in Afghanistan with a provincial reconstruction team to build infrastructure in the Bagram area and to guide convoy missions throughout Eastern Afghanistan. Post military, my biggest accomplishment was closing my first large multi-million dollar investment deal. Fun Fact I have dived with sharks, ran a marathon and jumped out of planes! C hris Troxell is a former federal bank regulator turned banker, who is passionate about serving the banking needs of underserved and disadvantaged communities and individuals. Trained as a compliance examiner with a concentration in fair lending, Troxell led examinations at banks across the country. While at Liberty, Troxell helped strengthen the bank's ability to serve its customers and communities. He now leads the audit department, focusing on evaluating and improving the bank's control environment. Four reasons why you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty: 1. Co-led a committee that implemented meaningful relief measures to address financial hardships caused by COVID-19. 2. Led a company-wide initiative that resulted in the launch of new loan products and enhanced bank performance. 3. Continuously promotes the need for diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and our communities while actively serving as a team member of Liberty Bank's council focused on these efforts. 4. Youngest senior vice president at Liberty Bank, with over 14 years of experience in compliance and risk management. Fun Fact I am a former combat medic for the Army Reserves and certified EMT. 40 UNDER FORTY | TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY | 2021