Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1416209
23 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 4, 2021 C-SUITE AWARDS 2021 What do you do in your current job? I wear many hats, which is standard for a small company. I lead the marketing team at Johnson Brunetti and focus on developing marketing strategies that will bring more people into our firm that we can help guide through their retirement years. I am on the leadership team to make decisions regarding the growth of Johnson Brunetti. I am very involved in the hiring process and What do you do in your current job? I lead the Hartford Foundation's commitment to dismantle structural racism, achieve equity and improve social and economic mobility in our region, partnering with nonprofit organizations and community stakeholders. I previously served as U.S. assistant secretary of commerce for economic development, leading the federal economic development agenda. I was also deputy director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House as principal liaison between the President of the United States and local elected officials. I previously served as executive director of the federal Office of who we bring onto our team. I also focus efforts on our relationships with all the nonprofit organizations we support. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? One of the biggest challenges was the pandemic's effect on our business. A financial services firm that works with individuals preparing for or entering retirement, most appointments and lead-generation methods were in-person. I had to pivot to ensure we were engaging new prospects and serving existing clients. In what ways are you involved in the community? I am on the board for the organization For All Ages, which connects different generations to end loneliness, reduce ageism and improve health. I am also involved with Career Beginnings, and involved with nonprofits Johnson Brunetti supports, such as House of Heroes, Make-A-Wish, Salvation Army, Veterans Associations, Camp Courant and Save-a-Suit. What's your guiding business principle? Treat your employees right and give your clients the best service possible. Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, and before that was mayor of Youngstown, Ohio. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Being a part of a leadership team that, along with our staff, donors and stakeholders, helped the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving navigate the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and structural racism in meaningful and impactful ways vis-à-vis our community, while also undergoing our own evolution. In what ways are you involved in the community? I am on the board of directors for both the MetroHartford Alliance and Advance CT, on the Governor's Workforce Council, and CHEFA Community Development Corporation Advisory Board. What's your guiding business principle? Significance is paramount to success. Laurie Tobias Johnson Brunetti Chief Marketing Officer Size of organization: 38 employees Education: MBA, University of Massachusetts Jay Williams Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, President Size of organization: 2020 grantmaking - $52.7 million Education: B.S.B.A. Finance, Youngstown State University CATEGORY WINNER: CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER CATEGORY WINNER: CEO/PRESIDENT/ EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR