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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | August 15, 2022 11 2022 | 40 UNDER FORTY Todd Lessard's construction career started with his family's drywall company, where he learned the industry and value of hard work. After two years of supervising a variety of projects for a general contracting firm, he was recruited to plan and execute capital projects for United Technologies. In this role, he gained invaluable experience in corporate and industrial construction. After completing several complex proj- ects, he decided to start Leading Edge Construction with his partner Serge Lessard. He launched Leading Edge Construction, despite the challenges of the pandemic including economic shutdowns, supply chain issues and labor shortages. The business has grown significantly, reaching above expectations with a great team and esteemed clients. Lessard helps advocate for our youth to join the trades. The construction industry is filled with skilled craftsmen who are true professionals and can take pride in their work. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy hiking, golfing, and going to car shows with my dad. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Assembled a strong team that has made Leading Edge an innovative company. • Serves as an advocate of construction trades and promotes career opportuni- ties in the industry. • Committed to core values including quality work, ethical business practices, job safety and social responsibility. • Have always supported my colleagues and encouraged their growth. I help others excel any way I can. Fun Fact I've never had a hamburger. Theme Song "Brass Bonanza" — Jacques Ysaye Bucket List What are two things that you would like to achieve before you turn 40? I want to get my pilot's license and work on a project that has a meaningful impact to the community. Heather Laberinto has been at Webster Bank for the past eight years in progressive audit and risk management leadership roles. She is currently responsible for technology and information security risk management pro- cesses across the newly-merged organization. Laberinto also leads the team through annual external security audits of HSA Bank, one of the country's largest providers of employee bene- fits solutions and a division of Webster Bank. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishment was taking the leap from the finance world into technology and quickly becoming recognized as a val- ue-added leader. It took long hours, studying and to be honest, quite a few Google searches to learn the technology landscape and more importantly, what needs to be in place to protect our customers. How are you involved in the community? I am a board member and treasurer at Children's Community School in Waterbury. It's incredibly rewarding and allows me to draw from my accounting background and provide meaningful support to a very special mission. I also volunteer on the committee of Wellmore Behavioral Health's largest annual fundraiser—Festival of Lights. What do you like to do outside of work? I love to be physically active, especially in the outdoors. I am a longtime runner and enjoy training for half marathons and long-distance relays. I recently began studying Tang Soo Do with my 13-year-old son. I also love to cook and learn about other cultures through food. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Am responsible for implementing the risk management framework to meet the heightened regulatory requirements for a large bank and secure our customers' data. • Dedicate hundreds of hours per year to serving the community as a board member and treasurer at Children's Community School and a committee member at Wellmore Behavioral Health. • Oversaw the first successful SOC 2 assessment for HSA Bank, a division of Webster Bank, positioning the bank to grow in the market. websterbank.com Congratulations Heather Laberinto A Hartford Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree Vice President, Information Technology Risk Manager We applaud your leadership and commitment to better serve our clients every day. Congratulations to all this year's outstanding honorees. Webster Bank, the Webster Bank logo and the W symbol are trademarks of Webster Financial Corporation and Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Webster Bank, N.A. Member FDIC. © 2022 Webster Financial Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Heather Laberinto Age: 38 Company: Webster Bank Title: Vice President, Information Technology Risk Manager Number of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: Watertown Town where I work: New Britain College: Bentley University Highest degree: Bachelor's in Accounting Todd Lessard Name: Todd Lessard Age: 36 Company: Leading Edge Construction Title: Owner Number of years with current company: 3 Town where I live: Ellington Town where I work: Enfield