Hartford Business Journal Special Editions

40 Under 40 2022b

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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | August 15, 2022 21 2022 | 40 UNDER FORTY After college, Jeffrey Swanson earned his master's degree in teaching with the inten- tion of becoming a teacher. However, life led him in a different direction and he began working at a residential treatment facility. He further developed his skill set in the nonprofit sector as the assistant director of a mental health crisis facility providing short-term residential accommodations. After obtaining a post-graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis, Swanson began working at Adelbrook as a behaviorist in 2014. In 2016, he was promoted to the director of residential programs and in 2018, he was given the role of chief administrative officer. As the CAO, he oversees the maintenance, IT, fleet and food services departments. He is also the acting safety and privacy officer. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? During my tenure as the director of residential programs, I was able to maintain an occu- pancy rate that provided stability and gave Adelbrook the ability to continue its efforts to improve the lives of the persons they serve. How are you involved in the community? In order to create and maintain community partnerships, I must be engaged with local stakeholders for all program locations. This includes attending planning and zoning and chamber of commerce meetings. I was also a school board member in my town of residency from 2016 to 2018. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children, golfing and being outdoors, whether hiking, snowshoeing or going to the local parks and beaches. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Am youngest CAO in Adelbrook's history. • Managed the pandemic response as the safety officer. • Grew from a clinical role to an admin- istrative role that oversees multiple departments during eight years of employ- ment at Adelbrook. • Facilitated multiple multifaceted projects ranging from real estate dealings to large- scale facility improvements. Rashani Swaby is an employee experience, organizational effectiveness and talent management leader, driver and doer com- mitted to fostering a space of belonging no matter where or how people work. In her current role as director of employee experience, she tackles the many inter- sections of business strategy and people experiences to not only maximize business results but to also enable connectivity, growth and wellbeing for all people. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? Becoming the first director of employee experience for Raytheon Corp., where I get to strategize, lead and partner for a more effec- tive and connected people experience for the corporation's four business units, one of which includes Connecticut's Pratt & Whitney, is my biggest accomplishment so far. How are you involved in the community? I serve on the board of directors for orga- nizations focused on children and families, specifically Our Piece of the Pie (OPP) and the CT Children's Law Center. My involve- ment with OPP is particularly special as I strongly believe it played a strong role on my path to success. What do you like to do outside of work? Solve problems! I find pure joy in solving jigsaw puzzles and beating the clock in escape rooms with family and friends. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Lead transformative projects for a Fortune 100 company and a native and graduate of the Hartford Public Schools. • Was a key player in the enterprise-wide transformation to a remote/hybrid/on-site blended work model at Pratt & Whitney during the pandemic. • Distributed school supplies with com- munity leaders and organizations to families during the initial uncertainties of COVID-19. • Actively mentors and coaches early and mid-career professionals with a focus on empowering women and BIPOC to break glass ceilings. Fun Fact I purchased my first real-estate property at the age of 21. Liam Sweeney is a principal at Penn Lincoln Strategies, a government and public affairs firm based in Hartford. Sweeney's back- ground involves a wide range of experience in government affairs, public service and politics. He has worked on issues ranging from farming and gaming to education and economic development. Sweeney also serves as deputy mayor in his hometown of West Hartford. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishments are being on the ground floor of Penn Lincoln Strategies and seeing it grow into one of the best government affairs firms in the state, and serving on the West Hartford Town Council, advocating for a new community center and finally witnessing it come to life. How are you involved in the community? I have served on the West Hartford Town Council since 2017, and in 2021, my peers selected me as deputy mayor. I helped to found Active City, a nonprofit that focuses on the area's underserved youth. I have also participated in the town's mentoring program. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my wife and three young kids. I love playing basketball, playing (bad) golf and engaging in obscure sports, political and movie debates. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Am a principal at one of the top govern- ment affairs firms in the state. • Serve as deputy mayor of West Hartford. • Volunteered as a coach and board member with Saturday Hoopsters and Active City and volunteered as a mentor with WHPS. • Appointed as chair of the special advisory committee on social and committee recovery to help our com- munity and especially our kids, navigate through the pandemic. Fun Fact I recently had a short stint as an on-air commentator for the Conard boys' bas- ketball team on their run to the state semifinals. Theme Song "Can't Knock the Hustle" — Jay-Z Liam Sweeney Age: 38 Company: Penn Lincoln Strategies Title: Principal Number of years with current company: 5 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Temple University Highest degree: Bachelor's in history and political science Penn Lincoln Strategies, LLC Congratulates Liam Sweeney on being named to the 40 Under 40 List! Rashani Swaby Age: 35 Company: Raytheon Technologies Title: Director, Employee Experience Number of years with current company: 10 Town where I live: East Hartford Town where I work: East Hartford College: Trinity College, Florida Tech Highest degree: Master's in business Jeffrey Swanson Age: 37 Company: Ädelbrook Inc. Title: Chief Administrative Officer Number of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: Union Town where I work: Cromwell College: College of Wooster, Bard College, Texas Tech University Highest degree: Master's in teaching, post-Master's certificate in applied behavior analysis

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