Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1479590
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | September 26, 2022 31 2022 C – SUITE AWARDS M intz + Hoke is an Im- mersively Different ad agency powered by ideas and people. So, a big piece of Ron Perine's role is to help set expec- tations, motivate and be supportive. It's this aspect of his job that he enjoys the most. Perine also serves as the agency's lead legal and financial advisor and plays a key role in its digital offerings and new business development. Ultimately, he is accountable for the overall success of the agency. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Leading Mintz + Hoke in our 50th an- niversary year was a highlight of my career. Few ad agencies reach this milestone. It was an opportunity to thank our employees, clients and partners and to honor our founders, Alan Mintz and Joe Hoke, two legends in the Connecti- cut ad industry. I launched a refresh of our Immersively Different brand — a nod to our evolution and our roots — on our website, in our offices and on social media. I was also humbled to be named to the 2021 Ad Club CT Hall of Fame by my peers. In what ways are you involved in the community? I'm deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the creative industry and our business community. To foster real change, I'm helping launch the Connecticut Creative Academy, a tuition-free portfolio school, as chairman of the board. I also advocate for inclusive employment, fostering opportunities for individuals with devel- opmental disabilities. Guiding business principle: I believe in cultivating an open, safe culture where people feel valued, are empowered to be their best, contribute without hesitation, collaborate freely and make a contribution every day. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Being Immersively Different is how Mintz + Hoke continues to stay at the leading edge of our industry. It means we step out of our offices and immerse ourselves in the worlds of our clients' customers. After all, this is what our messaging needs to do. This philosophy has led to our success since day one. Best business decision: Building a robust, capable and exceptional leadership team was my first priority when I became CEO. I knew the group I wanted. Each one is talented, creative, humble, all-in and great to work with! Goal yet to be achieved: I want to make a real and lasting impact to expand diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at Mintz + Hoke, in the Connecticut advertising industry and in our community. I want to allow every voice to be heard for everyone's benefit. Personal touch in your office: All my passions are on display: Photos of my daughters, a Ski Vermont poster, a personalized Louisville Slugger from our friends at Worldwide Partners and a silver star paperweight from my partner that's engraved with "Today" on the front and the date on the back when I became Mintz + Hoke's CEO and majority shareholder. mintz-hoke.com Advertising | Media | Digital | Branding | PR IMMERSIVELY DIFFERENT FROM THE TOP DOWN. CONGRATS, RON! A s CEO of Connecticut Children's Medical Cen- ter, Jim Shmerling's role is to oversee patient care, advo- cacy, research and education. As the only health system in the state dedicated exclusively to the care of children, Shmerling leads a healthcare organization that spans 41 locations across Connecticut, western Massachu- setts and eastern New York. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? The impact of COVID-19 on chil- dren's mental health was devas- tating. The demand for services accelerated to the point where it outpaced our physical and hu- man resource capacity. We were able to rally hospitals, the Connecticut Hospital Association and state Department of Public Health to collaborate in creating a state- wide response to help address this phenomenon. I believe because we were outspoken advocates for children's mental health support, and with the support of Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and Gov. Lamont, we were able to significantly increase capacity to support addressing mental health needs for children and families. Guiding business principle: I have two favorite guiding principles that I refer to quite often. 'If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade.' (Tom Peters); 'If you don't know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.' (Yogi Berra). Best business decision: One of the biggest wins for children and their families was Connecticut Children's ability to successfully create an exclusively pediatric clinically integrated network that now includes over 200 pediatri- cians statewide. This provides coordinated care between pediatricians, specialists and the health system to ensure children have access to the best possible care, close to home. Biggest missed opportunity: Pursuing our very first bond issue when the interest rates were so much lower last year. Goal yet to be achieved: I have every intention in working relentlessly to align our community health initiatives with appropriate payment methodologies that reward keeping children healthy, rather than only being paid for medical interventions. Personal touch in your office: There are photos of my children and grandchildren everywhere. In what ways are you involved in the community? Last year, I was honored to be appointed to the Hartford Board of Education by Mayor Luke Bronin. My service has given me an opportunity to partic- ipate in continued advocacy for children's health and well-being, which is significantly impacted by the quality of their education. Personal Side City of residence: Hartford Favorite way to relax: Long walks Hobbies: Travel, reading and exercise Jim Shmerling Chief Executive Officer CONNECTICUT CHILDREN'S MEDICAL CENTER Size of organization: 3,000 employees Ron Perine Managing Principal and CEO MINTZ + HOKE Size of organization: 44 employees Education: Quinnipiac University, B.S., Accounting