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30 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | September 26, 2022 2022 C – SUITE AWARDS L uis Perez helps to create initiatives that leverage Mental Health Connecti- cut's expertise in mental health ed- ucation and training to the public. As a speaker and panelist for many events over the years, he is often brought in to provide insight and perspective into the ways groups and individuals out- side of the mental health field can prioritize the social determi- nants of health and a communi- ty-based approach to care. Often a convener, Perez looks for opportunities to educate legisla- tors, business leaders, academ- ics and others to ensure that the future of health care is rooted in respect for the condition of be- ing human. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Two weeks before everything shut down because of the pandemic, I led an all-hands-on-deck effort to prepare the agency for shifting from 95% in-person services to 75% virtual to support our 220-plus staff and hundreds of program participants who rely on our agency for housing, community-based support services, access to food and other basic needs. By the time Connecticut had begun its pan- demic response, we had already created a new infrastructure, secured necessary supplies and put in new procedures and programs to support the physical, emotional and interpersonal safety M ichael Orce is re- sponsible for law firm Robinson+Cole's overall operations and financial oversight. He provides direction to the management team and serves as a strategic advisor to the firm's leadership. Orce evaluates operational process- es to create efficiencies and works closely with the firm's managing partner to achieve Robinson+Cole's strategic goals and objectives. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? Accomplishments include nav- igating the running of the firm throughout the pandemic: from keeping our R+C community safe with the implementation of cer- tain protocols; having everyone feeling connected despite a virtu- al environment; returning to the office and man- aging a hybrid workforce while looking for oppor- tunities to provide everyone a sense of belonging. Another accomplishment is working with the firm's leadership on executing our three-year strategic plan while virtual for approximately two of those three years. Despite our virtual status, we made significant progress executing on action items in our strategic plan to move forward in advancing goals and objectives. Guiding business principle: It's to hire the best people to do the job and then get out of their way so they can do it, but being available for guidance, when needed. Also, to praise publicly; critique privately. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Always look to add value; never rest on your laurels; and needs of our staff and program participants. Guiding business principle: I always say, 'we are in the business of humans and we are also a business.' It's this thinking that has allowed MHC to improve its stability while continuing to reinvest in best practices, deepen our impact and attract opportunities that will benefit more individuals outside the social service system. In what ways are you involved in the community? I have served on more than 20 boards, task forces and committees over my career including the Mental Health America Affiliate Relations Committee and vice chair of MHA's Anti-Racism, Equity, and Social Justice Committee. I also serve as board chair for the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance. Personal side City of residence: Avon Favorite way to relax: I enjoy relaxing at the beach and listening to the waves. Hobbies: Cooking and enjoying lovely meals Second choice career: Architecture build relationships within the firm and the community. Best business decision: Joining Robinson+Cole Biggest missed opportunity: Opportunities present themselves in many different ways. In the legal industry, some assume if you're not first to the market, then you're behind. But those situations can present the best opportunities to take the most meaningful action that fits within an organization's culture. Goal yet to be achieved: Not having to always fill empty moments with something to do. Personal touch in your office: A painting of the house in the 2009 Disney movie "Up," being carried through the clouds by a collection of balloons, which was given to me by my wife to signify that our life goals can happen, despite the occasional obstacles that might railroad them from time to time. (You would need to see the movie to fully appreciate the reference). In what ways are you involved in the community? I have been a trustee with Shoreline Vineyard Church in Guilford since 2015. I have also served on Guilford's Economic Development Commission. Personal side City of residence: Guilford Favorite way to relax: Hosting a large family gathering. While that doesn't sound like a relaxing activity, being with my wife, kids and grandchildren laughing and sharing stories is something that I truly enjoy. Contact: Rhonda J. Tobin | rtobin@rc.com | 860.275.8327 www.rc.com We proudly congratulate our Chief Operating Officer Michael Orce and all of the outstanding honorees being recognized at the Hartford Business Journal 2022 C-Suite Awards Boston | Hartford | New York | Providence | Miami | Stamford | Los Angeles | Wilmington | Philadelphia | Albany © 2022 Robinson & Cole LLP | Attorney Advertising Michael Orce Chief Operating Officer ROBINSON+COLE LLP Size of organization: 450 employees Education: MBA, Fairleigh Dickinson University Luis Perez President and CEO MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTICUT Size of organization: 220-plus employees Education: Master's, University of Con- necticut/School of Social Work, licensed clinical social worker