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APRIL 3, 2023 | HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | WOMEN IN BUSINESS B 11 Linda Iovanna Chief Executive Officer CCARC Inc. L inda Iovanna is the CEO of CCARC Inc., a private nonprofit that offers resi- dential, vocational, employment, day, advocacy and social services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CCARC is a person-centered provider that focuses on the individual needs of everyone receiving services. While CCARC has long had expertise caring for people with greater medical needs, it is growing customized supports in employment and living options. Iovanna focuses on strategic initiatives and legislative advocacy. CCARC is a $15 million organization with more than 300 employees and 200 people served. Iovanna started at CCARC in July 2021 after six years as CEO for a local Arc in Middlesex County. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishment is completing MBAs in management and health services and certification in project management mastery with experience in academia, corporate and nonprofits to provide an eclectic skill set and transferable knowledge. A memorable accomplishment was creatively funding, purchasing and renovating a 36,000-square-foot building that consolidated services while improving program quality. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? Goals include positioning CCARC Inc. as a leader in individualized employment and residential services for people with developmental disabil- ities and increasing the number of people we serve with greater medical and behavioral challenges and creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and appreciated. Also, I want to increase CCARC's revenue by 25%. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Amidst my career, I was an at-home mother. It is difficult to credibly return to work. I worked my way up a second time. Time away may lessen best practice knowledge but it does not dampen ability to problem solve, think strategically or to lead; It gives fresh perspective. Kimberly A. Lebron Senior Vice President/ Chief Credit Officer Thomaston Savings Bank K imberly Lebron is the senior vice president/chief credit officer of Thomaston Savings Bank. LeBron began her banking career at Connecticut National Bank in 1991 as a loan administration assistant, following six years of service in the United States Army. She has held numerous positions in the lend- ing field over the past 32 years ranging from commercial closer, credit analyst, commercial lender, workout specialist, loan operations manager and chief loan officer. In her current position as chief credit officer, she leads a team of 68 employees in three departments – residential lending, special assets and commercial credit. Lebron is also a board member of Safe Haven of Greater Water- bury and Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments so far? My biggest accomplishments include estab- lishing and fully implementing new loan operations and commercial credit depart- ments at two local community banks. I've been instrumental in strategically growing them to keep pace with the ever-changing landscape of the banking industry. Another accomplishment was quick and decisive implementation of the CARES Act during the coronavirus pandemic. I was able to successfully guide my teams through the transition to a work-from-home environment while handling a record number of residen- tial loan originations and the processing and closing of 1,903 Paycheck Protection Program loans totaling $195 million. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? My next big goal is to mentor my managers in a manner that will put them in a position to have similar opportunities as I have had and to ultimately achieve a similar level of professional accomplishments. Any successful management position is only as good as the people supporting it. My objective is to instill this value in the three women I am extremely fortunate to have reporting to me and who work tirelessly without complaint. Kim not only serves as a mentor but as a role model to young female bankers here at Thomaston Savings Bank. This award is a true testament to her accomplishments and strides as a successful woman in business. -Stephen L. Lewis President & CEO Thomaston Savings Bank Kim Lebron Senior Vice President Chief Credit Officer Member FDIC Congratulations Kim Lebron 2023 Women in Business Honoree THE 2023 WOMEN IN BUSINESS HONOREES