Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1505758
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 21, 2023 A11 2023 | 40 UNDER FORTY Sal Marino is the director of finance and operations at Charles IT, a managed IT services and security provider. Marino joined Charles IT in 2017 when the organization had 16 employees and $4 million in revenue. He helped propel growth of the organization to 105 employees today and closing in on $25 million in revenue this year. Marino has helped build out many of the company's back-end business func- tions including finance, sales, marketing, procurement and people operations. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My biggest accomplishment at Charles IT has been my ability to build and grow processes within the areas I managed. This helped grow the back-end operations team from three people, including myself, in 2017 to 20-plus in 2023. Many of the current employees have grown with the organiza- tion from an internship to full-time roles. How are you involved in the community? I'm a volunteer coach with the Middletown High School Ultimate Frisbee Team, specif- ically during the off-season to help prepare student athletes for the coming season. I was a steering committee member and sat on the board of directors for LEAD CT, a leadership and development program focused on teaching the next wave of local business leaders. What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife of five years, Libby, my two beautiful daughters Emmerson and Tatym, and our dogs, Booker and Reese. When not spending time in the craziness of home life, I love to play Ultimate Frisbee and then relax with a nice glass of bourbon. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Helped build out the back-end infrastruc- ture of the business from three people to 20-plus from 2017 through now. • Was the youngest member appointed to the organization's executive leadership team at age 26. • Lead the creation of LEAD CT, a Middlesex Chamber of Commerce program part- nered with Dale Carnegie; focused on developing the next wave of local busi- ness leaders in Connecticut. Sal Marino Age: 31 Company: Charles IT Title: Director of Finance and Operations No. of years with current company: 6 Town where I live: Middletown Town where I work: Middletown College: Southern Connecticut State University & Southern New Hampshire University Highest degree: Master's degree in business administration focused in forensic accounting, SNHU Anna Leigh is the manager of talent acqui- sition at Electric Boat. Leigh is responsible for leading 45 employees who support the recruiting, outreach and full-cycle hiring efforts at EB. She started her career as a summer intern and has been able to build her career in human resources working in talent devel- opment, organizational design, succession planning and talent acquisition. EB hired over 3,800 people in 2022, with a goal of over 5,700 in 2023. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My proudest work accomplishment has been being able to lead the team that has hired the most people on record at Electric Boat in 2022, with 3,899 external hires. How are you involved in the community? I am a member of my children's school PTO, our church community, and Electric Boat ForWARD and WID. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy spending time with my husband Alex, and our two children, ages 10 and 7. Following their soccer and basketball schedules takes up lots of free time! I enjoy going to the beach, working in my yard, time at home with family and friends, and our two dogs Stella and Brewer. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Recruiting and hiring the submarine workforce of the future to protect our nation's freedom. • Talent development in succession planning, growing the leadership bench and placing over 37 future leaders in critical roles at EB. • Supporting high school hiring strategy and providing career paths to high school students who are not college-bound. • Increased representation of women and people of color in hiring for 2021 and 2022. Fun Fact My classmates and I were on the cover of a Spanish book (Gente) at SCSU. Craig Knell is the chief financial officer for Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union, a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. Knell began his career in the U.S. Navy. After completing his degree, he joined the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., where he received a federal commission as a risk management examiner and served as a senior risk examiner. Knell joined Nutmeg as a director of enterprise risk manage- ment in 2022, and was promoted to senior vice president and chief financial officer later that same year. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? At the FDIC, I led the transition to a fully remote bank examination during the onset of the COVID pandemic. I was able to lead my team and complete a difficult examina- tion while fully remote. I received an FDIC Mission Achievement Award for exceptional leadership and effectiveness. How are you involved in the community? I am a regular blood donor. I am open to new opportunities to serve nonprofit and not-for-profit entities in the Hartford area. What do you like to do outside of work? I spend most of my time with my wife and son. I read as much as I can. I enjoy building, and any other free time I have is spent on home improvement or renovation projects. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Received Joint Service Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service while serving Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force — Afghanistan. • Commissioned risk management examiner after completing a rigorous four-year training program with the FDIC and successful completion of the FINRA Series 91 examination. • Received FDIC Mission Achievement Award for exceptional leadership and effectiveness. • Youngest member of the executive team at Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union. Craig Knell Age: 36 Company: Nutmeg State Financial Credit Union Title: Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer No. of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: Cromwell Town where I work: Rocky Hill College: CCSU Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in economics Anna Leigh Age: 36 Company: General Dynamics Electric Boat Title: Manager of Talent Acquisition No. of years with current company: 15 Town where I live: Mystic Town where I work: Groton College: Southern Connecticut State University Highest degree: Bachelor's degree in liberal arts How are you involved in the community? I engage with members to foster a sense of belonging and encourage participation in local initiatives. I organize events, facilitate open forums and collaborate with local organizations to address community needs. By fostering relationships and promoting inclusivity, I strive to create a thriving and cohesive community. What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy immersing myself in various hobbies and activities. I find solace in reading books, exploring nature through hiking, dance and photography, indulging in culinary adventures, staying active through sports and spending quality time with loved ones. These pursuits bring me joy and rejuvenate my mind and spirit. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, guiding the clinic to significant growth and success within a short period. • Implemented innovative strategies and introduced cutting-edge technologies and treatment to improve patient out- comes and streamline operations. • Commitment to providing high-quality care has resulted in a positive impact on patients' lives. Through their efforts, the clinic has improved access to behav- ioral health and primary care services, influencing the community's overall well-being. • Named "the youngest Latino CEO" in outpatient behavioral health and primary care in CT. Carlos Marrero Age: 32 Company: LEO Clinic Title: Chief Executive Officer No. of years with current company: 10 Town where I live: East Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Central Connecticut State University Highest degree: Doctorate degree in education Carlos Marrero is CEO, founder and director of LEO (Latin Enrichment Organization) Clinic, a provider of community-based primary care, dental and mental health outpatient programs. He established Hartford's Cambriella Academy School of Excellence Middle School, a private special education school/ clinical day program named after his daughters. As an adjunct faculty member in the University of St. Joseph's social work department, Marrero has mentored aspiring social workers and helped shape the next generation of mental health professionals.