Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1526047
HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | SEPTEMBER 2, 2024 B3 C-SUITE | 2024 AWARDS Recognizing top C-suite leaders A s part of Hartford Business Journal's 2024 C-suite Awards, we recognize top executives who have made signifi- cant contributions to their organiza- tions over the last year. We've identified leaders who stood out for their commitment to excellence to various stakeholders, including investors, employees and the broader community. Our winners this year range from CEOs of large private companies to nonprofit leaders, CFOs, chief marketing officers and a host of other C-suite positions. In this special section, we also honor two Lifetime Achievement Award winners who have made last- ing impacts on their organizations: Chris Ulbrich, chairman and CEO of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc., and Roberta "Bert" Wachtelhausen, founder and former president of WellSpark Health. In terms of methodology, the business community was invited to nominate C-suite executives, and winners were selected by a panel of independent judges: Anthony Anthony, chief marketing officer for the state of Connecticut, and Meg Warren, executive director of the Office of External and Alumni Engagement at the UConn School of Business. We'll be honoring all of our winners during a special event, Oct. 10, at Farmington Gardens. We hope you can attend. If not, please join us in congratulating these top Connecticut leaders. Greg Bordonaro Editor Hartford Business Journal LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Chris Ulbrich ............................B3 Roberta Wachtelhausen ........B5 C-SUITE AWARDS Heather Lavallee .....................B5 Jon-Paul Venoit .........................B7 Drew Andrews ...........................B8 Etkin Tekin .................................B8 Jill Adams ...................................B9 Eric Harrison ............................B9 Paul Beaudoin ............................B11 Michael Shea .............................B11 Steven Havira ............................B12 Shalonta Ford ...........................B12 Lisa Chirillo ..............................B13 Michael Tedone ........................B13 Tyler Booth ...............................B15 Contents Scan the code to learn more about the event C hris Ulbrich is the third-generation owner at Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc. After college, Ulbrich accepted a position as director of purchasing. In 1988, he was promoted to executive vice president as well as remaining in his position of director of purchasing and sales. From 1995 to 2014, he served as chief operations officer before becoming chairman and CEO in 2014, where Ulbrich still holds this position to date. Ulbrich oversees company growth and ensures and maintains the highest quality of services and leadership. e company ships 160 alloys world- wide to over 60 countries. It is involved with 12 major markets with the goal of making the country and the world a better place. e Ulbrich motto is "More than Metal." What have been your biggest professional accomplishments over the past year? I led our company to the 100th anniversary of our third-generation family company with the same ownership. I am now helping educate and set up the fourth and fifth generation for the future years of success. In what ways are you involved in the community? I have been involved with United Way in supporting over 20 different agencies in our area. e Boys and Girls Clubs has been a special organization that our family has supported over three generations. On the job Guiding business principle: Doing things right the first time. Best way to keep your competitive edge: Lean events Best business decision: Getting into the solar business, and also getting out of the business. Chris Ulbrich Chairman & CEO ULBRICH STAINLESS STEELS & SPECIAL METALS INC. Size of organization: 700 employees Education: Bachelor's Degree in Labor Management and Finance, University of Connecticut Worst business decision: Too many to discuss. Biggest missed opportunity: Buying some of our competitors. Goal yet to be achieved: More hiking. Personal touch in your office: All my rocks from around the world. Personal side Place of residence: Guilford Hobbies: Golfing, hiking, including 650 miles on the Appalachian Trail Last vacation: Cancun, Mexico, with three grandchildren Favorite movie: All Tom Cruise movies e car you drive: 2019 Audi A7 Currently reading: Any history book – "e Warmth of Other Suns," by Isabel Wilkerson Favorite cause: Boys and Girls Clubs Second choice career: Politics, so I can make the right decisions since most of the current people do not.