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16 40 UNDER FORTY | 2025 AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | AUGUST 11, 2025 Here's to You! Celebrating this year's 40 Under Forty including our own Victor Gonzalez Member FDIC Victor Gonzalez Branch Manager West Hartford, CT At NBT Bank, we champion those who drive progress and strengthen our communities. We're proud to support this moment of recognition— and to celebrate the impact you make every day. Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! Victor A. Gonzalez is the branch man- ager for NBT Bank in West Hartford and was named the 2024 Young Professional of the Year by the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce. Active in the community, he founded Ties That Tie, a nonprofit empowering youth through mentorship and life skills. He serves on local boards, leads fund- raisers and is committed to financial empowerment, leadership and uplifting Haley Heslin is the director of human resources for LAZ Parking's Northeast Region and Home Office, leading initiatives that impact more than 4,000 employees. A champion of talent development and inclusive hiring, she has hired 10,000-plus employees and mentored multiple team promotions. Heslin also leads national transitions and co-chairs LAZ's women's leadership others through service and community engagement. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? My proudest accomplishment was leading my team to a top 10 branch ranking in our first year in West Hartford. This was achieved by providing unparalleled customer service and sup- porting local dreams through advocacy and service. The top ranking would not have been possible without the trust and assistance from my amazing team. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • My branch is consistently ranked among the top performing, a testa- ment to strong customer service skills and business knowledge. • Serve as an ambassador for local networking and business development groups. I'm a constant presence in the community. • Committed to the community through founding a nonprofit and participating in many charitable causes. How are you involved in the community? Community involvement is a core value at NBT Bank, and I'm proud to represent the bank while championing local causes. I serve on the board of Playhouse on Park and the Rotary Club of West Hartford, con- tribute to dozens of charitable events and have a passion for mentoring local youth. committee. She is active in philanthropy and currently pursuing her MBA at UConn to continue growing as a stra- tegic, people-focused leader. What's been your biggest professional accomplishment so far in your career? I have led large-scale transitions nation- wide for LAZ Parking, leveraging strategic project management to ensure seam- less integrations — including Serco's parking enforcement contracts, Nashville International Airport and LAX-it. The lead- ership has been instrumental in driving operational success during complex acqui- sitions and high-profile program launches. Why do you deserve to be a 40 Under Forty? • Co-founded LAZ Parking's women's lead- ership committee, which drives numerous national initiatives that support female professionals in advancing their careers. • Transitioned more than 1,000 employees nationally to join the LAZ family through mergers and acquisitions. • Developed a new department as the first employee, driving its structured compliance, strategy and successful growth. What do you like to do outside of work? I love spending quality time with my family, exploring new places through travel and staying active by playing pickleball. Most recently, I have begun my sourdough journey! Victor A. Gonzalez Company: NBT Bank Title: Branch Manager Number of years with current company: 2 Town where I live: New Britain Town where I work: West Hartford College: Southern Connecticut State University, Albertus Magnus College Highest degree: Master's degree in business administration, Albertus Magnus College Age: 37 Haley Heslin Company: LAZ Parking Title: Director, Human Resources Number of years with current company: 8 Town where I live: West Hartford Town where I work: Hartford College: Eastern Connecticut State University Highest degree: Master's degree in business administration, University of Connecticut (est. graduation, summer 2026) Age: 32