Hartford Business Journal

HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | DECEMBER 1, 2025 13 107 Old Windsor Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002 | 860.242.8586 | pdsec.com Flex Shop Space For Rent CONSTRUCTING EXCELLENCE PDS ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION, INC Startline Business Park 100 South Satellite Road, South Windsor Individual Bays 1,200 SF to 10,000 SF INCLUDES • Bathroom • Unit Heater • 14' Overhead Door CONTACT DANJ@PDSEC.COM IF INTERESTED. "We received a letter from their foundation asking if we'd be interested in working with them on a naming opportunity," he said, adding that at first he thought it was a scam. "We Googled them and said: 'they are for real.'" What began as an unexpected letter ultimately became one of Connecticut Children's most significant milestones. In late October, the hospital announced it would join the alliance — a national network of pediatric hospitals backed by billionaire philanthropist Tom Golisano — and receive a $50 million donation, the largest in its history. As part of the affiliation, the medical center will incor- porate "Golisano" into its name. The foundation was created by Golisano, an entrepreneur, philanthro- pist and civic leader who founded Paychex Inc., the nation's largest human resources company for small and midsize businesses. The alliance already included four member hospitals in upstate New York and Florida before launching a national expansion. As part of the expansion process, the foundation invited Connecticut Children's to submit a naming-rights proposal, and Shmerling and his leader- ship team decided to aim high. "We gave them a proposal for a much larger gift," Shmerling said. "We shot for the moon. We had nothing to lose." The foundation's executive director, Erica Dayton, visited Hartford in mid-July and told Shmerling's team that letters had been sent to 15 hospitals, but only 10 had responded. She added that an invitation to meet with Golisano himself would be a positive sign. Rather than wait, Shmerling and board leaders arranged to visit the University of Rochester-Golisano Children's Hospital, the first institution supported by the entrepreneur's philan- thropy. The visit took place Sept. 21-22. "They were very gracious and hosted us on a Sunday most of the day," Shmerling said. To their surprise, Golisano learned they were visiting and asked to meet with them the next day. 'How about $50 million?' Seated around a conference table with Golisano, the Connecticut Chil- dren's team presented their proposal. "Right off the bat he said, 'No, that's too much,'" Shmerling said. Golisano declined an alternative offer as well, "so we just started talking about the hospital and the relationships we have and what we're doing," he said. "And then there was a two- or three- minute pause where he's just thinking." They had been warned not to inter- rupt the silence when meeting with Golisano, so they waited. "And then he looked at us," Shmerling said, "and he said, 'I like you people. How about $50 million?'" Shmerling said he wanted to "jump up and kiss him," but he did his best to control himself. "We had our board chair (Jonathan Rubin) with us, and he played it much better than I would have," he said. Rubin responded with calm professionalism, thanking Golisano for the offer and noting it would be brought to the board. Ultimately, the board accepted the $50 million pledge. Connecticut Chil- dren's was among six hospitals chosen to join the alliance and receive a share of $253 million in donations. Under the agreement, the naming rights apply only to the medical center, not to the broader health system or the new clinical tower. "We're still confident we'll get some additional gifts," Shmerling said. "In fact, our thinking is that, because it came from Golisano, there will be a perception that we're worthy." He noted that the $50 million is not yet in hand; the hospital hopes to receive a first installment — perhaps $10 million — before year's end. Most of the support will be used to help reduce the burden of the $100 million borrowed to maintain cash flow during tower construction, freeing up resources for other needs. While the Golisano affiliation and donation are a nice way to wrap up his time at Connecticut Children's, Shmer- ling said his one regret remains the Medicaid reimbursement issue. As for his second attempt at retirement, Shmerling said he's far better prepared. He plans to remain active by serving on a couple of boards and is in discussions with Vanderbilt University about a faculty role, since he lives in Tennessee. He will also stay on for a few months to help Sullivan during her transition. Beyond that, he hopes to spend more time with his children and 10 grandchildren. "I'm 71, which is why I say, while I'm healthy and my mind still works, this is when I need to retire, not wait until I can't enjoy it," he said. Philanthropist Tom Golisano's foundation has pledged a $50 million donation to Connecticut Children's in Hartford. He is the founder of Paychex Inc. Contributed Photo

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