Hartford Business Journal

28 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 6, 2026 POWE R 50 | NONPROFITS POWE R 50 | BANKING & FINANCE CONGRATULATIONS ERIC HARRISON PRESIDENT AND CEO United Way is proud to congratulate Eric Harrison and all who are being recognized as HBJ's 2026 Power 50. This honor is a testament to Eric's vision, commitment, and dedication to advancing United Way's mission of mobilizing resources to end poverty across the 860 region. @unitedwayinc unitedwayinc.org CONGRATULATIONS ERIC HARRISON PRESIDENT AND CEO United Way is proud to congratulate Eric Harrison and all who are being recognized as HBJ's 2026 Power 50. This honor is a testament to Eric's vision, commitment, and dedication to advancing United Way's mission of mobilizing resources to end poverty across the 860 region. @unitedwayinc unitedwayinc.org E ric Harrison is president and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, a role he has held since 2022, following a career in the nonprofit sector focused on hous- ing, advocacy and community impact. Over the past year, the organization launched its Onward860 initiative, a J ohn R. Ciulla is chairman and CEO of Webster Financial Corp. and chair- man, president and CEO of Webster Bank, a commercial bank with more than $80 billion in assets and one of the dominant fi- nancial institutions in Connecticut. He joined Webster in 2004 as senior vice president for middle market banking and later served as chief credit risk officer before being named CEO in 2018 and chairman in 2020. During Ciulla's tenure, Webster has un- J oe Gianni has led Bank of Ameri- ca's Greater Hartford market since 2018, and has worked for the bank and its predecessor institutions in Hartford since 1989. He also serves as public policy executive for the Northeast, engaging with public officials and local leaders on policy priorities. He is active in the community, serving on the boards of organizations including Connecti- cut Foodshare, the Governor's Workforce Council, MetroHartford Alliance, Wadsworth, GreenLight Fund and Hill-Stead Museum. Over the past year, Gianni said the bank raised its U.S. minimum hourly wage to $25 and named Hartford Promise and ReadyCT as its 2025 Neighborhood Builders, continu- strategic plan aimed at reducing pover- ty through coordinated, systems-level change. The effort brings together 51 community partners in working groups and includes a Data Advisory Council focused on defining shared outcomes. United Way also expanded its reach through a strategic alliance with Unit- ed Way of West Central Connecticut, now serving 56 towns. The organiza- tion responded to immediate needs by reactivating its Rapid Response Fund to support housing stability and partnering with state lawmakers on emergency food assistance. Harrison said revenue diversification remains a key focus as workplace giving evolves. The organization is increasing its emphasis on grants, philanthropy and public-private partnerships, while stream- lining operations, including the sale of its Hartford building to better align resourc- es with its mission. What qualities are most essential for effective leadership today? Unwavering courage and persistence through adversity. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? Great place to raise a family. What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? Regionalizing resources and services across town lines. dergone a major expansion. In 2021, the company completed a $10.3 billion merger with New York-based Sterling Bancorp, creating a larger Northeast regional bank and shifting the company's headquarters to Stamford while maintaining a significant presence in Waterbury. The combined institution significantly expanded Webster's geographic reach and business lines. The bank, founded in Waterbury in 1935, recently marked its 90th anniversary. Today, Webster operates nationally through businesses including commercial banking, consumer banking and health care finan- cial services, including HSA Bank, a major provider of health savings accounts. In early 2026, Webster agreed to be acquired by Spain-based Banco Santander in a deal valued at about $12.3 billion. The transaction, expected to close in the second half of the year pending regulatory approvals, would make Webster part of Santander's U.S. operations while maintain- ing Stamford as a key corporate hub. Ciulla is expected to lead Santander Bank's U.S. banking unit following the acquisition. Before joining Webster, Ciulla worked at The Bank of New York, where he most recently served as managing director. Earlier in his career, he practiced law in New York with the firms McDermott Will & Emery and Hughes Hubbard & Reed. Ciulla has also held several industry leader- ship roles, including completing a three-year term on the board of directors of the Ameri- can Bankers Association in 2025. ing a 22-year program supporting community organizations. Looking ahead, he sees opportunity in bring- ing more of the bank's digital tools, AI-driven insights and industry expertise to Greater Hartford, while helping families, small businesses and community organizations navigate change. What qualities are most essential for effec- tive leadership today? Effective leaders don't strive to be the smartest person in the room, they build the room with people who are intellectually curious and challenge assumptions. Lead- ers must be active listeners, communicate with clarity and confidence, navigate com- plexity and build trust in an environment defined by rapid change. What do you value most about living or doing business in Connecticut? What I value most is that the state has given me every chapter of my life, from growing up in Greater Hartford, to raising a family here, to having the privilege of leading the largest bank in the state. Connecticut's strategic location, remarkable talent base and exceptional quality of life aren't abstract advantages to me. They are lived experiences that have shaped my career and my love for the community. What is one change that would make Con- necticut more competitive economically? Connecticut can differentiate itself by becoming the Northeast's most accessible place for talent to live and work by pairing expanded workforce housing with an aggres- sive effort to streamline credentialing, career pathways and partnerships with employers. Eric Harrison President & CEO United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Industry: Nonprofit No. of employees: 45 Annual revenue: $12 million Education: Bachelor's degree in speech communications and the- atre arts, Concordia College; MBA, Minnesota School of Business Birthplace: DeRidder, Louisiana John R. Ciulla Chairman & Chief Executive Officer Webster Financial Corp.; Webster Bank Industry: Banking No. of employees: 4,498 Education: Bachelor's degree in political science and history, Williams College; MBA, Columbia Business School; Law degree, Fordham University School of Law Joe Gianni President, Greater Hartford Bank of America Industry: Financial Services No. of employees: 2,500 statewide Education: Bachelor's degree in political science/humanities, Providence College Birthplace: Hartford

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