Hartford Business Journal

24 HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 20, 2026 Movers & Shakers DEFINE your retirement objectives UNDERSTAND your options towards achieving your goals BUILD a vibrant portfolio for an independent retirement AIM to fund the lifestyle you've always envisioned OUR ADVISORS HELP YOU: Plan for and Manage Through Retirement Securities and advisory services are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker/dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL or its licensed affiliates. Westfield Bank and Westfield Investment Services are not registered as a broker/dealer or investment advisor. Registered representatives of LPL offer products and services using Westfield Investment Services, and may also be employees of Westfield Bank. These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from and not affiliates of Westfield Bank or Westfield Investment Services. Securities and insurance offered through LPL or its affiliates are: westfieldinvestmentservices.com Downes Construction Company, a construction management firm, announced the promo- tion of Tom Romag- noli to president, effective immediately. Romagnoli, who previously served as executive vice pres- ident, has been with the company for 30 years. In his new role, he will oversee day-to-day opera- tions and strategic initiatives. David Patrick, who will continue as chief executive officer and chairman, said Romagnoli has played a key role in the company's growth and client relationships and will help lead its next phase. Westfarms mall in Farmington has appointed Carolyn Edwards as its new general manager. Edwards will oversee daily operations, leasing, marketing, security and tenant relations at the regional shopping mall. She succeeds Eliz- abeth Ryan, who was named general manager in 2023, but resigned in December, according to a mall spokesperson. Edwards has more than 30 years of experience in retail operations and management. Most recently, she served as area general manager for two outlet centers in Massachusetts and Maine operated by Simon Prop- erty Group. Her prior experience also includes roles with Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, Prime Retail and the American Heart Association. Edwards began her career in Connecticut at WFSB-TV. Law firm Day Pitney has hired Mark Nielsen as of counsel in its Corporate and Business Law Department, based in Stamford. Nielsen joins the firm after nearly 12 years as chief legal officer at Frontier Communications. Nielsen has nearly two decades of in-house legal experi- ence, including roles at Raytheon and Praxair. At Frontier, he advised on mergers and acquisitions, bank- ruptcy restructuring and corporate governance matters. Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut, a regional business organiza- tion, announced the appointment of Megan Gilbert as president, effective March 25. Gilbert, who previ- ously served as vice president, joined the chamber in 2012 and has held her current role since 2020. In her new position, she will oversee organizational management, programs and stakeholder engagement. Tony Sheridan will continue as CEO, overseeing strategy, public policy and member relations. The leadership transition follows a board-approved succession plan. Hartford HealthCare has appointed Dr. Faisal Hasan as co-physician-in-chief of its Heart & Vascular Institute. Hasan joins from Rush University Medical Center, where he served as chief of cardiology and co-director of the cardiovascular service line, and held a faculty appointment as professor of medicine. His experience includes clinical leadership, academic medi- cine and research in predictive analytics and advanced imaging. In his new role, Hasan will work alongside Dr. Sabet Hashim and operations leadership to oversee the institute's clinical and strategic initiatives. Trinity College has appointed Rich Majerus as vice president for strategic planning and marketing and communications, effective April 27. Majerus joins from the National Outdoor Leadership School, where he serves as vice president of expeditions, overseeing programs and operations across multiple campuses. His background also includes senior strategy roles at Queens University of Charlotte and Colby College. In his new role, Majerus will lead the college's strategic planning and integrated marketing and communications efforts. Prudence Crandall Center, a nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence, announced the appointment of Christine Laprise, Destiny Rosado, Breana Vessichio and Dylan Yaworski to its board of directors. Laprise is vice president of operations at Bristol Health; Rosado is a senior tax manager at Fiondella, Milone & LaSaracina; Vessichio serves as counsel at Travelers Insurance; and Yaworski is vice president of strategy and enterprise development at Corbin Advisors. The board provides governance and strategic oversight for the orga- nization's programs and services. Rich Majerus Tom Romagnoli Carolyn Edwards Mark Nielsen Megan Gilbert Faisal Hasan SCAN HERE TO NOMINATE OR VISIT HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM/HBJ-EVENTS PRESENTED BY O N M I N A T E NOMINATE BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT! SUPPORTING SPONSORS These individuals exemplify exceptional leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and community engagement, serving as role models for their peers and inspiring future generations. By recognizing their achievements, we not only celebrate their hard work and dedication but also encourage a culture of excellence and collaboration within our industries. NOMINATION DEADLINE: MAY 15, 2026 MAJOR SPONSOR

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