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2026 C-SUITE AWARDS HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | OCTOBER 19, 2026 B3 Recognizing Connecticut's executive leaders H artford Business Journal's 2026 C-Suite & Lifetime Achievement Awards recognize executives for their contributions to their organizations, employees and communities. This year's honorees hold a range of responsibilities, from leading entire organizations to overseeing finance, opera- tions, marketing and technology. Their profiles offer a look at the decisions that have shaped their careers, the chal- lenges they have faced and the lessons they have learned along the way. We also recognize three Lifetime Achievement Award winners: Donald Allan Jr., retired executive chairman and CEO of Stanley Black & Decker; Lynn Ricci, executive liaison and former CEO of Hospital for Special Care; and Carolyn N. Stanworth, president and CEO of BL Companies. Their careers span manufacturing, specialized health- care and professional services, with contributions that include expanding businesses and clinical programs, supporting employee ownership and developing future leaders. The selection process was driven by nominations from the business community. We'll celebrate all of our honorees during a special event on November 19 at Farmington Gardens from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will include a fireside chat with our three Lifetime Achievement Award honorees. We hope you can join us in honoring these Connecticut leaders. D onald Allan Jr. retired as executive chairman of Stanley Black & Decker on Oct. 1, 2026, after serving as president, CEO and chief financial officer. During nearly two decades of leadership, he helped expand the New Britain-based tools and outdoor power equipment manufacturer from a $4 billion business to approximately $16 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include DeWalt, Black+Decker, Craftsman, Stanley and Cub Cadet. As CEO, Allan led efforts to simplify the company's portfolio, reduce costs, invest in product development and prepare its next generation of leaders. Before joining the company, he held finance roles at Loctite Corp. and Ernst & Young. He serves on boards and in advisory roles with Andersen, Logitech, Weber/Blackstone, Hartford HealthCare, the University of Hartford, Hartford Stage and Els for Autism. What have been the biggest professional accomplishments in your career? I take great pride in helping lead Stanley Black & Decker through nearly two decades of transformation and value creation. As CFO, I helped reshape the company from a $4 billion business into a nearly $16 billion global enterprise through strategic acquisitions and portfolio expansion. As CEO, I led a major transformation that refocused the company on its core businesses of Tools, Outdoor and Engineered Fasteners, sharp- ened innovation around end-user needs, launched a $2 billion cost reduction and reinvestment program, clarified our brand strategy and strengthened the leadership team for the future. Together, these actions helped restore organic growth, improve profitability, strengthen the balance sheet and position the company for sustainable long-term success. I am equally proud to continue contributing beyond my executive career through board leadership roles, where I can support other organizations through growth, transformation and long-term value creation. In what ways are you involved in the community? I have been deeply engaged in the Hartford community for decades through board and volunteer leadership roles with organizations including the University of Hartford, Junior Achievement, CT Rivers Council BSA, United Way, The Hartford Stage, Hartford HealthCare and Els for Autism. Among the most meaningful chapters of that service was helping lead United Way and The Hartford Stage through the pandemic, as both organizations navigated extraordinary challenges. I am also honored to serve as Board Chair of the Regents for the Univer- sity of Hartford, where I am helping lead an important transformation to enhance the student experience and strengthen the institution's future. What experiences most shaped your approach to leading a business? Leading as CFO and CEO taught me that great businesses are built through discipline, focus and deep customer understanding. Stanley Black & Decker's trans- formation reinforced the impor- tance of simplification, resilience and investing decisively in core strengths. Which decision or initiative at Stanley Black & Decker has had the greatest impact? The decision to refocus the company on Tools, Outdoor, and Engineered Fasteners was transformative. It sharpened our strategic priorities, improved effi- ciency, strengthened the balance sheet and positioned the business for stronger, more sustainable long-term growth. How have you helped develop the next generation of leaders? I have prioritized succession planning, built strong leadership teams and given high-potential talent broad operating experi- ence. I believe the best leaders are developed through a combi- nation of accountability, mentor- ship and the opportunity to lead through change. What role has Connecticut played in your career and the company's work? Connecticut has played a defining role in both my career and Stanley Black & Decker's identity. It has been a center of leadership, community engage- ment and enduring partnerships that show how business success can and should advance civic responsibility. What advice would you give to someone beginning a career in business? Start by building a strong foundation, staying curious and taking on difficult assignments. Understand how businesses create value, listen carefully and lead with integrity. Lasting success comes from discipline, adaptability and a deep commitment to people. Donald Allan Jr. Retired Executive Chairman of the Board & CEO Stanley Black & Decker Size of Organization: Approximately $16 billion in annual revenue Education: Bachelor's degree, accounting, University of Hartford WINNER CATEGORY | LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD HONOREES Donald Allan Jr...................................... B3 Lynn A. Ricci............................................ B5 Carolyn N. Stanworth ....................... B6 Devra Lee Sisitsky ............................... B7 Ed Rodham ............................................... B7 J. Forrest West ...................................... B7 Bridget E. Quinn .................................... B7 Richard A. Leone .................................. B9 Sonja LaBarbera ................................... B9 Michael Kleinschmitt ..................... B11 Hazim Taib ............................................ B11 Jennifer Pizzoferrato ..................... B12 Donna Lynn Hilton ........................... B12 Jeffrey Cohen ...................................... B13 James Dowd ........................................ B13 Gopichand Mannava ...................... B14 Jason M. Grant ................................... B14