Hartford Business Journal

www.HartfordBusiness.com July 20, 2015 • Hartford Business Journal 17 40 Under Forty 2015 Handwriting font in the photo caption 40 Under Forty 2015 Anthony Byers A nthony Byers' life mirrors the work that he does daily as co-executive director of Hartford Youth Scholars. Byers found his way to a small independent high school in West Simsbury called The Master's School. It was this opportunity that he feels has made the difference between college success and college dropout. Coming from a low-income family where college success had not been the standard, the tight-knit community, rigorous academics, support and general college-going culture at Master's removed all doubt and skepticism about college completion. Upon graduating college, Byers saw the value of an organization like Hartford Youth Scholars Foundation. Since 2007 Byers has served the organization in various program- matic roles and is now chiefly responsible for all aspects of programmatic success. Starting with only 31 scholars and the premise that Hartford schoolchildren can achieve at high levels with adequate prepara- tion, focus and support, Byers' programmatic leadership and vision has allowed Hartford Youth Scholars (HYSF) to blossom into an organization that now serves more than 200 scholars with more than 60 students in col- lege. Byers has aided 60 percent of the schol- ars involved in the program toward this goal, accumulating over $8 million in financial aid at schools like Loomis Chaffee, Westminster, Ethel Walker, Choate Rosemary Hall and Philips Exeter. Q&A At what age did you decide what you want- ed to do with your career? I was the ripe age of 21 when I finally made the decision to take this career path. After graduating UConn with a bachelor's degree in economics and much reflection upon my life, I realized the importance of sharing what I have learned with my community. I wanted to do some- thing that was tangible, something that mattered. Which destination has most shaped who you are in business and life today? I have not done much traveling in my life, but I am al- ways fascinated by other cultures and just how grandiose this world is. It is extremely humbling to think about. It is humility and humbleness that have guided my footsteps along this career path. If you could have four traveling companions (alive or dead, real or fictional) throughout your life's journey, who would you pick? Nasir "Nas" Jones for his musical talent and ability to tell stories from the perspec- tive of a young black man growing up in the inner city. Oprah Winfrey for her second-to-none philanthropic endeavors and mentorship. Michael Jordan because of his persis- tence, attention to detail and preparation. Kevin Hart because he's a reminder that we can't take life too seriously. Live. Love. Laugh! Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about….Coaching basketball What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Las Vegas Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Kenya, Africa Favorite Connecticut destination: Heublein Tower, Simsbury Favorite foreign food: Jamaican jerk chicken Age: 30 Title: Co- Executive Director Company: Hartford Youth Scholars Location: Hartford Hometown: Hartford College: University of Connecticut David M. Bittner S ince December 2014, David Bittner has served as the senior vice presi- dent and chief finance officer to St. Francis Care Inc. He is responsible for the fiscal operations of St. Francis Care, its subsidiaries and affiliates, with added over- sight of strategic financial planning as well as budget, revenue cycle, financial report- ing, supply chain, and investment and debt management. As St. Francis explores new affiliations and acquisitions, Bittner will be instrumental in those initiatives. Joining St. Francis in 2012 as vice presi- dent of finance, Bittner previously worked as the director of finance at Memorial Health System in Springfield, Ill. His earlier positions included service as an audit man- ager with Ernst & Young. Bittner is a strong advocate for all Con- necticut hospitals in the legislative arena, testifying on the hospital industry's behalf at both local and state level public hearings. On the community front, Bittner serves on the finance committee of Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut and Massachusetts, and on the finance committee of Foodshare in Windsor. Bittner is married with four children. Q&A Where do you get your motivation to succeed? I initially got my motivation to succeed from my Dad. He grew up in Cleveland, working in steel mills throughout the summer to pay his own way through four years of col- lege. Knowing and witnessing his hard work and dedication showed me that you need to have that commitment to get what you wanted in life. I've continued to make sure my father's legacy and values are ingrained in all that I do. How will you change the world? Health care on its own has such a dramatic role in everyone's life. I hope that by working in the healthcare industry I can contrib- ute to keeping people well. My role is to examine how as an organization we shift to a payment-model based on value and not volume. In the future hospitals will get paid for keeping people well, not just for treat- ing their disease. By focusing our efforts on keeping our community healthy, it will profoundly change lives. When Hollywood makes a movie about your entire life and career, what will the title and tagline be? The Pursuit: Love, Laugh, Learn, Live. I feel that I'm in a constant pursuit in life. A famous Hollywood quote is that every man dies, but not every man really lives. Really living requires us to pursue those things that are endearing to us. I find that above all else, love is the most important, whether it be the love of God, family and/or friends. It is important to have a sense of humor. Life's Journey: During my off time, I am most passionate about….Spending time with my family What is the most exciting destination you've ever traveled to? Maui Where is the one place you want to travel in your lifetime? Germany Favorite Connecticut destination: Connecticut shore, Mystic and Old Saybrook Byers shakes the hand of one of the more than 200 youth scholars he has led on a journey to better education. Age: 38 Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Company: St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center Location: Hartford Hometown: Farmington College: Truman State University, Kirksville, Mo. Bittner traveled to El Salvador on a mission trip to assist with leader- ship training at the local churches in the area. Byers is a native of Hartford's north end neighborhood. Bittner completes a mountain hike with fellow graduates from the Tuck Executive Program in New Hampshire.

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