Hartford Business Journal

26 Hartford Business Journal • September 11, 2017 • www.HartfordBusiness.com 24 Hartford Business Journal • August 21, 2017 www.HartfordBusiness.com SPONSORED CONTENT Rising Stars help our community reach new heights It takes myriad exceptional leaders and outstanding institutions to make the whole of Hartford diverse, balanced and a great place to live. Our 2017 Rising Star Awards went to those who led the way in areas of education, philanthropy, economic development, healthcare and community. Their accomplishments were not only taking place during the past year, but were more a part of individual or institutional legacies that were strengthened, made more robust and more impactful. Walter Harrison retired as president of the University of Hartford in June, a post he held since 1998. His tenure — which included two economic downturns during which he still managed to improve the university overall — was marked with upticks in the quality of education offered, financial stability and fundraising results. In the philanthropic realm, another leader stepped down this year, leaving a revered institution — The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving — on much more solid ground that when she arrived, financially, in terms of outreach, and in terms of diversity of those it serves and employs. Linda Kelly served as president of the organization from 2005 to this year. A cornerstone of the city, Hartford Public Library has had to evolve and pivot when necessary to ensure it serves residents the best way it possibly can in terms of innovation, learning, resources and connections. This year brought some change in strategy to ensure the library's future is as successful as its past. In the world of health care, CareCentrix represents the future of the industry in its work to bridge payers and providers, leading the field in a more value-based, home-health care model. With data showing better outcomes, the rapidly growing company connects patients with tools they need to heal efficiently and reduce chances of expensive readmissions. Bradley Development League is collaboration in motion for the economic good of the region. Towns around Bradley International Airport guide this strategic growth effort, paving the way for industrial companies to locate on buildable land around the airport. The organization is an example in Connecticut that community gains are stronger when accomplished together. Though different, all Rising Star winners exhibit the creativity, wisdom, commitment and passion that make the state an exceptional place to live and work, with constant improvements. Rising Star winners, we applaud you.

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