For more than three decades, Andréa Comer has worked to level the playing field for underserved communities through policy and programming. In her current role as Chief of Staff for Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell, she advises on and coordinates internal agency-wide management and policy decisions. She has held several leadership positions, bringing her experience in community relations, strategic planning, and program management to government, industry, and nonprofit entities.

Andréa holds an MPA from the University of Connecticut, a B.A. from the State University of New York, and management certificates from the Aspen Institute, Harvard Extension School, and Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. She and her husband, Brad, live in Hartford.

Hector has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. As a lifelong resident of the Hartford community, he brings a wealth of knowledge, including Youth Development, Workforce Readiness, Educational Excellence, leadership, training, and organizational development. Hector has been with Our Piece of the Pie® (OPP) for over 20 years. Hector was initially hired as a Youth Development Specialist (case manager), but his drive and passion quickly propelled him to take on multiple leadership roles. Professionally, Hector repeatedly proves his flexibility in responding to changing conditions wearing many hats to meet and exceed the needs of young people.

Hector holds a B.S. in Human Services from Springfield College and Master’s degrees in Management and Business Administration from Albertus Magnus College. Hector has spent his entire professional life advocating for young people. His personal and professional goals are based on helping others (particularly young adults) achieve their dreams and aspirations to become successful and contributing citizens.

Dr. Catherine M. Carbone has been an educator in Connecticut for 35 years. She recently retired after six and a half years as the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent of Bristol Public Schools. During her superintendency, she also served as Co-Chair of the Connecticut Association of Urban Schools (CAUS), treasurer of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), Greater Hartford Area, and member of the Building Educational Responsibility with Greater Improvement Networks Commission.

During her tenure in Bristol, she managed the 2025-2030 district strategic planning and developed priorities, actions, and key performance indicators for student achievement, access, and operational aspirations. She also managed all aspects of the Reimagining Bristol 2023 Plan, which improved equity and efficiency across the district and ensured high-quality education for all students. Carbone oversaw the construction and openings of the Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School — Bristol’s first-ever arts magnet school — and the Edgewood Pre-Kindergarten Academy.

Carbone's previous positions include Chief of Elementary and Middle Grades Programming, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Leadership of Hartford Public Schools; Principal of Chippens Hill Middle School, and Principal and Assistant Principal of East Hartford Middle School. Most recently, Dr. Carbone co-founded two consultancies focused on PK-12 education strategic planning and educational leadership coaching.

Dr. Carbone earned a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Connecticut, a Superintendent Certificate from Central Connecticut State University, a Master of Education from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Education and Sociology from Assumption College.