2 Community Leaders Join The Guilford Foundation Board

GUILFORD, CT - - Guilford community leaders join The Guilford Foundation as board members.

John Hegedus is the Dean of the Southern Connecticut State University of Education, and Kristen Vander Wiede, a business owner in Guilford, are the two new board members of The Guilford Foundation.

"We are thrilled to have Steve and Kristin join the Board and thank them for generously sharing their expertise and time to help us tackle the important and evolving issues, grow our endowment, and support the organizations and programs that enrich the quality of life for our community,” Liza Janssen Petra, The Guilford Foundation Executive Director, said.

Kristin Vander Wiede owns a Guilford-based business called Livable Solutions Professional Organizing, helping individuals, families, and small businesses become more efficient and thrive through office organization, bookkeeping, and business consulting services. Previously, she lived in Washington, D.C., and worked on Capitol Hill as a congressional staffer specializing in judiciary, labor, and education issues. She served on the board of the Chamber of Commerce and currently volunteers at her two children’s schools.

"As a new board member, I am in awe of The Guilford Foundation's scope and impact. Growing up in Guilford and owning two businesses in town, I know firsthand how the Foundation has strengthened our incredible community over the past 45+ years,” said Vander Wiede. “Stephen and I are excited to be a part of this trusted organization and look forward to having a lasting impact.”

Stephen Hegedus moved to Guilford in 2014 with his wife and three children. Hegedus is the Dean of the Southern Connecticut State University College of Education. In his role at SCSU, he serves on the Connecticut Legislative Taskforce for Early Childhood Workforce Development and the Lieutenant Governor’s Commission on Closing the Achievement Gap. He’s secured funding for programming that benefits minorities and those with intellectual disabilities and autism. Throughout his career, Hegedus has shown a passion for community engagement and social justice, evidenced by his countless connections with schools and school districts in the Greater New Haven area.

“Our Board is charged with executing our strategic plan and growing the endowment that allows us to enrich the quality of life in Guilford through grantmaking, scholarships, sponsorship awards, and community leadership. Our staggered three–year terms ensure continuity and effectiveness while advancing perspective and innovation,” Petra said. “We welcome Stephen and Kristin and look forward to their spreading the word about the good work we do and supporting our mission as they engage in their committee roles.”