Travelers’ Andy Bessette Named 2026 Jeffrey Digel Award Honoree

Hartford, Conn. (Dec. 11, 2025) — United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut today announced that Andy Bessette, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer at Travelers, will receive the 2026 Jeffrey Digel Award, a recognition created and awarded by the commercial real estate and building industry at its Building Foundations Breakfast in April.

Annually, the commercial real estate and building industry has partnered with United Way on an event that raises awareness and funds to help prevent and address homelessness in Greater Hartford. The fundraiser also serves to honor the legacy of the late Jeffrey “Jeff” Digel for his tremendous commitment to the commercial real estate profession and the community at large.

“United Way is grateful to collaborate with the commercial real estate and building industry to help reduce and prevent homelessness in our community,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We are also thrilled to celebrate Andy Bessette as the 2026 Jeffrey Digel Award honoree. This recognition is so well-deserved, considering all he has contributed to both the commercial real estate and nonprofit sectors in Greater Hartford and beyond.”

Bessette is responsible for Corporate Real Estate, Corporate Procurement, Administrative Services, Community Relations and Event Management, among other corporate groups at Travelers. Andy also oversees sports sponsorships, including the company’s official marketing partnership with the PGA TOUR and title sponsorship of the Travelers Championship, for which he serves on the board of the Greater Hartford Community Foundation.

He is a member of the University of Connecticut Board of Trustees, chairs its Financial Affairs Committee and serves on the Board of Directors of the University of Connecticut Health Center. Andy is also Chair of the MetroHartford Alliance Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Capital Region Development Authority.

“Receiving the 2026 Jeffrey Digel Award is a tremendous honor, as Jeff was an exceptional leader and advocate for our community,” said Bessette. “This recognition highlights our collective efforts to make a tangible impact in our neighborhoods, and I am humbled to be connected to his legacy.”

Since its inception in 2021, the Building Foundations Breakfast has raised nearly $2.5 million. In addition to benefiting United Way initiatives that address homelessness, a portion of the proceeds are donated to Covenant Preparatory School in honor of Jeff Digel.

“United Way is focused on ending poverty by closing gaps in targeted areas, including housing. We mobilize people and resources to prevent and address homelessness. Ensuring people across the 860 region have safe and stable housing is a top priority, and we could not accomplish this without the generosity and commitment of the commercial real estate and building industry,” added Harrison.

THE Commercial Real Estate and Building Industry Breakfast: Building Foundations presented by Liberty Bank fundraiser will take place April 30, 2026, at the Connecticut Convention Center. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Visit unitedwayinc.org/building-foundations for more information.