The Boys & Girls Club Of Bristol Announces Eight New Board Members

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

November 15, 2021

The Boys & Girls Club of Bristol has announced the addition of eight new members to its Board of Directors.

Tamara Bross, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol, said that the club is "grateful for the continued support" from the community.

“By expanding our Board of Directors, we are able to achieve a greater diversification of ideas, backgrounds, support and network for our mission to support all youth within and around our community,” said Bross.

Bross thanked those who have "demonstrated skills and education" to help the club provide programming to "those that need it most."

"The commitment to our children and families by our Board of Directors should be commended and we are excited to expand our board with new members who will bring diverse expertise and insight to our work," she said.

New Members include Tony D’Amato, operations manager for D’Amato Construction, Corrianne Chipello, CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant, Emily Biddick, pediatrician, Jaquoi Belin, a Bristol Police Officer, Robert Lincoln, supervisor of the City of Bristol's Park Department, Nathan Gawitt, Comcast Sales Manager, Erica Pearson, a Cambridge Park alumni and Joe Radziewicz, vice president and corporate controller at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.

D’Amato was a member of the Club as a child and brings previous experience in government, marketing and management to the Board.

“I believe I can bring common sense, critical thinking, organization, my network as well as my role serving in a multitude of capacities, public and private to good use on the board," he said.

Chipello, in addition to Camp Courant is a member of youth sports board of directors in Newington. She has skills in fundraising, working with youth, public relations, finances, and HR.

“My goal is to share the experience I have to help enhance and strengthen the Boys and Girls club of Bristol’s mission and vision," she said.

Biddick is a former member of the club's gymnastics program. Her father, Michael, served on Club’s Board of Directors. Her previous experience includes working with youth and medical experience.

“I'm hoping to gain experience with child advocacy and apply knowledge gained as a pediatrician to the Club’s community," she said.

Belin has previously worked with several Boys & Girls Club of Bristol staff participating games and providing talks to club teens. He has experience working with youth, fundraising, marketing and management.

“I bring a multitude of skill sets as a former club member, volunteer and employee of the Boys and Girls Club of Meriden," he said. "I also currently assist high school athletes in furthering their collegiate careers academically and athletically.”

Lincoln is longtime club member with experience in fundraising, finance, working with youth, and business. He said that, by serving on the Board, he is looking to give back to the Club.

“I'm a local person and developer in Bristol willing to work hands-on for the Club," he said.

Gawitt is also a former long-time club member. He has experience in fundraising, working with youth, and marketing. He has also been a Burlington and Canton youth coach.

“Having spent so much time at the club growing up I understand the positive impact it can have on our youth and community," he said. "I am passionate about the opportunity to give back and help the Board in the best interest of the Club.”

Pearson, after growing up in the Cambridge Park club, now works for the CT Department of Developmental Services as a Case Management Supervisor.

“There is nothing more devastating to our success than the division between our potential and opportunity, for without opportunity our potential lies dormant within us," she said.

Radziewicz has 20 years of experience as an executive leader supporting the success and growth of multi-national corporations while "maintaining a strict adherence to ethics." He described himself as "self-motivated" and "a passionate team player committed to driving strategic initiatives and achieving excellence in results."

“Being a proud father of three children and athletic coach for many, I am thrilled and humbled to partner with the Club to provide a positive experience and help shape a bright and enriching future for our community’s youth."

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.

Officers of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol's Board of Directors

.President & Chief Volunteer Officer: Mike DellaBianca- Director of Client Services, Yale University

. Vice President: Marc Henderson, DDS - Dental Owner, Henderson & Goslee Dentistry

. Secretary: Hal Kilby- Retired, Bristol Public Schools

. Treasurer: Corrin D'Amato- Senior Accountant, Adams Samartino & Co. PC

Immediate Past President: Mark DiVenere- President, Gemco Manufacturing

The Boys & Girls Club of Bristol's Board of Directors

. Chelsea A. Craig- Philanthropic Client Manager, Bank of America

. Brian Fries- President, Atlantic Precision Spring

. Scott Gaudet- Vice President, Affiliate Marketing; Disney & ESPN Media Networks

. David Hrdlicka - Owner & President, The Shaffer Company

. Daniela Rivera- Executive Assistant, Barnes Group Inc.

. Scott Rosado - Owner & President, M.R. Homecare and Primo Press

. Rebekah Stokes- Vice President/Senior Financial Officer, Thomaston Savings Bank