Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) President Zulma R. Toro announced today (Jan. 14, 2022) that long-time Blue Devil administrator Tom Pincince has been named CCSU’s next Director of Athletics.

Pincince had served as the CCSU interim Director of Athletics since December 2019 and spent the 17 prior seasons leading the department’s communications efforts and serving as Athletics spokesperson.

“Tom’s performance as interim Athletics Director over the last two years illustrated his capability to lead our coaches and staff. He also demonstrated his dedication and sincere investment in our student-athletes. I am confident that Tom will continue that level of commitment while elevating the profile of our Blue Devils and athletic programs,” Toro said.

Pincince joined the department as Assistant Director of Athletics and Sports Information Director in August 2002. He went on to become Assistant Director of Athletics for Communication and Media Services, charged with managing the communications efforts for the entire department, including the evolution of the Blue Devils’ online presence. He also served as program administrator for the men’s basketball and baseball teams.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, under Pincince’s leadership CCSU Athletics has grown and collected many accolades over the last two seasons. Nine of its 16 athletic programs achieved perfect Academic Progress Rate scores, and 11 programs earned a team GPA above 3.0. Five student-athletes were selected Northeast Conference Scholar-Athletes, and a school record of 230 student-athletes were named to the league’s Academic Honor Roll with 3.2 or higher GPA. The Blue Devils also won six team conference championships, 19 individual conference crowns, posted more than 100 All-Conference selections, as well as 13 NEC Player of the Year and six NEC Rookie of the Year awards.

Pincince also helped to reestablish the Athletics Department’s Wellness Room to provide student-athletes a safe space to focus on their mental health.

“I’m honored and thankful to President Toro for the opportunity to lead our department and our student-athletes, and I’m truly grateful to be a Blue Devil,” Pincince said. “The last two years have been some of the most trying times we have ever experienced. Together, we have continued to hold true to our belief that we will make decisions based on what’s best for our student-athletes and to provide them with the best experience possible during their time in New Britain.”

A native of Woonsocket, R.I., Pincince’s collegiate athletic career began with a four-year stint as a member of the Stonehill College football program. After graduating in 1997, Pincince moved into administrative roles at Fairfield University, the University of New Haven, and the University of Hartford.

“CCSU is a special place. It’s been home for me for 20 years,” Pincince said. “I’m honored to lead our department and our student-athletes, thankful for the opportunity and truly grateful to be a Blue Devil. As I’ve said for the last two years, we will do this together, as we always do!”

Pincince, and his wife, Kyle, reside in West Hartford and have three daughters: Isabella, Sophia, and Lucy.

• Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread to people through the bite of blacklegged ticks.
• Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
• Lyme disease is most common in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions of the United States.

Dr. Jonathan Dixon

Education: A.B. Harvard College, 1966 (Magna Cum Laude, Economics)

M.D. Harvard Medical School, 1970 (Cum Laude)

Postgraduate Education:

1970-1971 Internship (straight medicine), University of California, San Francisco

1971-1973 Medical Residency, University of California, San Francisco

1973-1974 Fellow, Arthritis and Immunology, San Francisco V.A. Hospital, laboratory of Dr. Norman Talal

1977-1979 Fellow, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Practice Experience:

1979-2011 Private, group practice of rheumatology

2011-2016 Rheumatology Clinic

Hartford Hospital

2016- Rheumatologist, Bone and Joint Institute

Hartford Hospital

Military Experience:

1974-1977 Major, U.S. Army Medical Corps, honorable discharge.    Meritorious Service medal

Board Certification: National Board of Medical Examiners, 1971

American Board of Internal Medicine, 1973

American Board of Internal Medicine (Rheumatology), 1978

Licensure: Previously licensed to practice medicine in the State of Connecticut, CT 1979 (CT License # 021512)

Staff Appointments: Hartford Hospital (emeritus)

Faculty Appointments:

1980-1988 Clinical Instructor in Medicine, University of Connecticut

School of Medicine

1989- Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Professional Organizations: Fellow, American College of Rheumatology

Positions Held:

1974-1977 U.S. Army Europe, Consultant in Rheumatology and

Immunology

1979-1980 John Leonard Teaching Fellow, Hartford Hospital

1980-1986 Member, Medical and Scientific Committee, Connecticut

Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation

1985-1987 Secretary-Treasurer of the Medical Staff, Hartford Hospital

1987-1991 Board of Directors, Hartford Physicians Organization (HPA),

an IPA

1987-1991 Board of Directors, Hartford Physician-Hospital Organization

(HPHO)

1987-1989 Representative from the Rheumatology Division to the

Medical Advisory Board of the HPA

1987-1989 Chairman, Medical Advisory Board of the HPA

1987-1990 Member, Medical Review Committee A, Hartford County

Medical Association

1988-1990 Member, Executive Committee of the Medical Staff Council, Hartford Hospital

1988-1996 Member, Medical Staff Council, Hartford Hospital

1989-1990 President, Hartford Physicians Association

1990-1991 President, Hartford Physician-Hospital Organization

1990-1993 Chairman, Medical Review Committee B, Hartford County

Medical Association

1990-1993 Board of Directors, Hartford County Medical Association

1994-1995 Chairman, HPHO Task Force for new product development

1994-1996 Member, Connecticare (HMO)-Connecticare Physicians Network (IPA) Product Policy Team

1997 Chairman, Hartford Physician-Hospital Organization ad hoc
Committee on Medicare Risk Contracting

1997-2008 Member, Physician Health Committee, Hartford County Medical Association

1999 Secretary of the Medical Staff, Hartford Hospital

2003 Member of the Executive Committee of the Medical Staff, Hartford Hospital

1999-2001                                     Vice-President of the Medical Staff, Hartford Hospital

2001-2008 Chairman, Physician Health Committee, Hartford County

Medical Association

2001-2011 Board of Directors, Hartford County Medical Association

2001- 2011 Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Hartford Hospital

President of the Medical Staff, Hartford Hospital

2004-2008 Board of Directors, Hartford Healthcare Corporation

2006-2007 Chairman, Search Committee for Chair of Department of

Medicine, Hartford Hospital

2007-2008 Member of the Executive Committee of the Board of

Directors of Hartford Hospital

2011-2017 Facilitator/Faculty, Correlated Medical Problem Solving

Course at University of Connecticut School of Medicine

2011-2016 Director, Rheumatology Clinic, Hartford Hospital

2012-2021 Board of Directors, Seabury, Inc (CHHI), Bloomfield, CT

2016-2022 Rheumatologist, Bone and Joint Institute, Hartford Hospital

2017- Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Seabury, Inc (CHHI)

2018- Facilitator/Faculty, Clinical Reasoning course for 2nd year

Students, University of Connecticut School of Medicine

2019-2021 Chair, Board of Directors, Seabury, Inc (CHHI)

2020- Chair, Board of Directors, Seabury at Home, Inc (SAHI)

CV/JAD/rev 07-2024

Publications

Cantu R, Ames A, DiGiacinto G, Dixon JA: Hypotension: A major factor limiting recovery from cerebral ischemia. J Surg Res 9: 525, 1969
Cantu R, Dixon JA, Ames A: Reversible ischemia model. J Surg Res 9: 521, 1969
Cantu R, Ames A, DiGiacinto G, Dixon JA: Reversibility of experimental cerebrovascular obstruction induced by complete ischemia. J Neurosurg 31: 429, 1969
Dixon JA, Sugai S, Talal N: An unusual mouse myeloma protein binding native DNA. Clin Exp Immunol 19: 347, 1975
Talal N, Smith LH, Dixon JA: Recent clinical and experimental developments in Sjogren’s syndrome. Western J Med 122: 50, 1975
Whiteside T, Dixon JA: Clinical usefulness of Crithidia Luciliae test for antibodies to native DNA. Amer J Clin Pathol 72: 829, 1979
Dixon JA, Mulhern L, Whiteside T, Luksick J: Crithidia Luciliae assay for antibodies to native DNA in procainamide-induced lupus erythematosus.  J Rheumatol 7: 544, 1980
Medsger TA, Dixon JA, Garwood V: Palmar fasciitis and polyarthritis associated with ovarian carcinoma. Ann Int Med 96: 424, 1982
Nester T, Levitz R, Toscani M, Dixon JA, et al: Penetration of the R and S epimers of moxalactam into synovial fluid. Curr Ther Res 42: 341, 1987
Koup J, Thomas D, Tucker E, Black A, Ruderman M, Dixon JA, Kinkel A: Plasma and synovial fluid meclofenamic acid concentrations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the knee. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 35(2): 199, 1988
Weinblatt ME, Dixon JA, Falchuk KR: Serious liver disease in a patient receiving methotrexate and leflunomide. Arthritis Rheum 43: 2609, 2000

Margaret A. Hann has been the Executive Director of The Bridge Family Center since 1998. Prior to being named Executive Director, she served for eleven years as the Residential Director for the Bridge, directing all residential programs, including the Youth Shelter and the transitional living program for older adolescents. She also led the regional life skills and drug-prevention programs. Under Margaret’s leadership, the Bridge has experienced tremendous growth, evolving and thriving as it continues to respond to the ever-changing needs of the communities we serve.

Margaret’s career began in Michigan at the Ingham County Juvenile Home as a Youth Worker. She moved to Connecticut in 1983 and served as the director of a group home for girls in Mystic, Connecticut. Over the course of her career, she has served on numerous community committees and nonprofit boards and has been actively involved in child welfare issues. Margaret earned both a Bachelor of Arts degree with a focus on Juvenile Justice and a Master of Arts degree in Administration from Michigan State University.

A Bridge to Help, Healing, and Hope

The Bridge Family Center is a non-profit agency in the Greater Hartford community that supports children, teens, young adults, families, parents and caregivers through positive intervention and prevention programs – all fueled by a deep empathy for others. From short-term shelter, food, clothing, counseling, and life-skills training for high-risk teenagers, to our Mosaic Parenting Center helping parents to regain custody of their children, the depth and breadth of our services are as diverse as our community. Where there is a need, the Bridge responds – every time!

Anthony M. Anthony is an executive marketing and communications professional currently serving as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for the State of Connecticut. As the first CMO, he oversees the newly created Office of Statewide Marketing and Tourism, working tirelessly to shape and promote a compelling narrative about Connecticut as an exceptional place to live, work, and play.

Previously, Anthony served as the Special Advisor and Communications Director to Governor Ned Lamont, where his storytelling skills and strategic guidance contributed to Governor Lamont’s high approval ratings.

Anthony’s expertise was built over the years in the private sector as a creative director and strategist at boutique brand communications agencies in New York City guiding Fortune 500 brands across the tech, media, consumer packaged goods, hospitality, and healthcare sectors. 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Anthony enjoys a good cup of coffee, cooking for his wife and two children, and voraciously consuming pop-culture from the last 70 years.

Senator Derek Slap
Deputy Majority Leader

Chair: Aging

Vice-Chair: Human Services
Member: Commerce; Higher Education & Employment Advancement

About Derek:

State Senator Derek Slap was elected in the special election on February 26, 2019 to represent the 98,000 residents of the 5^th State Senate District towns of West Hartford, Farmington, Burlington, and the western portion of Bloomfield.  He had previously served one term as state representative for the 16^th House District, serving constituents in West Hartford, Avon and Bloomfield.

Derek makes his home in West Hartford with his wife, Alex, daughters Maggie and Zoe, and son, Charlie. He is Vice President of Advancement at The Village for Families and Children, working to grow and support technology activity across the state. Derek is a lecturer at Sacred heart University and has been a lecturer in Political Science at Yale University and an adjunct professor at Quinnipiac University, Central Connecticut State, Southern Connecticut State and Eastern Connecticut State universities. In 2017 he won an “ARC Angel Award” from ARC for his advocacy on behalf of people with disabilities

Legislative Goals:

As always, one of Derek’s most important goals is enacting an affordable, balanced and sustainable biennial budget that meets the disparate needs and demands voiced by a wide variety of Connecticut residents. Derek works across party lines to identify potential spending cuts and ways to make government more efficient wherever possible.

Derek believes that Connecticut’s fiscal health also depends on creating a stronger economy – one that generates more revenue from high-quality jobs. Workforce development, investments in transportation and higher education must also play a role.

Derek believes that the communities he represents enjoy wonderful public schools, and that it is critical, as difficult budget decisions are made in Hartford, that these communities are not unfairly targeted. Derek believes that all children deserve a quality education which provides them with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Derek also believes public school teachers must be embraced by policymakers as partners in the effort to strengthen and protect our schools.

Additional Legislative Priorities:

This year, Derek is focused on addressing the public health crisis of teen vaping with a multi-pronged approach: increasing the smoking age from 18 to 21; prohibiting the sale of flavored vaping liquids (which are especially popular with teens); and taxing electronic cigarette liquids at the same rate as cigarettes and other tobacco products.

Derek is also committed to fighting age discrimination in the hiring process by seeking to

prohibit employers from inquiring about  birth or graduation dates on employment applications; the bill has more than two dozen co-sponsors and is supported by the Connecticut AARP.

Recently, Derek has sought to close the wage gap between men and women in Connecticut, arguing that different pay for the same work isn’t only unfair, it’s bad for working families, the economy, and for Connecticut’s overall competitiveness. Derek supports pay equity between men and women to protect employees and prospective employees from gender-based discrimination on wages and compensation.

Derek has also worked to improve transparency and accountability on the Metropolitan District Commission, supporting legislation that adds a non-voting member to the MDC board of directors in the form of a consumer advocate, and requiring the MDC to disclose detailed information about applications for land use, zoning, wetlands and tax abatements before it holds a hearing or acts on the request. Derek has also sought drought protections written into law so bottled water companies cannot continue to pump water from reservoirs during a drought while families are asked to conserve.

Experience and Education:

Derek is the former Chief of Staff for the Senate Democratic Caucus, where he managed a 70-person staff, helped achieve significant budget savings, and worked with citizen activists to address issues such as gun safety, school security and mental health reforms; GMO labeling; and access to high quality pre-k.

Before his tenure as Chief of Staff, Derek was Director of Communications for Senate Democrats for four years. Derek has also been Deputy Chief of Staff/Communications Director for the Secretary of the State, Communications Director for the DeStefano for Governor campaign, and Director of Public Information for the City of New Haven.

You may recognize Derek from TV; he was a news anchor and reporter at NBC Connecticut from 1999 until 2004, and before that worked at TV stations in Florida and at CNN Headline News in Atlanta.

Derek earned his MBA from the UConn School of Business and bachelors’ degrees in Broadcast Journalism and International Relations from Syracuse University, where he graduated Magna cum Laude.

Bill is the Board Chair of the Cedar Hill Cemetery & Foundation.  Now retired, he was a Dental Anesthetist.

Established in 1864, Cedar Hill Cemetery is a nonsectarian, privately-managed, not-for-profit organization. For generations, Connecticut families have chosen this unique and beautiful place of remembrance as the final resting place for themselves and their loved ones.

Cedar Hill Cemetery’s reputation as a premiere example of the American “rural” cemetery is enhanced by its historic landscape, finely sculpted monuments, and natural resources. The Cemetery’s landscape and ornamental foreground of ponds and meadows is unique in New England cemetery design.

Cedar Hill is the final resting place of a number of distinguished individuals. Its historic structures and many of its beautiful monuments were designed and executed by prominent artists. The grounds encompass 270 acres of landscaped woodlands and watercourses providing a natural habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

Throughout its history, Cedar Hill has maintained its standards of excellence by providing its families with comprehensive cemetery services of the highest quality. Our full range of services, on-site crematory, beautiful memorial grounds, and professionally maintained landscape all serve to make Cedar Hill one of America’s finest cemeteries.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Jess LeClair attended Connecticut College where she received a BA in environmental studies and international relations. She went on to receive an MS in climate science and policy at Bard College. Jess began her professional career in the Office of Climate Change at the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP); she went on to join the newly created Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA). While at CIRCA, she became keenly aware of the importance of local governments as a lever of change and was thrilled to join Sustainable CT’s founding executive director as one of the program’s primary staff members.

“I’m thrilled to step into the executive director role at Sustainable CT,” said Jessica. “As a life-long Connecticut resident, I’m inspired by the positive changes we are seeing across our cities and towns as they engage with Sustainable CT. It has been a privilege to support the development and growth of Sustainable CT since its inception and I look forward to working closely with municipalities as they move forward on their sustainability programs. We’ve accomplished a great deal together, but there’s still so much more to do, and I’m excited to be a part of the progress.”

A boutique Manhattan literary agency, the O’Connor Literary Agency moves your project from scattered thoughts, to pages-long manuscript, to publisher and finally to sale. Tell your story; share your unique take on the world.

Since his first job out of college at Sesame Workshop, Kevin has always worked at the intersection of business and creative. He has hands-on experience in a variety of media:  animation, live action TV, toys, live shows, music, educational apps, and “the sweetest plum” t-shirts*.  In addition to Sesame, he’s worked for Fisher-Price, VTech, Kidz Bop, Barnes & Noble, and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. He’s inked deals with Chrysler, Nestle, Intel, and all the major publishers.

As an agent, Kevin takes on serious adult nonfiction (Brian McCullough’s How the Internet Happened, Claude Andrew Clegg’s The Black President). On the adult fiction side, he represents Afghan and Iraq War Vet Adam Kovac (The Surge)  and the acclaimed Colin Winnette (Users).

For middlegrade readers, he’s the agent behind the Russell Ginns’s Samantha Spinner series; Cas Hyman’s Mango Delight; and Steven B. Frank’s Armstrong and Charlie.  He reps the picturebooks Papa, Daddy & Riley by Seamus Kirst; Honeysmoke by Monique Fields; and A Is for Audra by John Robert Allman, illustrated by Peter Emmerich.

He is a Columbia College grad and the founding director of The Center for Nonfiction, a Columbia University Community Scholars Project dedicated to helping journalists and scholars understand the formal needs of trade publishers.

Here are two podcasts he’s done about how he got into agenting and what he’s looking for / how he works:

• One Thing Or Another: Kevin O’Connor
• Writing Gym: What Does a Literary Agent Do?

*Krusty the Clown called the t-shirt concession “the sweetest plum.” (The Simpsons, “Krusty Gets Kancelled,” Season 4, Episode 22, 1993.)”

Bart: That's all right, Krusty. 

Lisa: We're getting 50% of the T-shirt sales. 

Krusty: What? That's the sweetest plum!

See: Oconnor Literary Agency

Bruce Putterman is CT Mirror’s publisher and CEO, responsible for the strategic direction of the organization, revenue generation, product innovation, reader engagement, and all business operations.

Before joining CT Mirror in 2017 Bruce owned and operated a West Hartford-based consulting practice for 16 years, providing strategic planning and marketing services to more than 50 nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, public agencies, private equity firms, and other for-profit clients. His interest in journalism dates back to his college years when he worked in commercial radio and TV news. Bruce served as an elected member of the West Hartford Board of Education from 2003 through 2015, including three years as chair of the board.

He has a Bachelor of Arts in History and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Cornell University.