The Village, one of Connecticut’s largest providers of adolescent mental health services, welcomed Curt Cameron as its new chair of the board of directors this week. The unanimous vote took place at The Village’s downtown Hartford location on Church Street and is believed to be the first time in its 200-year history that The Village’s board chair is also a Village adoptee.
“It’s incredibly gratifying to serve as board chair of this organization that connected me with my family 58 years ago,” said Cameron. “I personally know the difference The Village can make in someone’s life, and I am determined to help it grow and strengthen its impact.”
Cameron has been on the board for 13 years and has served as vice chair for the last three. He begins his three-year term as board chair at an exciting time for The Village. It just launched one of the state’s four Urgent Crisis Centers for youth experiencing a mental health emergency and next month it is slated to open a sub-acute program at its campus on Albany Avenue in Hartford. The Village will also welcome a new president and chief executive officer in January, when current chief operating officer Hector Glynn takes over for longtime leader Galo Rodriguez, who is retiring.
“Curt brings a unique and valuable perspective to the board chair position,” said Rodriguez. “He understands the role The Village plays in transforming lives because he experienced it himself. Curt also possesses an incredible business acumen and ability to connect with people from all backgrounds. We are fortunate to have him as our next board chair.”
Cameron takes over the board chairmanship from John Turgeon, a partner with CohnReznick. Turgeon helped lead The Village through the pandemic and expand services to clients in more than 50 municipalities. Turgeon will remain on the board and looks forward to serving with Cameron. “Curt is a natural leader with the skills and temperament needed to help guide The Village during this important time,” said Turgeon.
Cameron, who is president of Thomas Hooker Brewing Company, has degrees in Computer Science and Business from Temple University. His commitment to public service extends to his business, as he established an occupational training facility at the brewery—in partnership with HARC and Oak Hill—which provides jobs for adults with disabilities. He also partners with DogStar Rescue, a non-profit located at the Bloomfield brewery, which provided homes for nearly 1,000 dogs last year.