The Village for Families & Children’s Board of Directors is announcing that longtime President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Galo Rodriguez plans to retire at the end of 2023. Rodriguez joined The Village as its CEO in 2006 and during his tenure helped to expand the agency’s programs, strengthen its finances and increase its annual reach to more than 60 municipalities and 20,000 clients.
“I am filled with gratitude and pride for what The Village has been able to accomplish for children and families,” said Rodriguez. “The staff, board of directors, volunteers, donors and government partners have helped us touch hundreds of thousands of lives and break generational cycles of poverty and trauma for children in central Connecticut.”
The Village, founded in 1809, is more than 200 years old and is recognized as one of Connecticut’s largest providers of mental health services for children and families. It employs approximately 550 staff members at more than 30 sites. Under Rodriguez’s leadership The Village has significantly expanded the scope of its services to include adult programming, such as out-patient counseling, financial literacy training and support for domestic violence survivors.
“Galo has been a tremendous leader and the Board of Directors is incredibly grateful for his service,” said Village Board Chairman John Turgeon. “We have grown substantially since he arrived and we did it with a strategic plan, sound financial controls and evidence-based programming. I am confident saying that in its 200-year history, The Village has never been in a better place.”
The Village has been named a top workplace for three consecutive years. Last year The Village became the state’s largest foster care provider and next month it is poised to open one of Connecticut’s only mental health urgent crisis centers.
The Village’s Board of Directors is committed to maintaining the agency’s momentum and success. It voted unanimously in yesterday’s board meeting to name current Village Chief Operating Officer (COO) Hector Glynn, as Rodriguez’s successor. Glynn joined The Village in 2007 and was elevated to COO in 2018. Prior to The Village, he was the Director of Youth Services for Catholic Charities and then Executive Director of the CT Juvenile Justice Alliance.
“The Village is fortunate to have such a capable leader, with extensive knowledge of the agency, already serving on its executive management team,” said Turgeon. “Hector’s experience and deep connection to the community will help ensure a seamless transition for staff and clients.”
“I appreciate the board’s support and am glad we will have the next months to guarantee a smooth transition,” said Glynn. “Galo is a friend and mentor, and there is no doubt he will leave a remarkable legacy at The Village.”