Stamford Public Education Foundation Appoints New CEO

The Stamford Public Education Foundation (SPEF) announced Tuesday it has appointed Matthew Quinones as its new chief executive officer.

Quinones fills the vacancy created by the departure of Susan Rigano who became development director at the Norwalk Community College Foundation.

Quinones returns to SPEF after serving as its director of operations from October 2009 to September 2014. Quinones is credited with creating and launching SPEF’s nationally-recognized mentoring program.

“We are very pleased to announce this appointment,” Barbara Aronica-Buck, Co-President of SPEF’s Board of Directors, said in a statement. “Matt has a solid understanding of the Stamford community and its richly diverse education environment. He brings a solid combination of leadership, vision, and creativity to SPEF’s programs.”

Prior rejoining SPEF, Quinones served as Manager, Recruitment & Talent Support for the Stamford-based international relief agency AmeriCares. He is a member of the Stamford Board of Representatives, serving on the Education Committee, State & Commerce Committee, Cost Savings & Revenue Enhancement Committee, and as Vice-Chair of the Public Safety & Health Committee.

In addition, the Stamford native serves as a commissioned officer in the Connecticut Army National Guard. Quinones is a 2004 graduate of Stamford High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut.

“I look forward to returning to SPEF and working with the board, staff and community to build upon our rich history serving the Stamford Public School district,” Quinones said. “I am dedicated to creating and implementing programs that enrich the lives of the students in all of Stamford’s public schools, including literacy and college and career readiness initiatives.”

Contributed photo: Matthew Quinones.