United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut Welcomes Two New Board Members

DANBURY, CT — United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) is proud to announce the election of two new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Kamari A. Collins, Campus President of CT State Housatonic and the developing Danbury campus, and Frank Sottosanti, Senior Vice President, Director of Brand and Innovation at Union Savings Bank. Their election took place at the organization’s June 23, 2026 Annual Meeting.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Kamari Collins and Frank Sottosanti to our Board of Directors,” said Isabel Almeida, President and CEO of United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut. “Their extensive leadership experience, dedication to community impact, and diverse perspectives will strengthen our efforts to expand opportunities and support children, families, and ALICE households throughout our region.”

Dr. Kamari A. Collins leads CT State Housatonic and the developing Danbury campus, two dynamic communities within Connecticut’s unified statewide community college system. With more than 20 years of higher education leadership experience, he is recognized for a student-centered and partnership-driven approach that expands transfer and career pathways, strengthens student support, and builds connections between higher education and the community. His career includes senior leadership roles at Chesapeake College and Springfield Technical Community College, as well as early work in youth development with the Urban League of Springfield. Dr. Collins holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration from Northeastern University, a Master of Science in Human Services from Springfield College, and a Bachelor of Science in Movement and Sports Studies and Teacher Preparation from Springfield College.

Frank Sottosanti serves as Senior Vice President, Director of Brand & Innovation at Union Savings Bank, where he oversees branding, marketing, digital banking, business intelligence, and payment services. In this role, he leads an integrated team focused on leveraging creativity, innovation, technology, and customer-centered strategy to support the development and delivery of products and services. His professional background includes executive marketing leadership roles as Chief Marketing Officer at Transamerica, Protective Life, and BBVA Compass Bank. Sottosanti holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Bucknell University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and Marketing from New York University. He has also served as a longtime board member of the American Heart Association of Colorado and the United Way of Central Alabama.

In addition to welcoming new members, United Way is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Board Officers: Carolyn Kobsa, Chair; Ken Weinstein, Vice-Chair; Paul Reszutek, Treasurer; and Michael Stern, Secretary.

“We appreciate the ongoing leadership of our Officers and the entire Board of Directors,” said Almeida. “Their insight and commitment play a vital role in helping United Way respond to community needs while driving sustainable progress in economic security, education, health, and overall well-being.”

For a full list of current board members, visit: www.unitedwaycwc.org/about/board-of-directors