Mason Appointed President and CEO of Special Olympics Connecticut

The Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Mason as its new President and CEO, effective August 29, 2022. Mason has over 40 years of volunteer and professional experience serving Special Olympics in a myriad of roles, both locally and internationally. He is presently Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President for the organization, a position he's held for more than 20 years.

In his current role, Mason oversees development and administration staff and all aspects of the organization's finances, budgeting and operations. Additionally, he has been instrumental in establishing and stewarding major partnerships to help sustain and expand the organization's inclusive sports, health and fitness programs for athletes of all abilities across the state.

"It's an honor to be the next President and CEO of Special Olympics Connecticut. I'm thankful for my amazing wife Nora and sons Zach, Sam and Ben who share my passion for the movement and have supported my work for the past 20 years. I am also thankful for our committed board and staff who make it all possible each day and the remarkable athletes and volunteers who inspire us. I am excited and humbled to have the opportunity to carry on the legacy Beau Doherty has created here in Connecticut over the past 36 years," said Michael Mason.

Mason's involvement in Special Olympics began when he was just nine years old and attended sports competitions to cheer on his cousin, who was an athlete. Inspired and moved by the experience, he went on to serve as a member of the volunteer management team and coach for the Special Olympics Hamden-New Haven local program following college, and served in various volunteer roles at the state and local level. He was the CFO for the 1995 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in New Haven, Connecticut - an event that drew more than 7,000 participants from 143 countries.

"As Chairman of the Board, I am pleased to announce Mike Mason as the new President of Special Olympics Connecticut following a unanimous vote by the Board of Directors. The Board clearly recognizes Mike’s leadership, experience and passion for Special Olympics and that he's the best candidate to build on Beau Doherty’s legacy of achievement," said Ken Bowes, Board Chair and Vice President - Offshore Wind Siting & Permitting at Eversource.

"I am very happy that Mike Mason has been selected to take over the CEO role after I leave. He has been a dedicated and effective staff person for so many years and is committed to the mission of the organization. One added perk is that he has an understanding of the Global Movement and its leaders," said Beau Doherty, retiring President and CEO of Special Olympics Connecticut.

Mason and his wife, Nora, have three sons and reside in Naugatuck. The Masons have always made participating in Special Olympics a family activity and share a passion for its mission to create a more inclusive, equitable and accepting world for all.

Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for more than 10,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports® partners - their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 170 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for people of all abilities, on and off the playing field. (www.soct.org)

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