Major Hartford Nonprofit Names Officers, Adds 7 Board Members

HARTFORD, CT — The Urban League of Greater Hartford has elected its leadership team for the 2026-27 fiscal year and added seven members to its board of directors.

The Hartford nonprofit announced the changes following its June 17 annual meeting as it begins its 62nd year serving the Greater Hartford community.

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Wes Alexander, vice president of workforce solutions at Travelers, will serve a second consecutive year as board chair. Angelo Adams, owner and operator of Grip Hands, will return for a second year as vice chair.

Cathy Velez, executive vice president and director of retail banking for Beacon Bank's Springfield, Mass., and Hartford region, was elected treasurer. Teshia Levy-Grant, senior managing director and inclusion and belonging officer at Webster Bank, was elected secretary.

David J. Hopkins, the Urban League's chief executive officer, serves as president.

The organization also elected seven new at-large board members:

• Barry Camara, area director of operations at Starbucks Coffee Company.
• Zillah Matare Fluker, founder of activate|elevate LLC.
• Princeton Jennings, talent acquisition partner at Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast.
• Dr. Dayeshell P. Muhammad, chief operating officer at My People Community and Clinical Services.
• Bishop Maurice S. Porter, founder and pastor of IMPACT CHURCH in Hartford.
• Alex A. Toribio, head of global litigation and government investigations at Stanley Black & Decker.
• Cathy Velez, who will also serve as board treasurer.

"This season is difficult as we say goodbye to Board members who have been critical to our progress and invaluable in affirming our mission," Hopkins said. "But we are excited to welcome new Directors whose experience, leadership, and vision will help us navigate the current climate of economic impact."

The newcomers join current at-large board members Brenda Dinnald of Aetna/CVS; Erika Goldstein of Otis Elevator Co.; Dr. Jeffrey F. Hines of the University of Connecticut and UConn Health; Pamela Hippolyte of Dime Bank; Nicole Hughey of Hartford HealthCare; retired Bank of America executive Patrice Y. Wood; and Luz Holmes-Padgett, president of the Urban League of Greater Hartford Young Professionals auxiliary.

What's Next

Alexander will lead the 18-member board as it prepares for its annual retreat in August.

The board is expected to conduct orientation for its new members, set its governing agenda for the year and finalize the organization's 2027 budget.

Founded in 1964, the Urban League of Greater Hartford is a nonprofit affiliate of the National Urban League. The organization provides programs focused on youth development, adult education, employment, housing, financial management, community health and social justice.

For more information on the Urban League of Greater Hartford's Board of Directors, click on this link.