United Way's Eric Harrison Named OIC New Britain's 2026 Rev. Leon Howard Sullivan Award Honoree

Hartford, CT (May 11, 2026) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut is pleased to announce that its President and CEO, Eric Harrison, has been selected to receive the highest honor given by Opportunities Industrialization Center of New Britain, Inc. (OIC of New Britain) – the Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan Award. This recognition is given to a business or an individual that is creating a greater impact in Connecticut. The OIC Annual Awards Gala, where the award will be presented, takes place June 6, 2026 at the St. George Greek Hall in New Britain.

“Eric’s leadership, passion and mission at United Way have not gone unnoticed by the state and the central and northeastern region. As a visionary, he’s taking United Way to a new level that will continue to have a greater impact on our state. At OIC of New Britain, we are honored to be a partner with United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut under his leadership,” said Paulette Fox, Executive Director at OIC of New Britain.

OIC of New Britain Annual Awards Gala’s theme this year is “Recognizing our Wins” and will start a 5:00 p.m. with a networking social following dinner to be served at 6:00 p.m.

“I am honored to be recognized by OIC of New Britain with the Reverend Leon Howard Sullivan Award. Rev. Leon Sullivan’s impact and legacy of leading international efforts to promote nonviolent social and economic change is remarkable. Rev. Sullivan was a man who believed that providing equal opportunity to all can create a greater impact in our nation, and that each one of us has something to give back to our communities,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

“United Way believes that your zip code should not negatively impact your future. Aligned with Rev. Sullivan, our work focuses on reducing disparities in child literacy, wages, housing and life expectancy, advancing our vision to build a region where there are equal opportunities for everyone to succeed. I am humbled to receive this recognition and am inspired to continue our good work in the 860 region and beyond.”

Harrison became the President and CEO of United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut in February 2022. Since his tenure began, the organization has achieved significant milestones, including: developing and implementing a new strategic plan, celebrating its centennial milestone anniversary, selling its headquarters to increase community impact, entering into a strategic alliance with United Way of West Central Connecticut, and establishing a new plan to diversify revenue.

Information on tickets for the OIC of New Britian Annual Award Gala are available at newbritainoic.org/oic-annua-gala-2026.

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