Community Partners in Action Announces New Board Leadership Team

Hartford, CT (January 15, 2025)—Community Partners in Action (CPA), a leader in advancing justice reform and supporting individuals impacted by the criminal justice system, is proud to announce the recent election of its 2025 Board of Directors leadership team. This dynamic group represents a new generation of leaders committed to continuing CPA’s 150-year legacy of inspiring hope and advocating for transformative change. The new Board officers bring diverse professional expertise and a shared dedication to CPA’s mission of fostering rehabilitation, reducing recidivism, and empowering individuals to rebuild their lives.

“Our 2025 Board leadership reflects CPA’s forward-thinking vision and steadfast commitment to advancing equity and justice,” said Beth Hines, Executive Director of Community Partners in Action. “As we celebrate our 150th anniversary, we honor our rich history of advocacy while looking to the future with these exceptional leaders who are dedicated to carrying our mission forward.”

Throughout its 150-year history, CPA has been shaped by extraordinary advocates for justice. The organization’s early leaders, including Yale Law School Dean Francis Wayland, Chief Justice William Maltbie, and Rev. Joseph Gates, were tireless champions of prison reform, addressing the needs of individuals following their release, and calling for the creation of a centralized Department of Correction. CPA’s early advocacy attracted the support of notable figures such as Samuel L. Clemons (Mark Twain) and Charles Dudley Warner, co-owner of the Hartford Courant, who called for an end to poor prison conditions and inhumane treatment through their powerful writings.

Building on this legacy, CPA’s new Board officers bring renewed energy to its mission:

Thomas O’Brien, Esq., Chair, is a retired Senior Assistant State’s Attorney with the State of Connecticut’s Division of Criminal Justice. A distinguished attorney with decades of service, Thomas earned a B.A. in Economics and Accounting from the College of the Holy Cross, an MBA from the University of Hartford, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He has been recognized for his community contributions, including receiving the 2022 Distinguished Service Award from the Holy Cross Lawyers Association for his work at the Hartford Community Court. Thomas also serves as Treasurer for the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals. He resides in Waterbury.

“I am honored to serve as Chair of CPA’s Board of Directors during this historic milestone,” said O’Brien. “CPA’s unwavering commitment to supporting individuals impacted by the justice system inspires me. I look forward to advancing this vital mission and continuing the legacy of advocacy and reform.”

Megan Wade, Esq., Vice Chair, is founder of Connecticut Appellate Law Firm. Her practice includes criminal and civil appeals. A graduate of the Connecticut Supreme Court clerkship program under Chief Justice Richard A. Robinson, Megan has argued numerous successful appeals before Connecticut’s highest courts. Passionate about criminal justice reform, Megan joined CPA’s Board in 2019 and has been an active volunteer in initiatives advancing the rule of law and education. She resides in Eastford.

“As Vice Chair, I am proud to support CPA’s transformative work,” added Wade. “The dedication of CPA’s staff to breaking cycles of incarceration is unparalleled, and I am excited to contribute to this shared commitment to justice reform and community support.”

Darek Chrzanowski, Treasurer, is a Senior Associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, where he contributes to building trust in society through assurance services. A graduate of Quinnipiac University, Darek was a student leader, serving as President of the university’s NAACP chapter and Treasurer of the International Student Association. He resides in Colchester.

“Serving as Treasurer for CPA is an incredible opportunity to contribute to an organization making a meaningful impact in our community,” remarked Chrzanowski. “I am excited to support CPA’s mission and help create pathways to a brighter future for justice-impacted individuals.”

Alexandra Castillo, Secretary, is a U.S. Probation Officer for the District of Connecticut and has a strong background in working with at-risk youth and families. She earned her B.A. in Criminology and Spanish from Central Connecticut State University and has extensive experience in non-profit and community engagement roles. She resides in Avon.

“I am deeply honored to serve as Secretary for CPA’s Board of Directors,” said Castillo. “CPA’s commitment to transforming lives through advocacy and direct support is both inspiring and essential for the individuals reentering the community. I look forward to contributing to this mission of hope and opportunity.”

In addition to the officers, Cynthia J. Crouch, an Executive Business Consultant and an award-winning expert in audit, compliance, and risk management, continues her dedicated service as a long-standing board member as well as as an elected Executive Committee Member at Large. Cynthia has a distinguished track record in areas including fraud investigations, forensic auditing, corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and strategic planning. Cynthia’s contributions to Community Partners in Action are deeply rooted in her belief in its mission and her unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful change for justice-impacted individuals. She resides in Avon.

“As a long-time board member, I am proud to continue supporting CPA during its historic 150th year,” remarked Crouch. “This milestone reflects the resilience and dedication of so many who have worked tirelessly to advance prison reform and inspire hope. I urge others to contribute their time, resources, and expertise to help us continue building a future of dignity and opportunity for those we serve. Together, we can drive meaningful change in our communities.”

For more information about CPA’s programs, mission, and 150th year events, please visit cpa-ct.org.

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Press Contact:

Adam H. Brill

abrill@cpa-ct.org

About Community Partners in Action

We’re one of the nation’s oldest criminal justice organizations, formerly known as the Connecticut Prison Association, and provide restorative justice services to young people and adults, so they can reenter the community and thrive. We deliver impactful services that unite people, programs and partnerships to empower individuals to change their lives for the better, make communities safer and stronger, and enhance the quality of life across Connecticut. For more information about Community Partners in Action, its history, and upcoming events, please visit www.cpa-ct.org.