MIDDLETOWN — Each year, the Middlesex United Way has the honor to celebrate outgoing members, as well as elect new members to our Board of Directors. We are fortunate to have such passionate leaders who step up to the plate and dedicate their time and service to our mission.
I am excited to announce our newest selection of community-driven difference makers.
At our annual meeting this past week, we welcomed Robert Badin, Joshua Rivera and Gary Wallace to our board.
Robert Badin is a long-term jet engine assembler at Pratt & Whitney. Badin attended Middlesex Community College, and has been a long-standing United Way supporter who has been actively involved in the employee campaign at Pratt & Whitney.
When asked why he takes his time to serve with Middlesex United Way, Robert explained, “I’ve watched the United Way change the lives of many in our community, so now I want to see what I can do to help.”
He lives in the Rockfall section of Middlefield with his wife Joanne and two daughters, Melanie, 26 and Lauren, 22.
Joshua Rivera is an aspiring Realtor in the Moodus area of East Haddam. Rivera holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Connecticut State University in business management, and is also a passionate morale and team building coach. Rivera was awarded the top student in the school of business at CCSU, and was a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
Recently, Rivera participated in fundraising for Go4TheGoal pediatric cancer foundation.
When asked why he supports United Way, Rivera shared, “I support Middlesex United Way because Middlesex United Way supports you. Middlesex United Way is comprised of individuals that embody their company values and these are values that I also hold dear.” He is a member of the new Middlesex United Way racial equity and inclusion impact team.
In his free time, Rivera enjoys exercising, listening to podcasts, and spending time with his loved ones, including his mother Dia Poindexter and sister Kayla Rivera.
Gary Wallace is the director of Community Engagement & Relations at the Community Health Center. Wallace holds a bachelor’s degree from Charter Oak State College in individualized studies. He is a U.S. Navy Veteran and recently retired as a captain from the Middletown Police Department. He is the recent recipient of proclamation from Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewitz and Middletown Mayor Ben Florshiem. He was also awarded the Outstanding Community Services Award (in 2019) by the New Horizons Domestic Violence Services, and the Chief Michael Green Community Service Award (in 2019) from the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.
Wallace is an avid percussionist for many years and currently plays the snare drum with the Middletown PBA Pipes & Drums bagpipe band.
He is actively involved in various organizations throughout the county, serving in various leadership roles, including Middlesex Health, Gilead Community Services, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, American Legion Post 75, Middletown, Disabled American Veterans Post 7 CT, Liberty Bank, St. Luke’s Community Services, Middlesex Community College: Criminal Justice Advisory Committee, Veterans Oasis Club, Campus Title IX Resource Team, and Wesleyan University.
When asked about what he likes about Middlesex United Way, Wallace said, “knowing the organization’s reputation for helping others aligns with my personal and professional beliefs, but also leans insight to the future of our community with regard to support for those who need it most.”
Wallace has three children: Anissia, 26, Kaidence, 7, Greyson, 3, and is engaged to Karina Marrinan.
In addition to welcoming new board members, we also elected new officers. They are all outstanding leaders who will continue to ensure Middlesex United Way remains true to our mission, vision and values. They are Kimberly Hogan, Middlesex Community College, chairman of the board; Meg Slater, Wright-Pierce, vice chairman; and Allison Dowe, Middlesex Health, treasurer.
We would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new board members and officers to the Middlesex United Way family. We are very thankful for your service and are excited for the year ahead.
Kevin Wilhelm is president and CEO of the Middlesex United Way in Middletown.
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