Northwest Chamber’s JoAnn Ryan Named to Higher Education Post

07.01.2022
Workforce

Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce president and CEO JoAnn Ryan was appointed this week to chair the Connecticut Board of Regents for Higher Education.

Gov. Ned Lamont announced the appointment June 30, naming the well-respected business leader to oversee the governing body of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities system.

Higher education appointment: JoAnn Ryan pictured at the state Capitol during Connecticut Business Day 2020.

Ryan was first appointed to the BOR in 2018 and has served as vice chair since February. She succeeds Connecticut Science Center president and CEO Matt Fleury.

“JoAnn has a tremendous amount of experience and strong connections to the business and education communities,” Lamont said in a statement.

“She has consistently demonstrated her support of higher education in the state of Connecticut and commitment to the 17 Connecticut State Colleges and Universities.”

Collaboration

Ryan said she looked forward to ensuring “the CSCU system maintains its core mission of access, equity, and affordability for Connecticut’s students so they may succeed and graduate in a timely manner.”

CBIA president and CEO Chris DiPentima applauded Ryan’s appointment, saying it reinforced the public-private collaboration that “is essential to developing Connecticut’s future workforce.”

“JoAnn Ryan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to this important position and her appointment ensures the private sector continues to play an essential role in education and workforce development,” he said.

CSCU President Terrence Cheng said Ryan’s “strong relationship with educators, students and businesses is exactly the right experience and leadership style we need to ensure our 17 colleges and universities are in the position to help students succeed and gain a competitive edge in the workforce.”

Lamont also appointed Juanita James, president and CEO of Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and a former Pitney Bowes executive to the board, along with James McCarthy, former senior vice president for academic affairs at Baruch College.

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