Staff and Board
Organizing Staff
Rev. Caitlin O’Brien, Senior Organizer
617-596-1853
RevCaitlin@weconect.org
Rev. Caitlin O’Brien, a Unitarian Universalist minister, majored in World Religions and was ordained for community-based ministry in 2003. She has served in direct care and management roles at organizations that support the healing, rights and self determination of immigrant laborers, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and people facing homelessness, addiction, and incarceration. Pastorally, she has worked as a hospital and hospice chaplain, a Spiritual Director, and served for ten years in the parish setting. Rev. Caitlin came to CONECT with an interest in going “up the river” to address the sources of the many societal struggles she has seen in her ministry. She is motivated to do her part in building community and healthy democracy.
Jackie Seawright, Operations Manager
203-243-6697
jackie@weconect.org
Jackie Seawright brings more than 22 years of experience as an award-winning real estate professional to her role as Operations Director to non-profit interfaith organizing. Known for her keen attention to detail, strong investigative instincts, and calm yet diligent work ethic, Jackie is deeply committed to helping people navigate complexity with care and clarity.Board
CONECT is a democratic organization. Member institutions determine the agenda and set the strategy by sending representatives to Delegates’ Assemblies held 2-4 times a year.
An elected STRATEGY TEAM meets monthly to discuss the direction of the organization, explore issue strategies, and plan major actions.
The EXECUTIVE TEAM, elected from the Strategy Team , works with the Lead Organizer to manage the organization’s finances and administration.
BoardExecutive Team* indicates these leaders also serve on the Strategy Team | |
Natasha Koonce Webster, Co-chair*Community Baptist Church, New Haven | Debra Tangarone, Co-chair*Spring Glen Church, Hamden |
Mr. Richard Pearce, Treasurer*First Baptist Church, Milford | Ms. Cher Balkcom, Secretary*Temple Israel, Norwalk |
Rev. Odell Montgomery Cooper*Friends of CONECT Action Caucus | Rabbi Michael FriedmanTemple Israel, Westport |
Dr. Liz Keenan*Friends of CONECT Action Caucus | Fr. Jim ManshipSt. Rose of Lima Meriden |
Ms. Cindy Zuckerbrod*Temple Israel, Westport | |
Strategy Team | |
Ms. Karen BaarCongregation Mishkan Israel, Hamden | Mr. Mostafa HassanBridgeport Islamic Community Center |
Dr. Hosam AfifiBridgeport Islamic Community Center | Ms. Minti KaurGuru Tegh Bahadur Ji Foundation, Norwalk |
Mr. Cecilio CuapioOur Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Haven | Rev. Jack DavidsonSpring Glen Church, Hamden |
Ms. Melanie LeeFriends of CONECT Action Caucus | Ms. Angela DeMelloSt. James Catholic Parish, Stratford |
Ms. Therese LeFeverSt. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Stratford | Ms. Sunila FadlBridgeport Islamic Community Center |
Mr. Kulwant KaurGuru Tegh Bahadur Ji Foundation, Norwalk | Mr. Kenny FoscueUnitarian Society of New Haven, Hamden |
Ms. Letty JacomeSt. Rose of Lima Church, Meriden | Ms. Tarice GrayFirst Baptist Church of Milford |
Mr. Jose OstorbaOur Lady of Guadalupe Parish, New Haven | Rabbi James ProsnitCongregation B’Nai Israel, Bridgeport |
Mr. Omar Bravo RuizSt. Rose of Lima Church, Meriden | Ms. Julie SharpTemple Israel, Westport |
Rev. Kathy WilliamsonFirst Church UCC Fairfield | |