Meet the Directors of the Tri-Town Shelter Services

Meet the Board of Directors of the Tri-Town Shelter Services

Betty Anderson joined the board in 2005 and has an extensive background in Accounting and Information Technology. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Connecticut University and her M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from the University of Hartford. Currently she is Director of Finance for Duncaster, previously RLS. This background in the nonprofit and service sector enables her to bring a needed perspective to the board and fiscal operations of the Agency.

Thomas Alouise has served as a member, vice president, and president of the board. He has a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Business. Professionally he worked in the Information Field for over 25 years as a business owner and also in various sales positions working in the communications industry. Tom has been a board member since 1999.

Karen Best-Parris has been a member of the Board since 1990 and has served as Personnel Committee Chair, Program Committee Chair and as Vice President. She has also served as a victim advocate for the Hartford Interval House and as a member of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network, Inc. Karen is a partner in the law firm of Caron & Parris, LLC in Vernon where she practices family and domestic relations law.

June Blacksten has served on the board since 1990 during which she chaired several various committees. She volunteers for The Place of Grace Pantry at Grace Episcopal Church in Hartford and occasionally for WNPR pledge drives. In 1992 June helped select residents for Cobbs Mill Crossing Cooperative Housing in Glastonbury. She is a passionate advocate for affordable housing and services to those less fortunate.

Garvin Boudle has been on the U-CONN faculty since 1976. He is currently a member of the Psychology Department with direct responsibility over Information Technology planning and operations. He is a charter member of the University of Connecticut Software License Group and Information Technology Group.

Jennie C. Dixon, Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), is founder and Executive Director of the Institute for Personal Financial Literacy. Formerly Ms. Dixon was professor of Entrepreneurship and Assistant Director of the Entrepreneurial Support Center at Central Connecticut State University. She has also held officer-level positions at major financial services firms.

Tucker Dolge joined the board in 2004 and has spent over 30 years in the insurance industry. His two years serving as a State Representative, along with the network of business relationships he has fostered over these years, make Tucker a valuable asset to the board.

Brendan Putman has served on the board in numerous capacities. His previous background in social work, and current profession as an Attorney, gives him a unique and balanced perspective that is welcomed on the board.

Tom Smith joined the board in 2005 and is a retired Vice-President from the St. Paul Travelers Insurance Companies, where he was the head of a business unit specializing in Workers Compensation Insurance. He was also active in various Workers Compensation industry organizations including multiple terms as Chairman of the Workers Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts and The National Workers Compensation Reinsurance Pool.

Mike Venezia has served on the board since 1992. For three years, 2001-2003, he served as the president of the board, during which he spearheaded the acquisition, renovation, and relocation into the new facility the Shelter now occupies. Mike is a publisher's representative by trade and his organizational, sales, and marketing skills have made him a valued leader.

John White graduated from the State University of New York with a BS in Computer Sciences and Economics. He is currently a self-employed firmware engineering consultant and enjoys family time, gardening, cooking, home improvement, hiking, tennis, and light running. He and Tricia have three children and they reside in Tolland.

Sharlet Wirzulis came to Connecticut to attend Airline Personnel School and later attended Manchester Community College to obtain a degree as a Para-Legal. She has worked as a paralegal for over 25 years, currently with the legal firm of Devlin, Peters, and Tarpey, LLC in Somers, CT. As a board members she has held the offices of secretary, treasurer, and vice-president.