After nine years of true joy and inspiration at Hartford Promise, Richard Sugarman has decided to step aside as the President of Hartford Promise as of June 2024. Over the last eight years, Hartford Promise has grown from a small and nimble part time staff led by a beloved founder with a focus on providing last-dollar scholarship to HPHS students to a dedicated team of 12 and expanded programming that provides a launchpad for college and career success. We understand the complex barriers that prevent students from applying to, enrolling in, and graduating from college, and we seek to provide integrated resources to support every step of their journey, starting well before their senior year of high school. Now operating with a strong program model and philanthropic support, we are seeking a President who will continue to drive programmatic and fundraising success. We look forward to welcoming a new leader who shares our values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and who unwaveringly believes in the talent and potential of young people.
This role offers an exciting opportunity for an individual who is a skilled organizational leader and relationship-builder, with demonstrated ability to inspire and engage a wide range of supporters, including funders and leaders in K-12 and higher education as well as local and state government. The President will guide us to fulfill the goals of our current strategic plan, upholding our commitment to excellence and equity for our students. As our chief fundraiser and external champion, they will build awareness and support with donors, partners, and the broader community, leveraging strong relationship-building skills both internally and externally. Building on our existing culture and values, the President will work collaboratively with staff to ensure we maintain a student-centered approach and continue to center diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of our work.