BRIDGEPORT – The Center for Family Justice (CFJ) has promoted Vice Chair Kristin Okesson to the board’s chair position. She replaces Valerie Foster, who served as chair since 2024.
Okesson, a senior vice president at Connoisseur Media, has been an active board member since 2019 and brings a wealth of experience in media, marketing and community engagement to this leadership role. CFJ is a not-for-profit that cares for domestic violence victims that was once the YWCA of Bridgeport.
“I am thrilled to welcome Kristin as our new board chair,” said Deb Greenwood, president and CEO of CFJ. “Her passion for our mission, strategic leadership, and deep commitment to our community have been invaluable during her time with CFJ. I’m confident she will be a strong guide for us as we push forward in our efforts to grow and provide life-changing support to survivors.”
In her previous role as vice chair, Okesson played a pivotal part in expanding CFJ’s outreach efforts. She leveraged her media platform to amplify the organization’s message, including hosting CFJ staff on local radio programs and participating in community events such as Walk a Mile in Her Shoes and the Chaz and AJ Toy Drive fundraisers.
Kristin’s efforts were recognized nationally in 2024 when she received a Purple Ribbon Award – organized through DomesticShelters.org – as one of three Board Members of the Year.
“I’m honored to serve as chair of The Center for Family Justice,” Okesson said. “This mission is personal to me, and I feel a responsibility to help create a future where safety, dignity, and justice are accessible to everyone. CFJ’s work changes lives, and while we’ve come a long way, there’s still more progress to be made.”
Her efforts have been instrumental in connecting individuals in need with CFJ’s confidential and free services, according to a CFJ press release.
Under Okesson’s leadership, CFJ aims to strengthen its programs, enhance community partnerships, and expand its impact across the towns it serves.
