DANBURY — United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) has elected a new chair and added two members to its board of directors.
Cheryl Bakewell, partner at Bakewell & Mulhare in New Milford, announced she is stepping down as board chair after five years and will be replaced by Carolyn Kobsa, principal at Kobsa Strategic in Wilton. Bakewell will remain as a board director. The chair change was announced at a board meeting Wednesday, June 17.
Also, UWCWD elected Rowena Bergmans, chief value officer at Nuvance Health, and José Juan Casarrubias Adame, CRO – Investments at Genworth, were added to the board. At the same time United Way bid farewell to three directors — Doreen Bentson, Bob Trefry, and Tom McCarthy.
“We are incredibly grateful to Cheryl, Doreen, Bob, and Tom for their thoughtful leadership and service to our region,” said Almeida. “They have helped build a stronger, more responsive United Way, and their impact will continue to resonate in our work.”
Bergmans brings more than two decades of experience in healthcare strategy, public policy, and community health leadership. In her current role at Nuvance Health, she leads initiatives that align healthcare operations with community needs and changing policy landscapes.
Her background includes spearheading Medicaid reform in Oregon and advising regional healthcare systems on coordinated care.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University and a master’s from Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business.
Casarrubias Adame is a seasoned executive in investments and risk management, with experience spanning North America. At Genworth, he leads investment risk strategy and scenario modeling. His career includes leadership roles at Principal Financial Group and Afore XXI Banorte, Mexico’s largest pension fund manager.
José Juan holds degrees from the London School of Economics and ITAM and is a recipient of the CitiBanamex Economics Award for his contributions to public policy research.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rowena and José Juan to our board of directors,” said Isabel Almeida, UWCWC president and CEO “They both bring their own passion for being involved in the work we are doing in our communities to support hardworking, struggling households. We look forward to having their experience and insights on our board.”
United Way’s board includes a diverse group of regional leaders committed to advancing equitable pathways to well-being and financial security for individuals and families across 27 communities in Fairfield and southern Litchfield counties.
