The Team

Building a better community together.

John Augustyn

President

John Augustyn has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing and mechanical operations fields as well as more than two decades of working with the United Way Foundation. John excels in facilitating tasks, project management, budgeting and matching the needs of the community with donors. He offers expertise, poise and leadership as President of the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation. In his role, John seeks to develop all current funds to their fullest potential and to onboard new funds that will improve the Meriden and Wallingford communities. John conducts quarterly meetings and foundation activities with the Board of Directors, fund managers and prospective fund clients.

Maria Harlow-Campos offers a lifelong passion for community service as well as superior organizational skills to the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation. In the her role as Secretary, Maria manages internal and external communications. In 2018, Maria became the Executive Director of the United Way of Meriden and Wallingford with whom she seeks to strengthen the community through a variety of United Way relief programs and fundraisers. Maria is the former Executive Director of the Spanish Community of Wallingford, where she excelled in growing the local club to new heights.

Maria Harlow-Campos

Secretary

Carl Bonamico

Treasurer

Carl Bonamico is Vice President of Liberty Bank where he has been since 2002. His finance career began in 1986 with New Haven Savings Bank where he worked his way up to the role of Branch Manager. Carl earned his Bachelors Degree in Finance and Management at Central Connecticut State University as part of the class of 1985. He then attended the National School of Banking at Fairfield University, where he eared his Masters Degree in Community Bank Management. As Treasurer, Carl provides financial expertise and assurance to the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation.

Chris Ulbrich

Vice Chair

Chris Ulbrich is Chief Executive Officer of Ulbrich Stainless Steels & Special Metals Inc. In his role, Chris has expanded the Wallingford-based company by building new operations, acquiring new divisions and investing back into the business. In 1993, Chris became the President of Ulbrich Service Centers. From 1995 to 2013, he served as COO of Ulbrich. In 2014, he was appointed Chairman and CEO. Chris provides strength and support to Ulbrich employees, customers and to various local communities. With decades of business experience, Chris contributes to the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation as a donor and offers an important perspective on business and industry.

Cynthia Decker

Cindy Decker Meriden Wallingford Communi

Cynthia Decker is another Meriden, Connecticut native who is serves on our Board of Directors. Cynthia is a retired Registered Nurse who devoted over 40 years to her career at Meriden's MidState Medical Center. After observing how the different non-profits impacted the community, she joined the Community Foundation's board 5 years ago bringing insight and wisdom to the table. She is also a member of the Infinity Circle at MidState and a Trustee at Cheshire United Methodist Church.

Guy R. DeFrances

Guy R. DeFrances is an Attorney at the Law Office of Bruno R. Morasutti, LLC on Broad Street in Meriden, Connecticut. Guy is well-versed in estate law, financial planning litigation and philanthropic guidelines. As a Meriden, Connecticut resident, Guy has worked closely with individuals, businesses and local non-profit organizations within the Meriden and Wallingford communities. With a background in elder law, trusts and estates, Guy provides the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation with legal and regulatory understanding.

James Ieronimo

James Ieronimo is the former President of the Community Foundation of Central Connecticut and Executive Director of United Way of Meriden & Wallingford. James is a well-known civic leader and was head of the United Way since 2006. He has also served on the board for Workforce Alliance, the Rotary Club, the Meriden Rotary Foundation, the Meriden Children First Initiative and United Way of Connecticut. James is now a Retired Consultant and currently serves the Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation in this honorable capacity.

Roger Kemp

Roger L. Kemp, MPA, MBA, PhD, has served as a city manager of cities in Connecticut, New Jersey, and California, during his public service career. He was City Manager of Meriden from 1993 to 2005. Roger is also past-president of the CT Chapter of the American Society of Public Administration (ASPA-CT) and the CT Town and City Management Association (C-TCMA). He previously served as a member of the Citizens' Ethics Advisory Board (CEAB), State of Connecticut, and the Connecticut Digital Library Advisory Board (CDLAB). He is now an Adjunct Professor in the Public Administration Program at the University of New Haven.

Thomas S. Luby

Thomas S. Luby is an Attorney at law in his hometown of Meriden, Connecticut. Thomas was educated at Yale University for his undergraduate degree and then University of Connecticut Law School. He is the former Editor of the Connecticut Law Review, a recipient of the U.S. Department of Justice Special Achievement Award and the former Chairman of the Federal Bar Grievance Committee. He was also a State Representative and the former Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Connecticut General Assembly. Thomas also served as Director, United Way of Meriden and Wallingford.

Alan Ponchick

Alan Ponchick retired from CUNO / 3M Purification after 28+ years of service. He was Global Sales Training Manager for the last ten years of his career. Alan served as United Way Campaign Chairman for several years before accepting a position on the Board of Directors for United Way of Meriden and Wallingford. He joined Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation in 2014.

Jane Ashton

Jane Ashton is a longtime Meriden resident. She is graduate of Penn State University as well as Eastman Kodak Dietetic Internship program. She spent a career as a Registered Dietitian for extended care facilities. Jane married Phil Ashton and had four children. She is an active member of First United Methodist Church and was a past member of the Meriden Board of Education. She is also contributed to Visiting Nurse Association and Meriden Board of Health. Jane is past President of CT Dietetic Association and a volunteer for Meriden Soup Kitchen and American Red Cross.

Weston Ulbrich

Weston Ulbrich is a graduate of Rollins College in Orlando, FL. After working in Human Resources for Ulbrich Steel for ten years, he became a Realtor for Coldwell Banker in Milford, CT. Weston is enthusiastic about charitable giving and his skill set includes using digital technology to fundraise, host events, and spread awareness. He serves as the web developer for Meriden-Wallingford Community Foundation.