The Guilford Foundation Appoints Three New Board Members: Kris Cricchi, Julie Paquette and NiCole Schlagheck

The Guilford Foundation is pleased to announce the three new board members: Kristopher Cricchi, Julie Paquette, and NiCole Schlagheck, as well as the appointment of Chris Hodgson as Board Chair. The individuals bring a wealth of experience, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to the Foundation’s mission of enriching the community.  

Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra stated, “The TGF Board is pivotal in guiding our strategic vision, ensuring financial integrity, advancing our grantmaking initiatives, and broadening our network of supporters. We are thrilled to welcome individuals who not only share a deep passion for Guilford but are also dedicated to fostering its growth and prosperity.” 

The Foundation welcomes Kristopher Cricchi, Julie Paquette, and NicCole Schlagheck to the 16-person Board of Directors, who will use their experience to make Guilford an even better place through TGF’s leadership, grantmaking, scholarships, and sponsorship awards.   

As the 1st Vice President and Controller at Ascend Bank (formerly GSB), Kristopher Cricchi brings over a decade of experience in finance and risk management. A graduate of the University of Connecticut, he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and community service. He is a recognized leader in the banking industry and is passionate about enhancing his hometown of Guilford.   

With over 20 years of experience in energy and sustainability within the built environment, Julie Paquette serves as the Director of Engineering & Energy Management and co-teaches at Yale University. She is a tireless advocate for sustainability and community engagement. Her extensive knowledge of high-performance building technologies and project management, combined with her volunteer roles at Sustainable Step New England and Sustainable Guilford, makes her a valuable asset to the Board.  

NiCole Schlagheck is currently the Manager of Business Process Improvement at Henry Schein. Her expertise is in solving complex problems and optimizing operations to improve business performance. Outside of her professional career, she has held many community volunteer and leadership roles, including The Guilford Foundation Fund for Education, Guilford High School Connections (a parent volunteer organization), Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven, and Guilford Youth Mentoring.   

Six-year board member Chris Hodgson steps into the role of Board Chair. He recently chaired the Governance and Nominating Committee, providing oversight on Board effectiveness, policies, and recruitment. Chris is a senior partner with Bercham Moses, where he practices labor and employment law.  

As the Foundation welcomes this new leadership, it would like to express its heartfelt gratitude to Alexander Sulpasso (Board Chair) and Betsy Gribble (Development Committee Member), who have been instrumental in TGF’s remarkable growth. Since they joined in 2019, net assets have grown from $2.9 million to an impressive $7.9 million, while grant distribution nearly tripled from $145,000 to $359,000.  

“We are incredibly grateful for the leadership and dedication that Alex and Betsy have provided to the Guilford Foundation. Their vision has helped us grow significantly and set a solid foundation for the next 50+ years,” explained Petra. “We welcome our new Board members. These experienced and passionate individuals underscore our commitment to expanding our community impact.”   

To learn more about our Board of Directors or the Foundation’s mission, visit the guilfordfoundation.org.   

About The Guilford Foundation
The Guilford Foundation is a trusted philanthropic partner established in 1975 when seven friends organized an effort to beautify the area around the town green. In 2025, the organization is celebrating its 50^th anniversary.
 
To ensure the perpetuity of their vision, the founders established a source for long-term funding. Over the past four decades, this endowment has expanded in scope and impact and now exceeds $7.9 million, awarding over $2 million in grants and scholarships since 2010. Areas of distribution include animal welfare, arts/culture/heritage, basic needs, community improvement & vitality, education, environment & sustainability, wellness & mental health, human services, children & youth, and seniors.  
 
The mission of The Guilford Foundation is to enrich the quality of life in the community by connecting people who care with causes that matter, now and for generations to come. TGF is recognized as a responsive, collaborative, and trusted leader that takes the long view toward making a lasting impact in the community.