Richard has had proven success at both starting and sustaining organizations. He has also been effective and thoughtful in carrying out leadership transition as an important element of sustainability.
He is the Founding President of Hartford Promise, a large-scale scholarship and college success program for Hartford students. Since the program’s inception in 2015, 1130 Promise Scholars have received $20,000 scholarships, counseling, coaching, and other essential services and supports, (Integrated College Success Model), all of which have contributed to highly successful college persistence and a graduation rate of 76%. Promise Scholars attend 80 different colleges all over the country. Richard was responsible for establishing Hartford Promise as a 501(c)(3), building a diverse and talented staff, developing communications and marketing messages, doing extensive outreach and community relations with a wide range of constituents, creating the Integrated College Success Model, developing financial models and fundraising plans, doing direct fundraising outreach and engagement with a wide range of funders, and insuring the long term financial stability of the organization by developing strategic collaboration between corporate, individuals, government (federal, state, and local), and foundation partners. Under Sugarman’s leadership Hartford Promise raised over $20 million and secured multiple long term funding relationships that will benefit and secure the organization for decades to come. He continues to serve on the Hartford Promise Board.
He is also Founding President of The Connecticut Forum, an award-winning non-profit organization established in 1992 that brings nationally known panelists to Hartford, four times a year, in front of audiences of 2800 people, to discuss a variety of timely and important topics. CT Forum programs cover a wide range of topics from controversial and provocative to entertaining and lighthearted. The list of Forum panelists is truly a “who’s who” of the most significant and interesting people in the country. Richard also created a Youth Forum within the Forum structure that included 35 high schools from CT, providing students the opportunity to talk openly and safely about topics that matter to them. He continues to serve on The Forum Board.
Richard has served on many Boards including The Partnership for Education Leadership, The Learning Corridor, Police Athletic League, and Planned Parenthood of Southern New England. He has advised and consulted with many organizations including: The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, The Melville Charitable Trust, CT Mirror, Travelers EDGE, Hartford Public Schools, and The Village.
He has received numerous awards including:
- The Tapestry Award, from The Hartford Courant, in recognition for bringing diverse communities together.
- Community Leader of the Year, from Leadership Greater Hartford
- Lifetime Achievement Award, from Hartford Business Journal
- Champion for Children, from The Village for Families and Children
Richard has a B.S. degree in psychology from the University of Miami, and an M.S. degree in social work from the University of Maryland.
LinkedIn: Richard Sugarman