Alumni Association Board of Directors
2024 Elections

Vote Now

Please vote by May 21, 2024.

Candidates

Regina Misercola

Class Year: 2023

Regina is eager to serve on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. She truly found her stride as a Southern student. Graduating in 2023, Regina earned her degree in English and Arts Administration & Cultural Advocacy. She worked in the Office of Institutional Advancement—first connecting with alumni and donors through phone calls during the pandemic, then helping steward those relationships back to campus post-COVID. In 2022, she was honored to serve as the keynote speaker at the Celebration of Philanthropy. Regina also worked as a Presidential Student Ambassador and was deeply involved in campus life through Hillel, Delta Phi Epsilon, and the Pediatric Cancer Awareness Organization. Along the way, she formed lasting bonds with mentors—from faculty in the English Department to colleagues in Advancement, and fellow student leaders. Regina's experience at Southern inspired a career in philanthropy. Now based in Buffalo, NY, she works in fundraising at a major cancer research institute. Offering the perspective of an out-of-state alumna, Regina still considers New Haven home (and misses the pizza!) and is eager to stay connected to Southern through the Alumni Association Board.

Bruce De Bree

Class Year: 1978

Southern made a dramatic difference in my life, now I want to help Southern help others. I arrived, a veteran, with only vague ideas of what the future could be and left with clear direction and a solid education. For me the strong sense of community at Southern made all the difference. I have three decades of senior management experience, starting at GE R&D and spent the last 15 years with Berkshire Hathaway. I sail, ride an e-bike and enjoy listening to Blues music, Latin Jazz, and spending time with my doggies. My wife works with autistic kids and my daughter is a Special Needs Educator. I am a creative thinker with lots of ideas and look forward to digging in and making a difference.

Latoya Lowery

Class Year: 2001

Latoya Lowery has over 20 years of experience in the substance use and social work profession. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Southern Connecticut State University in 2001 and later obtained her Master’s in Social Work from Fordham University in 2007. She is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC), Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (ICAADC) and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC). During her time at SCSU, Latoya was a Resident Advisor, offering guidance and support to fellow students. In her spare time, Latoya enjoys singing and was a member of the Jubilee Gospel Choir. Latoya is currently employed as Social Work Supervisor at the Department of Children and Families, where she has worked for over 17 years. During her time at the Department of Children and Families, she held various roles including but not limited to a Human-Anti Response Team Liaison (HART), Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) trainer, “Not a Number” and “My Life, My Choice” facilitator. Latoya was also the Chair of the MDT/HART Data committee and assisted with creating a data system within the Provider Information Exchange (PIE) for the Department to track trafficking related cases. Latoya has a strong passion for empowering abused, neglected and impoverished youth to achieve their highest potential. She previously served as Vice Chair of the Board of Directors for Covenant to Care for Children. She would be honored to serve on SCSU’s Alumni Board and give back to the school that helped shape her life.

Kristy Sampieri

Class Year: '04, MBA '06

Dr. Kristy L. Sampieri is a trailblazing financial executive whose career spans nearly two decades across Wall Street and municipal finance. As the current Controller for the City of New Haven, she commands oversight of a $600M+ public financial ecosystem, championing fiscal integrity, transparency, and innovation. Her leadership influences strategic decision-making at the highest levels, from risk mitigation to capital planning, across multiple governance boards. Before stepping into public service, Kristy served 18 years with Merrill Lynch, helping lead a private wealth team that managed $5.6 billion in assets for ultra-high-net-worth families. A dynamic force in investment strategy, client relations, and technology integration, she earned national recognition, including Merrill's Top 500 award and the Responsible Growth Service Award. A published scholar and passionate advocate for equity in leadership, Dr. Sampieri is the author of From the Apron to the Cape: Examining the Experiences of Women Who Rose to Leadership Positions on Wall Street (ProQuest, 2018). Her research offers a powerful lens into the resilience, barriers, and breakthroughs faced by women navigating high-stakes finance. She holds a Doctorate in Higher Education with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University (2017), an MBA (2006), and a Bachelor of Science in Finance (2004) from Southern Connecticut State University. Her academic foundation supports a practical, strategic mindset that bridges theory and real-world impact. Dr. Sampieri also served as Philanthropic Chair for Merrill’s Women’s Exchange Network, aligning women’s advocacy with mentorship and succession planning. Whether managing municipal funds or mentoring the next generation of financial leaders, she brings unmatched integrity, vision, and impact. Her story is one of purpose-driven leadership, breaking barriers, and driving lasting change.

Barry Woods

Class Year: 2000

Mr. Woods: Transformative Leader in Youth Development With over 22 years of experience in youth development, program creation, engagement strategy, and relationship building, Mr. Woods has left a lasting mark on communities through his work with Stamford Public Schools, DOMUS Kids, the Stamford Boys and Girls Club, and the Allan Houston Legacy Foundation. Born and raised in New Jersey, Mr. Woods is the third child and second son in his family. Life demanded maturity early—his father left when he was just six years old, and by the age of 15, his older brother was incarcerated. During that same period, Mr. Woods was expelled from high school and teetered on the edge of a downward path. However, through faith, self-motivation, and the guidance of key mentors—including his AAU coach, Mr. Marshall, who served as a father figure—he began a journey of transformation. The greatest influence in his life came from his mother, Sandra Woods, whose unwavering mentorship helped shape his unique, relatable, and highly effective approach to working with youth. These life-changing experiences became the foundation for his book, Reasons Why Youth Don’t Give a Damn Anymore, published in February 2021. In May 2024, the passing of his mother inspired the launch of The Sandra Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness about organ donation in underserved and undereducated communities. Mr. Woods proudly leads his family's organization as President and they start to establish their footing as a nonprofit. Mr. Woods arrived in Connecticut through athletics, attending Southern Connecticut State University where he was a member of the Men’s 1996–1997 NCAA Elite Eight Basketball Team. He earned his Bachelor’s degree there and later obtained a Master’s in Human Services from Walden University. A recognized community leader, Mr. Woods has received numerous honors, including: 2013 Passion Award 2019 Maytag Dependable Leadership Award 2020 Community Leadership Award from the Stamford Boys and Girls Club Known for his dynamic leadership and authentic presence, Mr. Woods brings a winning culture, an unmatched ability to connect with youth, and a deep understanding of the power of positive adult role models. His personal journey—from troubled teen to trusted mentor—drives his passion for helping young people find purpose and power in their own stories. He currently resides in Connecticut with his wife, Patricia, and their two children, Alexis and Hunter.

Eduardo Foster

Class Year: 2002

Eduardo “Eddie” graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health. While at SCSU, he served as a Resident Advisor. He was born in Panama City, Panama, raised in New York, and later relocated to Connecticut. He is a proud member of the United States Army, having 28 years of federal service. He held various assignments in various strategic planning and operational roles. He deployed supporting two operational campaign tours during Operation Iraqi Freedom (2006-2007) and one campaign during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan (2012-2013). His most recent deployment was to the Kingdom of Jordan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (Spartan Shield) (2020-2021). He has also provided support during state emergencies and disasters, rendering relief to various towns throughout Connecticut. Eduardo is also an active member of The National Guard Association of Connecticut and The American Legion. In addition, he has received several awards and distinctions throughout his military career. Additionally, he volunteers at various soup kitchens in the New Haven area and helped build a community playground at a school in West Haven. With the backing of his church, he served as a missionary, providing aid and support to the community of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. He is an Operations Sergeant Major for the Connecticut Army National Guard. Eduardo enjoyed his experience at Southern and made lifelong friends. He attributes his accomplishments to the opportunities SCSU provides. He is a father of two girls and enjoys traveling and exploring new things with his wife and children during his leisure time..

Charles Flynn

Class Year: MS '99, CAS '03

Born in New Haven and raised in Ansonia ,I am a graduate of Fairfield Prep, Boston College and is a proud SCSU double “owl” with graduate degrees in both History ‘99 and Educational Leadership ‘03, during which time I was inspired by SCSU President Michael Adante and History Department legend Jon Purmont. For the past 27 years, I served as an English and Social Studies teacher in the Fairfield Public schools at Roger Ludlowe Middle School and Fairfield Warde High School, including as Fairfield Warde High School’s social studies department liaison. I have also my served community as a member of the Orange Board of Education, serving a chairman of the building and grounds committee. I’m excited to get back to the Southern community and specifically restore our prominence in the field of education. I’m deeply thankful for the education I received at Southern and eager to contribute to Southern. I would appreciate your vote.