Alumni Association Board of Directors
2025 Elections

Vote Now

Please vote by May 20, 2025.

Candidates

Jessica Quiles

Class Year: '05, MBA '06

As a graduate of SCSU for both my undergraduate and MBA, I’ve had success in my career and the corporate world. At this stage of my life, I’m looking to get involved and give back to the community. I can’t think of a better way than to serve SCSU and help shape its future.

Robert Pinney

Class Year: 2016

Southern Connecticut State University provided me with the foundation to thrive as an adult learner balancing a full-time job, family responsibilities, and academic pursuits. I'm deeply grateful for the support and opportunities I received and I'm eager to give back by serving on the alumni association’s board of directors. My experiences reflect those of many SCSU students, so I believe I can bring a unique perspective and a heartfelt commitment to advancing SCSU’s mission, ensuring its continued impact on future generations as a board member.

Jerritt Lewis

Class Year: 1998

Jerrit was recently inducted in the southern Connecticut State University Athletic Hall of Fame, and stated he would like to be more involved.

Jacqueline Prast

Class Year: 2018

I reside in Old Saybrook, CT - Presently, I am a town elected Old Saybrook Police Commissioner, to include being very active in my community- I believe in making a difference, as such I welcome the chance to serve as member of SCSU Board of Directors. While attending Southern as an adult student, I had a wonderful experience - I also furthered my opportunity within the SCSU Academic Advising Department. This clearly was where my passion for helping fellow students made a difference to me, however, most importantly to the students I served. Knowing I assisted in their college course journey was most gratifying, especially at my graduation, wherein several students thanked me for being instrumental to their personal achievement. In closing, I have three delightful children, and as of this writing, I will be a first time Grandmother any day! During my free time, you can find me enjoying outdoor activities, attending events at The Kate, and surrounding myself with the love of family and friends.

Stacey Fields

Class Year: 2005

Stacey is the current Alumni Association President and is serving in this capacity for the second year, looking to be re-elected for her second term. As President, she has prioritized engaging alumni both in and out of the state of Connecticut and increasing collaboration with the University. She has encouraged participation in and sponsorship of university events, Alumni Association donations to scholarships and support of alumni by utilizing their businesses for alumni events. She has also served on university committees and is currently on the President Community Advisory Board. Stacey began her career as a Registered Nurse at Bridgeport Hospital. She has worked in the specialties of respiratory, infection control, nurse educator, emergency medicine and primary care throughout her nursing career. Currently, she works in the Health and Wellness Center at New Haven Job Corps and part time in the emergency room at Bridgeport Hospital. She holds undergraduate degrees from Southern CT State University (SCSU) and the University of Bridgeport. In her time at Southern CT State University, she engaged in the progress of the university community by serving as the Programs Council President for two years and started a collegiate chapter of the NAACP when fellow students expressed interest in wanting one. Her long history in advocacy and service to the community continued to present day where she serves as Health Committee Chair and Fundraising Chair for the Greater New Haven NAACP. She also serves on several community advisory boards aimed at achieving equity in healthcare and research. Stacey is a native of West Haven, CT and currently resides in New Haven, CT.

Wojciech Kopczynski

Class Year: 2009

I came to the United States with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from Bialystok University of Technology in Poland which, also and foremost, gave me the aptitude of bettering myself through education. Even before I started my first major of Electrical Engineering, I had been interested in studying Economics. During preliminary meetings with directors of admissions at a few other universities and while discussing the curriculum with the director of MBA Program at Southern Connecticut State University I became very confident that the major is just right choice for me. The MBA program, because of my personality type in analyzing and calculating a variety of things and, following the engineering studies, familiarity with mathematics and a good memory to numbers, enabled additional concentration on accounting and financial courses. I completed the program rewarded with a membership in International Honor Society in Business Administration – Delta Mu Delta. Continuing my focus on financial environment after the MBA program, I studied several courses to fulfill requirements for Undergraduate Certificate in Accounting at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield. CT. These do not translate to my, so called, professional life. After so many years of sending unanswered applications, I left my just-to-have-some-income job seeing a spark of hope that didn’t work. Subsequently, I applied for a position, took required courses, was hired, worked first year as Tax Associate and second as Tax Specialist, at H&R Block

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

Barry is a transformative leader in youth development, with over 22 years of experience in youth development, program creation, engagement strategy, and relationship building. Barry 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” is a current board member, and Vice President of the Alumni Association, looking to get re-elected for a second term. 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 I am 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.