Meet Our 2026 Cohort

Local leaders from several town commissions and departments will work together to reinvigorate the main street area with new messaging that tackles misconceptions about the downtown.

Team members:

• Daniel Batt, Chair, Design Advisory Board
• Zoe Chatfield, Zoning Enforcement Officer
• Stacie DiNello, Chair, Economic Development Commission
• Sage Novak, Owner of Anchor & Compass and Compass Rose
• Daniel Smith, Commissioner, Planning & Zoning

A team comprised of members from the Town, Chamber of Commerce, and cultural institutions will work with key stakeholders to increase awareness, foot traffic, and economic activity for the newly established downtown Cultural District.

Team members:

• Beverly Balaz, Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President
• Mark Barnhart, Fairfield Director of Community & Economic Development
• Michelle Cheng, Deputy Director for Programs, Fairfield Museum & History Center
• Katie Lang, Manager of Engagement Initiatives, Quick Center for the Arts
• Mary Alice Limperopulos, Marketing & Business Development Manager, Fairfield Office of Community & Economic Development
• Matt Oestreicher, Executive Director, SHU Community Theatre

The team of city and cultural organization leaders will create a plan to revitalize and increase the vibrancy of the North End, while transforming city lots into spaces that support Hispanic businesses, celebrate culture, and connect the North End with downtown.

Team members:

• Lynn Farley, President, Preservation Torrington
• Richard Lopez, Jr., Board Member, Torrington Cultural District; City of Torrington
• Michael Menard, Executive Director, The Arc of Litchfield County
• Michelle Perregaux, Owner, Rays Service
• William Wallach, Torrington Economic Development Director

Municipal staff, commission members, stakeholders, and residents will focus on changing negative perceptions of the downtown being unsafe and unclean that is hindering visitors and business growth.

• Team members:
• Annie Geitner, Town of Vernon employee / Cultural District Advisory Board Member
• Shaun Gately, Vernon Director of Development Services
• John Kleinhans, Vernon Town Administrator
• Rene Lambert, Opportunity Works CT – Executive Director; Cultural District Advisor Board Member
• Jessica Mattson, Owner, Get Fresh Landromat; Brand & Marketing Manager – Swiss Cleaners & Uniform Services
• Terilynn Rogers, Town Council, Vernon Community Network 

The team includes local stakeholders from a variety of community groups and will investigate ways to improve the illumination of two town-owned park properties to enhance the existing buildings, monuments, public trees and art.

Team members:

• Dennis Allen, Chair, Tree Lighting Committee
• Darlene Briggs, Westbrook Economic Development Commission
• Marcy Fuller, Westbrook Historical Society; Town of Westbrook – Town Center Revitalization Committee
• Peter Gillespie, Westbrook Planning, Zoning and Development Director
• Abby McVerry, Westbrook Town Planner
• Meri Wick, Westbrook Town Center Revitalization Committee

The members of all five teams gathered in downtown Wallingford in early January to kick-off the 2026 Accelerator Cohort.