DERBY — The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) today announced the election of five new members to its Board of Directors: Drew Baklik, Gail Catlin, Judith Corprew, Silvia Paytas, and Dave Rifkin.
These accomplished community leaders bring a wide range of professional expertise, civic engagement, and deep personal commitment to the Valley’s five towns: Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton.
“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome such an outstanding group of new directors to the VCF family,” Closius said. “Each of these individuals brings unique experience, perspective, and energy to our Board, and all share a deep commitment to strengthening the Valley. Their leadership will be invaluable as we continue to grow our impact and look ahead to VCF’s next 25 years.”
Drew Baklik, a Derby native and 2000 graduate of Derby High School, brings deep municipal, regional, and economic development experience to the Board. He currently serves as Director of Municipal Affairs for the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments, where his work includes economic development initiatives, shared services among municipalities, emergency management coordination, and legislative advocacy. Drew previously served as Chief of Staff and Director of Operations for the City of Derby from 2017 to 2020, following an 18-year career in the restaurant industry. A graduate of the University of Connecticut (magna cum laude) with post-graduate studies at Southern Connecticut State University, Drew is also a Certified Municipal Official through CCM and serves on the Board of Corporators for Griffin Hospital.
Gail Catlin, of Seymour, brings decades of experience in education, community engagement, and nonprofit service. Since 2001, she has served as a Senior Community Counselor for Au Pair in America, a division of the American Institute for Foreign Study, where she supports international au pairs and host families throughout New Haven and lower Fairfield counties. Her work includes family screening, program support, regulatory reporting, and community outreach. Gail also previously worked as an Intervention Specialist for Seymour Public Schools, helping improve literacy and math outcomes for elementary students, and as a Loaned Executive with Valley United Way, supporting fundraising efforts for local nonprofits. Earlier in her career, she served in leadership and marketing roles with Tele-Media Cable Company in Seymour.
Judith Corprew, who lives in Oxford, is President & Chief Executive Officer of New Haven Bank. She has more than 40 years of community banking experience with deep expertise in credit, risk management, compliance, lending, and corporate governance. Known for her leadership in financial literacy and community partnership initiatives, Judith has spearheaded innovative programs to support underbanked families, housing down payment assistance, and women-owned businesses across Connecticut. She currently serves as President of the Housatonic Community College Foundation and is active with numerous professional and civic organizations, including the American Bankers Association, Black Women on Boards, The Links, Incorporated, and the Women’s Business Development Council. Corprew also holds a special dual co-terminus appointment, serving on both the VCF Board and the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Board.
Silvia Paytas is a bilingual professional, advocate, and long-time Ansonia resident with more than a decade of experience in case management, administration, and community-based support. Since 2021, she has served as the Bilingual Direct Services In-take Assistant at The Center for Family Justice in Bridgeport, where she provides trauma-informed care to survivors and supports multidisciplinary teams within the Children’s Advocacy Center.
In 2024, Silvia was appointed Director of VOICES, a leadership committee of survivor volunteers dedicated to advocacy, education, and strengthening Family Justice Center programs. Previously, she spent over 10 years at TEAM, Inc., supporting executive leadership, coordinating events, fundraising and managing volunteers. Her work has been recognized with the 2023 Carol Roberto Employee of the Year Award. Her dedication to the community and lasting impact were also honored with Griffin Hospital’s 2018 Women Making a Difference in the Valley Award.
Dave Rifkin is a travel industry veteran with more than 40 years of experience and a long history of philanthropic leadership. He grew up in the family business, Rifkin Travel, in Derby, which later moved to Ansonia. Dave was the SVP of Corporate Sales for Adelman Travel Group following a merger in 2003. Dave, who resides in Woodbridge, has worked extensively in the U.S. and Europe, helping design and implement innovative travel management solutions and technologies, and later became President and CEO of eGlobalfares. A graduate of Bucknell University, Dave has served on numerous Valley nonprofit boards in executive roles and is widely recognized for his community involvement.
In addition to welcoming new members, VCF expressed deep gratitude to Christopher Grizzle and Terry Jones for their years of dedicated service to the Board. In December, both completed full seven-year terms on the Board. Jones was also the prior co-terminus appointee to both the VCF and CFGNH boards.
“Chris and Terry have been extraordinary ambassadors for the Valley Community Foundation,” Closius said. “They each brought their own talents, perspectives, and passion to our work, and their contributions have helped strengthen VCF at a pivotal time in our growth. We are a better organization because of their leadership, their generosity of time, and their unwavering commitment to the Valley.”
The five new board members join the 10 current board members serving staggered 7-year terms. The 10 other board members are: Tammy Burrell; Karen DuBois-Walton; Mark Goumas; Bevon McLean; Ned Miller; Aleta Miner; Ray Oppel; Greg Pepe; Patricia Tarasovic; and Nancy Valentine.
VCF also announced new leadership roles on its Board of Directors. Miner, the former vice chair, was selected by the Board to serve as Chair, and Goumas was selected to serve as Vice Chair.
“At its core, VCF is powered by volunteers — people who care deeply about their communities and are willing to step forward to lead,” Miner said. “We are profoundly grateful to Chris and Terry for their years of service, and we are excited to build on their legacy with our new Board members.”