Gov. Dannel P. Malloy named Elease E. Wright of Hartford on Friday to serve on the Board of Regents for Higher Education, the oversight panel for the state’s merged public college system.
“Elease has a tremendous amount of experience, having spent a large portion of her career with one of Connecticut’s largest private-sector employers,” Malloy said. “Her addition on the Board of Regents will benefit our state higher education system’s efforts to connect with important economic sectors and strengthen its focus on preparing our students to have a competitive edge in the global workforce.”
Wright has more than 25 years of experience in business management and human resource positions. She most recently served as senior vice president of human resources for Aetna Inc. until her retirement in 2012.
According to the governor’s office, Wright was instrumental in attracting key talent during Aetna’s transition from broad-based insurer to a leader in health care coverage.
“It is a privilege and an honor to join the Board of Regents and to support its vision to increase the number of students completing college and having rewarding academic experiences,” Wright said. “As a long standing member of this community, I am very much looking forward to being a part of this important organization.”
Wright will fill a seat on the board that was previously held by René Lerer.
The Board of Regents for Higher Education governs seventeen Connecticut state colleges and universities, including four state universities, 12 community colleges, and Charter Oak State College, Connecticut’s only public, online institution.