The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Kevin Reich of East Hampton to chair 2017-18 campaign
MIDDLETOWN » As we get ready for our 2017-2018 Middlesex United Way campaign, I am pleased to announce that we have selected Kevin M. Reich, retired assistant superintendent of East Hampton Public Schools, to take on the exciting role of campaign chairman.
A longtime supporter of United Way and of Middlesex County nonprofits, Reich is already hard at work sharing the United Way mission and the importance of investing in the future of Middlesex County. He is focused on increasing participation in the campaign this year, especially among school districts in Middlesex County.
If I had to describe Kevin in just one word, I would use commitment. Kevin has dedicated his life to working within our community and his resume goes to show that. Kevin was an elementary education teacher for 11 years, before serving as director of curriculum and administrative services for 23 more. Kevin then went on serving as a business manager, then worked tirelessly as assistant superintendent.
In Kevin’s resignation letter after 39 years of service, he finished with: “(I hope to) offer my time and talents in any way possible to a community that I have come to love and call home.” Kevin is certainly a man of his word by taking on this challenge as campaign chairman.
He has a bachelor of science degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in administration from Central Connecticut State University. He also earned a sixth-year diploma in educational administration from the University of Connecticut.
Reich lives in East Hampton with his son Matthew and has already served on the Middlesex United Way board for the past four years. Kevin is a longtime member of East Hampton Rotary, now serving as president, serves on the finance board for St. Patrick Church in East Hampton, cochairs the Flags Over East Hampton Committee and is vice chairperson of the East Hampton Town Council. He is past chair of the East Hampton Cemetery Board.
“As a child, I fondly remember how United Way supported the boy’s club in my neighborhood, and how over the years it has provided support to neighbors and community members who were in need,” Reich said.
Also aiding in the success of the upcoming campaign are the top leadership volunteers making up the 2017-18 Campaign Cabinet. This year’s council will include Kandyce Aust, MARC: Community Resources; Harry Eben Burr, Brown and Brown Insurance; Lisa Dematteis, The Connection; Kevin Harris, Edward Jones; Leslie McKillip, Liberty Bank; Kathy Richards, Henkels & McCoy Inc.; and Paul K. Smith, superintendent of East Hampton Schools.
The primary goals of the cabinet are to serve as the leaders of the Middlesex United Ways fundraising efforts by developing new strategies, reviewing the campaign progress and monitoring the results of the campaign.
Middlesex United Way is a locally based organization dedicated to strengthening lives, helping people and improving community conditions in Middlesex County. Our focus is on education, income, health and housing —the building blocks for a good quality of life. Middlesex United Way serves the towns of Chester, Clinton, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Killingworth, Middlefield, Middletown, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.
Thank you to all of you who are volunteering for the campaign and the thousands of you who contribute. It’s truly something to see our community come together to support each other.