Emeritus Circle Engages Board, Past and Present

Board members from the past three decades reconnected with each other at The Foundation’s launch of its new Emeritus Circle.

November 21, 2025
Two older men wearing name tags smile at the camera at an indoor social event. Other people mingle in the background. Colorful abstract art hangs on the walls behind them.
John Padilla (who served on the board from 1994 to 2000) and Andy Eder (on the current board) joined fellow Community Foundation board members past and present for the Emeritus Circle launch event in November. Photo Judy Sirota Rosenthal

Board members from the past three decades reconnected with each other at The Foundation’s launch of its new Emeritus Circle. The Emeritus Circle honors the lasting contributions of past board leaders while activating their wisdom and continued commitment to justice and community impact. 

The initiative is designed to engage the group as trusted advisors, community ambassadors and philanthropic champions. President & CEO Karen DuBois-Walton and Senior Vice President of Development Walter Woods hosted the launch event at Zinc in New Haven.

“It was invigorating to share in the histories and contributions of Board members past and present and to unite in our support of the vision and leadership of this institution and the communities it serves,” said Khalilah Brown-Dean, former board chair. 

A circular logo with a stylized tree in the center. Around the tree, the text reads “EMERITUS CIRCLE” at the top and “THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION” at the bottom.

Honoring the lasting contributions of past board leaders, and activating their wisdom and continued commitment to justice and community impact. 

Four pages of a community newsletter titled “CONNECTIONS” are spread out. The pages feature articles, photos of people at events, and colorful section headers on topics like opportunity, equity, leadership, and health.

This story is part of The Community Foundation newsletter, Connections - No. 3, 2025.