MEDIA RELEASE: First Night Hartford Celebrates a Revitalized Board of Directors, Welcoming New Leaders and Renewed Energy
HARTFORD, CT — June 2025 — First Night Hartford, Inc., the independent nonprofit organization behind two of the city’s most cherished community traditions—First Night Hartford and Hartford Bonanza—is proud to announce an exciting evolution in its Board of Directors. In the past year, the organization has welcomed dynamic new leaders and deepened its bench of community-minded professionals, bringing expanded expertise, diverse perspectives, and renewed commitment to Hartford’s cultural vitality.
Newly appointed board members in 2025 are:
Chevon Reid, events manager at CT FoodShare and long-time events professional; serving as Board Secretary.
Jonathan Aidukonis, manager of client services, partnerships & business development at The Recording Academy, bringing national creative industry insight.
DeVaughn Ward, correction ombudsman for the State of Connecticut and dedicated Hartford advocate.
Joining in late 2024 were:
Luis Porter-Rodriguez, Hartford-based network relationship professional with CT Foodshare.
Mariam Brookes, director of operations at Collins Aerospace (RTX), bringing experience in operational leadership and corporate strategy.
Janice Castle, community engagement consultant, former director of the Office of Communication at the City of Hartford, bringing a wealth of community leadership and experience.
This new class of directors joins an impressive cohort of returning board members:
Marian Andoh Clarke (since 2021), director of small business development at the Hartford Chamber of Commerce and COO at Vance Hall LLC; serving as Board President.
Joel M. Kleinman (since 1990), retired AVP at The Hartford; serving as Board Treasurer.
Mallory Mason (since 2020), partner at Subculture Systems.
Michael McGarry (since 2000), publisher at Southside Media & Hartford Publications.
Guided by this all-volunteer Board of Directors, First Night Hartford, Inc. operates independently, raising the funds and managing the logistics behind First Night Hartford, the region’s largest and longest-running New Year’s Eve celebration, and Hartford Bonanza, a beloved Independence Day festival in Bushnell Park.
“We are thrilled to welcome this new generation of leaders to our board,” said Board President Marian Andoh Clarke. “Their fresh ideas and deep ties to the region will help us grow our impact and ensure our events reflect and celebrate the full vibrancy of Hartford.”
With a new era of leadership and community energy, First Night Hartford is poised to elevate its programming, partnerships, and citywide celebration of art, culture, and community togetherness.
About First Night Hartford, Inc.
First Night Hartford, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1989, independently produces two beloved community celebrations in Bushnell Park with art, music, food, and fireworks--First Night Hartford (New Year's Eve tradition) & Hartford Bonanza (Independence Day Weekend festival)--that showcase our capital city's arts and cultural ecosystem and promote civic joy, social cohesion, and community pride. These inclusive annual gatherings bring together thousands of Hartford residents and visitors of all ages in our downtown public park for shared creative and cultural experiences.