The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving announced Wednesday that West Hartford resident and former NBC Connecticut news anchor and reporter Brad Drazen has been named vice president, Communications and Marketing.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford resident Brad Drazen, who left NBC Connecticut nearly two years ago for a position at United Technologies Corporation, has been appointed vice president of Communications and Marketing at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

“I’m very excited about my new role and the opportunity to make a difference in our community,” Drazen told We-Ha.com Wednesday evening.

Drazen said that when he and his wife, Lauren, moved to the Hartford area nearly 20 years ago they immediately felt a strong sense of community and belonging.

“Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with dozens of nonprofit organizations across the region. My role at NBC provided a platform for me to interact with and get to know the wonderful people who work tirelessly to improve the lives of their neighbors and communities,” Drazen said.

“Most recently during my time at United Technologies, I have observed and experienced the remarkable impact that a thoughtful corporate citizen can have when philanthropic dollars are combined with passionate and talented volunteers. In many ways, my role with the Hartford Foundation is the culmination of the professional opportunities that I’ve been fortunate to have here in Connecticut,” said Drazen.

Drazen, a native of Binghamton, NY, has a BA in drama and English from Dartmouth College and an MBA from UCLA. He joined NBC Connecticut and moved to West Hartford in January 2000 after a two-year stint with the CBS affiliate in Traverse City, MI. He left the station in June 2017 to become associate director of Public Relations and Communications at UTC.

Drazen and his wife live in West Hartford and have three children.

Drazen has also served on the boards of multiple Hartford area nonprofits, including the Mandell JCC, Open Hearth, and has been part of Interval House’s “Men Make a Difference” campaign, and has served as an adjunct professor at both Central Connecticut State University and Eastern Connecticut State University.

“Brad is an experienced, dynamic communicator and storyteller who knows how to craft communications that engage, resonate, and catalyze action,” Hartford Foundation President Jay Williams said in a statement. “As the Foundation embarks on a new strategic direction, we are looking for more ways to tap into the talent, resources, and perspective of all residents and community partners. We are grateful to have Brad join our executive leadership team as we work toward greater racial, geographic and economic inclusion, helping to ensure Greater Hartford reaches its full potential as a vibrant, thriving and contributing force for regional and state prosperity.”

Drazen noted that the work of the Foundation is life-changing, and he is looking forward to illuminating that important work and shining light on those people who are making a difference and lifting up our communities.

“I can’t wait to get started,” Drazen said.

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