Skinner, a nurse midwife, is a graduate of Rice University with a BA in philosophy and managerial studies. She holds an MSN from the Yale School of Nursing and an MBA from the Yale School of Management. Skinner spent ten years in clinical practice as a nurse midwife, serving for four years as the Chair of the Connecticut Chapter of the American College of Nurse Midwives. During her tenure, she led a major legislative effort that ensured increased access to care for women in Connecticut, expanded the scope of practice for nurse midwives, and provided liability protection for collaborating physicians.

Skinner has also worked as a consultant with the Chartis Group, and as Executive Director of Clinical Integration and Population Health for Yale New Haven Health System. Prior to joining PPSNE, Amanda was Vice President and General Manager, Managed Value and Risk Analytics at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, leading a technology-enabled health services business.

Dan was nominated by Governor Ned Lamont as Commissioner of DECD in November 2023. He has served as the State of Connecticut’s first Chief Innovation Officer since July 2023, and will continue in this additional role until a successor is found. Dan serves as a passionate advocate for the economy and communities throughout Connecticut, focusing on economic growth, workforce development, vibrant communities and job creation. 

Prior to entering public service, Dan was a technology investor for 25 years, investing in high growth, innovative companies in the software, consumer and fintech markets, companies that went on to create tens of thousands of jobs. 

Dan also serves as a Board Member and Chairperson Emeritus of The Opportunity Network (www.OppNet.org), an education and career-skills focused non-profit reaching over 40,000 high-potential students from historically marginalized communities. Dan holds an MBA with High Distinction (Baker Scholar) from Harvard Business School, where he served as President of its Alumni Board, and an AB from Brown University, where he serves on its President’s Leadership Council.

Maggie’s career began as a foreign service officer for the U.S. State Department where she served on the Executive Secretariat to Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. She later assisted Ambassador Martin S. Indyk at the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv, Israel. She was also assigned to the U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai, India. She learned Arabic as a Fulbright scholar in Damascus, Syria.

From 2009-2019, Maggie was the founding Executive Director of Qatar Foundation International (QFI) based in Washington, D.C. Prior to joining QFI, Maggie was Regional Director at International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), a leading democracy and governance NGO. She supported and developed programs in Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, she was charged with drafting op-eds that appeared in influential publications, including the Washington Post, International Herald Tribune, and The New Yorker.

More recently, Maggie has had stints with organizations serving the needs of refugees, including Lutheran Immigrant & Refugee Services (LIRS), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) of Tunisia, where she led a team dedicated to improving the inclusivity and representation of citizens within that country’s governance. She and her small band of rescued Tunisian street dogs are currently adjusting to the snow in her new hometown
of East Haddam, CT.

Dan Barrett is the American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut’s legal director. His interests in the law include anonymous speech, freedom of movement, mass surveillance, and maximizing democratic control of government through open courts and open records.

Prior to coming to the ACLU of Connecticut, Dan directed the litigation at the ACLU of Vermont for seven years and clerked for the Hon. Janet Bond Arterton of the United States District Court for the District of Connecticut.

Sarah Fox is a recognized leader in advancing statewide strategies to prevent and solve homelessness. With over a decade of experience in public policy and coalition-building, Sarah has been instrumental in developing housing solutions for vulnerable populations.

During her 12 years at CCEH, she has spearheaded advocacy initiatives and enhanced access to critical resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Connecticut has made significant strides in ending veteran, chronic, and family homelessness. Sarah’s vision is rooted in the belief that everyone in Connecticut deserves the opportunity to thrive and have a roof over their head.

Karen DuBois-Walton, Ph.D. is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and equitable development. With a distinguished career spanning the realms of academia, public service, and non-profit and philanthropic leadership, she has emerged as a tireless champion for equity, social justice, access and opportunity.

Throughout her career, she has held various executive leadership positions, leveraging her expertise to drive positive change. As the President of Elm City Communities/Housing Authority of the City of New Haven, she has spearheaded initiatives to address systemic inequities in housing and community development, education and economic access and opportunity. Overseeing a team of 150, an annual budget in excess of $130 M and assets in excess of $800 M, her collaborative approach and strategic vision have created transformational change and impact and earned her respect from colleagues, stakeholders, and community members alike.

She holds advanced degrees in clinical psychology, complemented by a wealth of hands-on experience in government, non-profit and philanthropy. Her academic background, combined with her passion for social justice, informs her advocacy efforts and shapes her innovative solutions to complex societal challenges.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. DuBois-Walton is actively engaged in community building, advocacy and civic leadership. She is a vocal advocate for marginalized communities, working tirelessly to amplify their voices and address the structural barriers they face and to build a more inclusive and just society. She serves as Chair of the Board of the Melville Charitable Trust, overseeing a $130 M asset base and directing program and mission-related investments toward addressing the root causes of the crisis of homelessness.  Additionally, she is the immediate Past Chair of the CT State Board of Education and serves as a member of other local boards and commissions.

Dr. DuBois-Walton’s leadership has garnered recognition and accolades from peers and organizations across the country. She earned her BA from Yale University and a MA and Ph.D. from Boston University.  She resides in New Haven with her family.