Alumni Class Notes

Blaine Veldhuis '11

Blaine was named one of 27 attorneys to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Go To Lawyers for Employment Law” 2025, a peer-nominated program that honors leading lawyers in specific fields of law. For more than a decade, Blaine has guided employers through complex workplace challenges and litigation. Known for his strategic counsel, he advises on employee relations, disciplinary matters, and compliance with federal and state employment laws, while also helping businesses craft policies that minimize legal risk and foster compliant workplaces.

Blaine focuses on defending employers against wage and hour, discrimination, sexual harassment, failure to accommodate, and whistleblower claims, as well as handling commercial and general employment litigation. He has extensive experience representing defendants and respondents in administrative complaints and governmental investigations, including audits and investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor, Michigan Wage and Hour Division, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Michigan Department of Civil Rights, National Labor Relations Board, and the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.

In addition, Blaine has been recognized over multiple years by respected legal publications for his experience in labor and employment law, as well as for his work in commercial litigation.

Alison Boober '16

Alison is the CEO and Founder of Boober Company - Innovations Hub. Within this company, their interests include Quantum Tech, AI, ML, Aerospace, Automotive, Language Learning, Writing, Community Fridge Promoting, etc. The company focuses on driving innovation in the automotive and Electric Vehicle industries, working on high-speed designs and advanced engineered systems.

Kayla Miller '16

Kayla was elected as a Member-At-Large for The Forum on Physics and Society Executive Committee. The FPS is a forum of the American Physical Society, organized in 1971 to address issues related to the interface of physics and society as a whole and is the first and oldest forum established by the American Physical Society.

Dinakar Sol '17

Dinakar has joined Coalition Insurance as an Executive Production Underwriter for the Western Region. He will provide underwriting and strategic consulting support to middle-market and large enterprises, specializing in cyber insurance and security controls.

Rashad Frett ’09

Rashad Frett continues to make waves in film. In 2025, he earned the prestigious Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival for his feature film Ricky, which he both wrote and directed. Set and filmed primarily in Hartford and surrounding Connecticut communities, Ricky offers a powerful, human exploration of life after incarceration and received widespread critical acclaim following its Sundance premiere.

The film was also highlighted by FunTimes Magazine as one of the “Top 5 Must-Watch Black Movies of 2025,” further spotlighting Frett’s voice in contemporary storytelling and the broader cinematic landscape. A Hartford native, Rashad’s success brings deserved national attention to his home state and underscores his commitment to authentic, socially resonant narratives.

With roots in documentary and narrative film, Rashad has built a dynamic career grounded in impactful storytelling. His ongoing achievements exemplify the influence Central alumni are having in arts and culture.

Kaylah Milligan '12

Congratulations to Kaylah Milligan who has recently been named President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain. Kaylah has spent her entire professional career with the Foundation, most recently serving as Director of Philanthropy. Over the years, she has held several leadership roles focused on development, community response, and donor engagement. In her new role, she will lead the Foundation’s strategic vision and oversee philanthropic initiatives serving the Greater New Britain region.

Kayla Murphy '18

Kayla Murphy has published her first book, Abandoned Connecticut, a photography-driven exploration of forgotten and decaying sites across the state. This project grew by years of exploring abandoned locations throughout Connecticut, beginning in 2020 when the pandemic sparked a deeper interest in local and alternative travel for Kayla. The book features more than 20 unique locations, blending history, mystery, and visual storytelling. Abandoned Connecticut recently became the #1 best-selling book in Connecticut Travel and ranked among the Top 10 travel books in New England! The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon.

Megan Clark Torrey ’96, M’08

Megan Clark Torrey was the keynote speaker at the Winter Commencement ceremony held in December and shared her wisdom with the graduates "The degree you are receiving is not just a symbol of your hard work. It is your foundation—your credibility, your expertise, and your launchpad. It gives you both the knowledge and the wisdom to go into the world and create change. Every one of you has that power." Megan is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Affairs Council of Connecticut, where she leads programming that strengthens public understanding of global issues. She has been with the organization since 2003 and has played a key role in expanding its educational and civic impact across the state. Earlier in her career, Megan worked internationally with UNESCO’s International Year for the Culture of Peace in Paris and the United Nations International Training and Research Institute for the Advancement of Women.

Behrooz Badii ’03

Behrooz Badii ’03 has built an impressive career across some of the world’s leading tech companies. He began as a Software Engineer at YellowJacket and CapitalStar Systems before moving into an Associate role at Morgan Stanley. From there, Behrooz advanced into high-impact engineering positions at Twitter and Uber, later joining Google as an Engineering Manager for several Google Docs teams, where he helped drive key product improvements. He has also served as an advisor to tech startups Pixie and Torq. Behrooz went on to become a Director of Engineering at Lyft, leading major initiatives and supporting the company’s NYC office. As of 2023, he serves as Director of Engineering at Airbnb.

Mike Makoski ’03

Mike Makoski ’03 has joined Coole Insight as the Associate for International & UK Development (United States). Mike is a seasoned higher education leader with more than 15 years of experience in student engagement, event management, and campus operations. He has held roles at Smith College, the University of Massachusetts Lowell, Fitchburg State University, and William & Mary, and currently serves as the Student Involvement Coordinator for ACUI Region VIII. Mike is known for bringing creativity, compassion, and strategic insight to his work, helping institutions build inclusive, community-centered environments where students thrive!

Ralph Anderson ’05

Ralph Anderson ’05 brings over 20 years of experience in public accounting, specializing in tax compliance, planning, and consulting. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to provide guidance on federal, state, and local tax matters. Ralph serves clients across a wide range of industries, including medical and dental practices, real estate, private equity, continuing care retirement communities, and law firms, as well as closely held businesses and high-net-worth individuals. He is also a contributor to Connecticut Magazine, a frequent lecturer on tax law updates, and an active member of the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, where he has organized the Federal Tax Forum.

Steve Green ’09

Steve Green ’09 has taken a leadership role as Executive Director of Retina Strategy & Business Development at ANI Pharmaceuticals. His work focuses on the rare-disease space, particularly in ophthalmology and retina-related therapies, with deep expertise in sales and launch excellence for biologics, medical devices and rare-disease treatments. Prior to this role, Steve served as Vice President of Ophthalmology Sales at ANI Pharmaceuticals, building and directing commercial strategy for retina markets. His career reflects a strong dedication to advancing treatments in underserved areas of vision care and bringing new innovations from development into the marketplace.

Vivian Pereda '18

Vivian Pereda ’18 was recognized in 2025 as one of Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty honorees for her leadership as Director of CampusCare Operations at Hartford HealthCare. She oversees student health, counseling, and sports medicine services across seven Connecticut college campuses, improving access to care and wellness outcomes for thousands of students each year.

Jacquelyn DeNicola Rose '09

Jacquelyn DeNicola Rose ’09 was recognized in 2025 as one of Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty honorees for her leadership as Executive Director of ALS United Connecticut. Since taking on the role, she has strengthened organizational operations, expanded local programs, and advanced the mission to support individuals and families affected by ALS across the state.

April Norman '21

April Norman ’21 was recognized in 2025 as one of Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty honorees for her achievements as Director of Construction for Comcast’s New England Region. She manages large-scale infrastructure and network expansion projects across six states, championing innovation and representation in a traditionally male-dominated field.

Todd Jones '08

Todd Jones '08 published Plainville, Connecticut: A History (Arcadia) in May 2025. He holds degrees in History and Public History from Central and currently works in the Historic Preservation Office in Washington, D.C. The Historic Preservation Office is responsible for the planning, protection, and public outreach of the District's historic and cultural resources.

Corrianne Gagliardi Chipello '13

Corrianne Gagliardi Chipello '13 was recognized in 2025 as one of Hartford Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty honorees for her leadership as Executive Director & CEO of Hartford’s Camp Courant. Since 2020, she has guided the organization’s mission by expanding programs, leading successful fundraising initiatives, and ensuring access to enriching summer experiences for Hartford youth. Read more here

Robert “Robb” Warner '78

Robert “Robb” Warner '78 was elected commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 17 in Manchester, CT. An Air Force veteran who served in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Robb has been an active member of the veteran community for decades - he is a 45-year member of the American Legion and a former commander of Hebron’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Veterans (AMVETS). He has also served his hometown as first selectman, tax collector, and secretary of the Conservation and Wetlands Commission.

Ron Luneau '89

Ron Luneau '89 has served on the Southern Connecticut Diamond Club Executive Board for 16 years. A longtime coach in the greater New Haven area, he has led both football and baseball programs for more than three decades, including head baseball coaching roles at Derby High School (1997–2003) and West Haven High School (2015–2022).

Garrett Walker '07

Garrett Walker '07 earned 12 varsity letters and six All-SWC honors in football, basketball and baseball at Foran High of Milford. He was twice all-state in baseball while playing for his father, Ken. Now the Lions’ football and baseball coach, he led Foran to the 2017 CIAC Class L championship.