Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Karla Checo, Founder, KGC Consulting, spoke with host Joan Franzino, Karla spoke about launching her firm at the start of the 2020 pandemic to help small businesses navigate complex financial reporting and payroll. She highlighted her background in construction management and credited the local Chamber of Commerce for helping her grow from a solo operation into a thriving consultancy. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Paul Lutsky, Commercial Lender, Fairfield County Bank, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Paul recounted his 15-year career journey, starting as an intern at a single-branch bank where he learned the business from the ground up. He discussed the current regional boom in commercial and mixed-use real estate and the bank's role in supporting small business owners like landscapers and restaurateurs. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Matthew Mandell, Executive Director, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce, spoke with host Joan Franzino. Matthew described his work creating "Business-to-Consumer" platforms, such as the "Slice of Saugatuck" and the annual Dog Festival, to physically bring residents into local shops. He also touched upon his run for State Representative, focusing on the need for local control over development and infrastructure. 

Westfair Communications held an awards ceremony on April 20th, 2026 to honor Fairfield County’s 2026 40 Under Forty Honorees, a distinguished group of young professionals recognized for their exceptional dedication and leadership across Fairfield County. More than just an accolade, this program serves as a powerful platform to celebrate high-caliber individuals who embody grit and a bold commitment to redefining success. By showcasing those who achieve remarkable industry milestones and inspire others with innovative ideas, the honor significantly enhances professional visibility and opens doors to future opportunities. The evening celebrated the passion and innovation of those daring enough to make a lasting impact on our community and the regional business landscape.

Fairfield County Talk Radio was there to capture the excitement. Taylor Benedict, Director of Operations, Coastal Connecticut Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, spoke with host Andrew Castellano. Taylor discussed her transition from a career in elementary education to healthcare leadership. She emphasized that her management style is rooted in building a supportive internal culture, noting that her success is defined by her team's ability to thrive. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Westchester County Legislator Terry Clements, who discussed the legislative support that fueled the YMCA's recent growth. Legiltor Clements, a former talent manager in the entertainment industry, recalls early strategy meetings with County Executive George Latimer to fund nonprofit partners that had suffered from budget deficits. She highlights the Y’s critical role as a remote learning center for essential workers during the pandemic and expresses excitement about future green space projects in New Rochelle, such as the $16 millionLINC project.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Sheriff Monte, an enrollment representative for EmblemHealth, who was on-site to help families access zero-to-low-cost health insurance. Conte, a Bronx native now living in Westchester, shares a personal connection to the New Rochelle YMCA, having played sports there as a youth. He notes the striking physical changes to the facility, particularly the newly renovated gym, and emphasizes that EmblemHealth is present at the fair to ensure residents can affordably visit primary care physicians and specialists.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Ray Hall, the Board Chair of the YMCA, reflects on his long history with the organization since moving to New Rochelle in 1977. Recently retired from a 40-year career as a supervisor at a mental health center in Washington Heights, Ray discussed the Y’s role in stress management for the community. He emphasizes the importance of sports and physical activity in providing a positive outlet for teenagers and mentions the Y's efforts to provide scholarships and discounted rates for families struggling with the high cost of housing in the city. 

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Nedavia Franco, a Pre-K instructor at the YMCA who has been teaching for five years. Franco explains that the Pre-K program focuses on "learning through play," which allows children to build foundational skills for kindergarten without feeling pressured. She highlights that the most challenging aspect of her work is helping children with "social-emotional development," teaching them how to regulate their emotions, take turns, and communicate effectively.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Lisa Teddone, the YMCA’s Chief Financial Officer. Lisa, whose own children learned to swim at the Y in the late 1990s, described how a combination of Westchester County legislative funding, city partnerships, and federal grants, including an educational grant from Congressman Jamaal Bowman, allowed for critical upgrades to the gym and pool. She passionately advocates for the Y's "deep end" philosophy, teaching children confidence and serious life skills through their high-level aquatics programs.

Westchester Talk Radio host Bob Marrone spoke with Dr. Beverly Sheppard, a retired pediatrician with 40 years of experience, discusses her role on the New Rochelle YMCA board. After retiring from her practice in Queens, Dr. Sheppard joined the YMCA to focus on her own health journey and give back to an organization that has served her family across generations.