Connecticut Forum to Appoint Interim Executive Director
The nonprofit will appoint a co-founder as interim director as it begins a national search for a permanent successor.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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The Connecticut Forum executive director Mana Zarinejad will resign from her position effective October 29, 2026. Co-founder and former CEO Doris Sugarman will assume the role of interim executive director during the organization's 35th anniversary season.
Why it matters
Leadership transitions at long-standing nonprofits like The Connecticut Forum signal potential shifts in operational strategy and community engagement programming during milestone anniversary years. Organizations undergoing such changes often adjust their external partnerships and event management workflows to stabilize operations during a search for a permanent successor.
Mana Zarinejad concludes a 2.5-year tenure at the Hartford-based nonprofit, which is currently navigating its 35th anniversary season. The board of directors has launched a national search to fill the vacancy left by the departing executive director.
The players
The Connecticut Forum
A Hartford-based nonprofit organization currently in its 35th year of operation.
Mana Zarinejad
The outgoing executive director who served in the role for two and a half years.
Doris Sugarman
A co-founder and former CEO of the organization returning as interim executive director.
The details
The board of directors is leading a national search for a permanent leader while interim executive director Doris Sugarman oversees the remainder of the 2026-27 programming. Operational continuity remains a priority for the organization as it moves through a season that has already featured Trevor Noah, with upcoming appearances scheduled for Andrew Ross Sorkin, Chris Hayes, and Samantha Power.
Timeline
October 29, 2026: Mana Zarinejad effective resignation date.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the established industry pattern of using a co-founder to provide stability during a formal executive succession cycle. The move mirrors standard nonprofit management practices where organizations prioritize continuity during milestone anniversaries.
Local business operators should monitor the upcoming 2026-27 event schedule for potential adjustments as the organization manages its leadership transition. Evaluating how organizational changes impact event-based revenue and community programming is essential for those who partner with or sponsor large-scale public forums.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions during major anniversary milestones often require increased oversight of vendor and sponsor communications to ensure event success. Operators should track the board's permanent appointment process to identify potential shifts in the organization's long-term community outreach strategy.
Further reading
For broader insights on regional leadership shifts, explore our People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hartford Business Journal.
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