HARTFORD, Conn. (May 15, 2023) – Kevin Collins is joining the Connecticut Health Foundation as director of grantmaking, and Tonia Douglas is the foundation’s new program officer.
Kevin Collins
Collins comes to the foundation from Health Equity Solutions, where he served as director of training and outreach, leading the organization’s educational and training programs, and overseeing community engagement and outreach. He previously served as director of the ALANA Multicultural Center at Vassar College, assistant director of the Center for College Student Success at the University of Chicago, coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Student Success at DePaul University, and coordinator of multicultural services at Sam Houston State University. He has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Illinois and a master’s degree in educational administration from Texas A&M University.
Tonia Douglas
Douglas comes to the foundation from Hartford HealthCare, where she served as quality performance improvement coordinator. She previously served as patient relations coordinator at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, and as a caseworker and constituent liaison for the office of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and taught a course on cultural diversity at Western Connecticut State University. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Saint Joseph, a master’s degree in social work from the University of Connecticut School of Social Work, and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of New Haven.
“Kevin and Tonia are wonderful additions to our grantmaking team and will be phenomenal collaborators with our grantees and partners,” Connecticut Health Foundation President and CEO Tiffany Donelson said. “Both bring strong knowledge of health equity, as well as valuable perspectives gained from working on equity issues in related fields. Kevin is an experienced facilitator and has strong and established relationships with many of the foundation’s partners. Tonia has spent years helping others access care and services and seeing how systems can be changed to better meet people’s needs. We are thrilled to have them on our team.”
“I am passionate about the work of ensuring equitable access to necessary health care resources that enable people to thrive,” Collins said. “I’m eager to continue working to influence sustainable systemic change that fosters racial equity and moves the needle on policies and practices that impact health outcomes for marginalized communities.”
“The disparities in health care are painfully obvious, and I have worked in both health care and community-based organizations to try to make a difference,” Douglas said. “In philanthropy, I look forward to the opportunity to creatively facilitate and change outcomes. I like to say I’ve never met a stranger, and I’m excited to build relationships with grantees and other partners.”
Douglas began her role at the foundation May 1, while Collins begins May 15.
In addition, Arielle Levin Becker was recently named chief of staff and director of communications. Levin Becker joined the foundation in 2017 and has served as communications director and director of communications and strategic initiatives.