Carlita RB Cotton, Ph.D.
Carlita RB Cotton, Ph.D., has joined the Access Board of Directors bringing expertise in Behavioral Healthcare, Veterans Advocacy, Disability Advocacy, and Education. Cotton is currently the Mansfield Town Councilor, a member and delegate of the Mansfield Democratic Town Committee, and served as Vice Chair of the Mansfield Zoning & Planning Commissioner and the Mansfield Inland Wetlands Commission from 2018-2022. When asked why she would like to become a member of the Access Board of Directors she said, “My experiences as a veteran, town councilor and educator have given me direct insight into the housing, employment, healthcare, and psychosocial needs of those living in poverty. I have spent years counseling, mentoring, advocating for educating vulnerable, struggling, protected classes, these experiences have prepared me to be able to think critically and panoramically, and work collaboratively, on team, to meet Access’ stated goals of equitable access to food, employment, and other much-needed services that helpto enhance and increase the quality of life for program participants”.
Past Featured Board Member: Joanne Todd
Joanne Todd
President/CEO of Northeast Family Federal Credit Union
Access Board of Directors Vice Chair, Joanne Todd, is the President/CEO of Northeast Family Federal Credit Union, a low-income designated credit union serving Northeast Connecticut.
Northeast Family FCU serves the needs of low-income members. “Access has been one of our community partners in helping us identify those who can use our services and we have supported Access’s programs. As the credit union works toward becoming a Community Development Credit Union, service on the Access Board will strengthen that partnership to benefit the community. I look forward to bringing my expertise in finance, governance, and development to Access”, says Joanne.
Joanne is deeply involved in the community and is the Willimantic Food Co-op’s longtime treasurer, the Highland Festival Association Treasurer and board member for over 20 years, the Scotland Public Library board member for over 20 years, on the finance committee for Horizons, corporator of Windham Hospital and more. Joanne is also one of the original board members of the American Friends of Kenya founded in 2004.
Joanne and her husband Jeff enjoy an eclectic homestead in Windham filled with the treasures from Joanne’s travels and the measure of Jeff’s many skills.
Past Featured Board Member: Christine Rosati Randall
Christine Rosati Randall
Independent Contractor for Early Childhood
Christine resides in Killingly, CT and is part of a large extended family with 8 children and 11 grandchildren. Christine has been a longtime advocate for many issues affecting her children, as well as the children and families in Northeast CT. Those advocacy efforts led her to seek a seat in the CT General Assembly. Christine served as a CT State Representative and member of the Human Services Committee from 2015-2017.
Christine is currently self-employed and conducts community outreach for a regional, local early childhood collaborative, serving seven rural Northeast CT communities. In this role, she provides support to local families, working to ensure all children, birth-age 8 are healthy, safe and successful learners. Christine also works as a liaison providing support to a local, state-funded preschool program.
Most recently, Christine has been one of the parents leading an advocacy campaign to bring a school-based mental health center into Killingly High School, at no cost to the District, which has gained state and national attention. Christine and other concerned parents and community members continue their advocacy efforts to support students’ mental health.
“What drives me is trying to bridge the gap for people…and advocate to the people that can really make the changes”. – Christine Rosati Randall
Christine has served on the Access Board of Directors for 8 years and is a former client of Access’s programs and services.
As with all Community Action Agencies, the Access Board of Directors is responsible for strategic and fiscal oversight of the organization. The Board is made up of an equal number of elected local public officials or their nominees, representatives of private businesses and/or organizations, and representatives of the low-income customers we serve.
