On Monday, Dec. 9 Sandy Cloud, Jr. chaired his final UConn Health Board of Directors (BOD) meeting at the 16 Munson Road Training Room in Farmington. Cloud has been at the helm of the BOD for 14 years and a board member for the last 19 years.

“I want you all to know it has been a very high honor to serve as chair of your Board. It has been quite a journey,” Cloud shared heartwarmingly at the meeting. “I am so very proud to serve as your Board Chair. This is an extraordinary Board of talented, thoughtful, and diverse people with a deep commitment to UConn Health.”

Cloud reflected on UConn Health’s unprecedented growth the last decade and the BOD’s successful efforts to help UConn Health “reach its fuller potential” sharing with them: “I did this with all of you!”

This December Cloud is one of four outgoing BOD members including Tim Holt, a member since 2010 who served as the Board’s Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Subcommittee. Other departing members of the BOD are Teresa Ressel who served 15 years on the Board, including on the Board’s Clinical Affairs Subcommittee, and Wayne Rawlins, who dedicated 12 years to the Board and its Clinical Affairs and Academic Affairs Subcommittees.

Cloud personally thanked his fellow longtime and outgoing Board Members Holt, Ressel, and Rawlins too.

“Thanks to the three of you for being part of this journey with me!” Cloud said.

Cloud first joined UConn Health’s Board of Directors as a member in 2005 and served as its Board Chair since 2011, during the transformational launch of the Bioscience Connecticut initiative. He has also served as a member of UConn’s Board of Trustees.

“We would like to sincerely thank Mr. Cloud for his service to UConn Health. UConn has had his friendship, leadership, and wisdom for 20 years,” shared Dr. Andy Agwunobi, CEO of UConn Health. “I really value Sandy. I would not be in this role as CEO of UConn Health the first time, or second time, without Sandy. No CEO could wish for a better Board Chair. Working with Sandy is a joy.”

UConn President Radenka Maric also shared, “Sandy is a special person. We are grateful. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

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Agwunobi read and presented Governor Ned Lamont’s Proclamations to each of the outgoing Board Members.

The Governor’s Proclamations shared his and the state’s deep appreciation for each of their exemplary leadership and service to the University of Connecticut. Excerpts from the Proclamations include:

“Under Mr. Cloud’s steady leadership, UConn Health experienced unprecedented growth in all areas of its mission – education, research and clinical care – and grew in prominence and recognition for patient safety, patient experience, and clinical excellence.”

“Under Mr. Holt’s stewardship, the Finance Subcommittee approved and oversaw complex budgets and strategic growth initiatives for UConn Health, and guided UConn Health through a period of unprecedented growth and development.”

“Ms. Ressel’s extensive business and leadership experience, and her participation and thoughtful engagement on the Board of Directors has benefited UConn Health tremendously, and the institution has achieved phenomenal growth in all areas of its mission during her time of service on the Board.”

“Dr. Rawlins has advocated for the needs of patients, staff, students and families, supporting initiatives that have enhanced the clinical and educational programs and services of UConn Health.”

Agwunobi concluded, “This is an amazing Board, especially the way you feel about UConn, UConn Health, and Connecticut. We want to thank you for all you have done for us.”