News & Media

We're pleased and proud to announce that Lisa Kovlakas is our new Special Olympics Connecticut Board of Directors Chair, effective April 1st.

Lisa is a corporate citizenship leader at ESPN, where she leads strategic partnerships that use the power of sport to drive social impact while strengthening ESPN’s brand. Her work spans content integration, fundraising, grants, and event activation, including oversight of ESPN’s partnerships with the V Foundation for Cancer Research, Special Olympics, veterans initiatives, and Disney Children’s Hospitals and wish‑granting efforts - and helping raise over $278 million for cancer research.

With over 42 years at ESPN, Lisa has volunteered with Special Olympics for nearly 40 years and has played a significant role in unified sports, broadcast partnerships, and local program development.

She is a recipient of the Unsung Hero Award and the Special Olympics Connecticut President’s Award and is a member of the Shriver Society.

Catherine Kortlandt of Linde - also a veteran leader and longtime Board Member - has been appointed Board Vice Chair. Tizziana (Tizz) Fusco Weber of Pratt & Whitney - RTX, a volunteer for over 40 years and this year's recipient of our Susan Saint James Leadership Award, will serve as Board Secretary. 

We are immensely grateful for the dedication, expertise, and leadership Lisa, Catherine, and Tizz will continue to bring to our organization.