News & Media

Meet the Newest Members of the Special Olympics Connecticut Staff! 

Charlie McLaughlin is Special Olympics Connecticut's new Chief Administrative Officer.

Charlie is a proven operations executive with 30 years of experience leading financial services including Property Casualty, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management, and Claims.  He brings an exceptional track record driving operational transformation to deliver end-to-end sustainable improvement. 

His areas of expertise include creating a shared vision across key stakeholders and business partners, and developing effective strategic plans, work processes and a supporting playbook for success founded on data-driven decision making and a people-first mindset.  

Charlie joined the Special Olympics Connecticut (SOCT) Board of Directors in August of 2019, served as Vice Chair from January 2023 through December 2024, and was Board Chair from January 2025 through March 2026. 

“I’ve been fortunate to see SOCT's dedicated staff, exceptional leadership, and community impact firsthand as a volunteer and Board Member for the past eight years.  I am thrilled to join the organization to help lead and support the Special Olympics mission of providing nearly 14,000 athletes and Unified Sports® partners with opportunities to train and compete in sports; develop confidence, friendships, and life skills; adopt a healthy lifestyle, and inspire inclusion for people of all abilities,” he said. 

Nicole Downes, Special Olympics Connecticut's new Chief Financial Officer, is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations operate more effectively and sustainably. 

Nicole brings over 15 years of experience in non-profit and healthcare finance, she specializes in building strong financial infrastructures, improving transparency, and partnering across teams to support strategic decision-making. She brings a holistic leadership approach, overseeing finance, IT, and HR functions while aligning financial strategy with organizational mission and impact. 

Nicole is known for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to translate complex financial data into meaningful insights that drive impact.

In addition to her executive leadership, she serves as an adjunct professor of accounting, where she enjoys mentoring the next generation of finance professionals and bringing real-world perspective into the classroom. 

Jonaya-Mone Afful, MPH is Special Olympics Connecticut's new Senior Coordinator, Health & Wellness. She has clinical experience and has worked with individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Jonaya has a background in public health, community-based, and crisis support settings. In her work, she's helped individuals and families navigate services and access resources.

Jonaya is passionate about advancing inclusive health initiatives and building partnerships that support the well-being of athletes and their families, and looks forward to contributing to the growth of SOCT's health and wellness programming.

Outside of work, she's a wife and proud mom to a one-year-old daughter. She's also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and in her free time, enjoys reading and watching anything paranormal.

Justine Hillman is Special Olympics Connecticut's new Coordinator, Finance & Administration. She brings a background that’s a little bit of everything — a business degree majoring in financial mathematics, years of experience in administrative operations, community organizing, and years of hands-on volunteer work right here in Connecticut.

Originally from Sydney, Australia, Justine settled in Cheshire, CT and quickly got involved in the local community — from supporting classrooms at Chapman Elementary to coordinating events with the Cheshire Junior Women’s Association. Justine is genuinely curious about people — always asking questions, always looking for ways to help before you even know you need it. She's warm, grounded, and has a quiet way of making the people around her feel supported.

Outside of work, Justine is a proud wife and mother, encouraging her children to make a positive difference in this world. She is an avid gardener and has secret talent for designing beautiful spaces. 

Alexis  Szymecki has joined the Special Olympics Connecticut Development Team as Development Assistant. She brings a background in collegiate recreation and student affairs, with a focus on building inclusive programs, supporting student engagement, and creating spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Through her work with campus recreation and club sports, she has developed a strong appreciation for how access to programs and resources can shape meaningful experiences and long-term success. 

Alexis is especially motivated by the opportunity to support the mission of Special Olympics through development efforts that strengthen community connections and expand opportunities for athletes.

Outside of work, Alexis enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying creative through different hobbies, and being outside tending to her garden.

Carli Michaud has joined the Special Olympics Connecticut Special Events Team as Coordinator, Special Events. She brings a background in communications, event management, and marketing, with experience focused on client relationship management, organizing community-centered events, and supporting creative campaigns that build awareness, engagement, and meaningful connections. 

Carli is passionate about the transformative effect of inclusion on wellbeing and the importance of building spaces where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Carli is especially looking forward to learning from the Special Events team and supporting Special Olympics through meaningful event initiatives that amplify and celebrate the mission of Special Olympics.

Outside of work, Carli enjoys spending time with friends, visiting Newport, RI with her family, and playing golf.