Diane’s career has spanned three decades as a journalist and during the past six years, as the head of the nonprofit CRIS Radio. Diane was the news editor of Education World, the managing/interim editor of he Hartford Business Journal; and a reporter for the Hartford Courant. She holds a master’s degree in Communications from the University of Hartford and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Syracuse University. In addition to working in the news media, she was an adjunct professor in communication at the University of Hartford for several years.

Scott has more than four decades of experience in the broadcasting industry and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the CRIS studios, including producing the CRISAccess Tours for museums and the CRISKids’ chapter books and children’s magazines. He feels fortunate to be able to combine his skills with those of the dedicated volunteers who read and produce the programs heard on CRIS. Scott is a graduate of Monmouth College (Illinois) and serves on the Board of Directors of the Disabilities Network of Eastern Connecticut.

Teresa has dedicated most of her career working for organizations that serve individuals who are blind or disabled. Prior to joining CRIS Radio, Teresa worked at Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation in various capacities, one of which included puppy raising many German Shepherd dogs who became guide dogs for individuals with visually impairments, changing their lives tremendously. The combination of her experience with the visually impaired community through her past roles at Fidelco makes being a part of the CRIS Radio team such a wonderful fit. She is inspired by the dedicated efforts of staff and volunteers who enhance the lives of so many. It is her belief that by working at CRIS Radio she is able to provide an enormous impact on the quality of life for people who are blind or print challenged.

Lou retired in 2009 after spending more than 45 years in the manufacturing industry. A graduate of the University of Connecticut with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, he has held positions from manager of engineering to national sales manager to managing director of a U.S. corporation for a European manufacturer. He started volunteering for CRIS Radio in 2010 and is now the organization’s outreach coordinator. In that role he is responsible for contacting, coordinating, and installing CRIS Internet radios in assisted living and long-term care facilities throughout the state of Connecticut. He also continues to serve as a volunteer reader.

Emily graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. During her time at Eastern she hosted and produced a live radio show and anchored for Eastern’s student operated television station, ETV News. After working for a local agency that provides supported living and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, Emily became determined to find a career that combined her creativity with her passion to support and advocate for people with disabilities. Emily has been with CRIS Radio since 2023. She enjoys producing segments recorded by volunteers as well as recording and producing the daily Noon Update and segments from the Magazine Rack.

Jacob is a graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a major in media studies and started working at CRIS in 2023. His interest in voicework and broadcasting led him here, and his experience in substitute teaching has helped in his work coordinating the CRISKids program.

Following her retirement from Oak Hill as Vice President for Development and Communications in 2009, Suzanne joined CRIS as a Grant Consultant. She attributes her success in increasing funds raised from grants to her belief in CRIS’ mission; to the commitment, expertise and vision of the staff; and to the extraordinary growth in programming. It is her firm belief that the services CRIS provides have a tremendous impact on the quality of life for people who are blind or print challenged.

Keith has been the friendly face of CRIS Radio for so many people since 1984.  He is the “man on the board” who makes the mornings run smoothly.

“When I was in school, I had two friends who were blind, so to have the opportunity to have a career that honors them and so many others, and to work with so many great volunteers, I can’t put into words what that has meant to me.”

Member since: 1992

Retired: Executive Director, Division of Special Revenue, State of Connecticut

“CRIS allows me to give back to the community and share my blessing with those who need a helping hand. CRIS is a well-managed community organization, which is making a difference in the lives of so many people with disabilities.  I am proud to be Chairman of such a caring, effective and dedicated group of individuals who work so hard to better the lives of so many people.”

Member since: 2003

Retired: Education Projects Coordinator, Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind, State of Connecticut

“For more than three decades I have served CRIS Radio as a program host for Insight and Focal Point and since 2003, as a member of the Board of Directors. As a person who has lived with both hearing and vision loss from an early age, I know full well the value of services provided by CRIS Radio.”

Member since: 2020
Progressive, Consultant Services

“As a CRIS radio volunteer, you feel encouraged to do much more.   CRIS is unique, inspiring, and, simply put, benevolent.  It is significant to me that CRIS has made gains to provide access in Spanish with CRIS En Español, minimizing communication barriers.  I joined the board to serve in any capacity and to promote CRIS’s mission and vision.”

Member since: February 2015

Retired, Director of Partnership Development, Klingberg Family Centers;
Former Publisher, Hartford Business Journal

“CRIS Radio is an organization that leverages the talented staff and volunteers to provide news and information to those who cannot access it. I’m jazzed every time I come away from a CRIS meeting to see the future forward thinking that is happening at CRIS. “

Member since: 2015

Sr Director, Finance
COMCAST

“The wonderful work that CRIS radio does aligns perfectly with the tenet of community service of my organization. It is my honor to have the opportunity to work with an organization that makes a difference in lives of so many people”

Member since: 2007
Retired, Legislative and Administrative Advisor, Dept. of Aging and Disability Services– BESB, State of Connecticut

“CRIS Radio is one of the best ways to serve people who are blind or print challenged. I am proud to help with our mission of keeping people connected to the world around them.”

Member since: February 2020
Retired – IBM Corporation, Global Sales and Marketing

“I have been a volunteer at CRIS for over 15 years. CRIS provides such a valuable service and has such dedicated employees and volunteers that I wanted to be a part of the bigger picture. I continue to be delighted and amazed at the myriad activities that CRIS coordinates and hope to be of service. “

Member since: 2020

UnitedHealth Group, Attorney

“I was honored to be asked to serve on CRIS’s board. CRIS uses technology in innovative ways to help people who are unable to read printed materials stay connected with current events around Connecticut and the world, but it is so much more than that. CRIS reaches beyond radio to be accessible to both Spanish- and English-speaking listeners anywhere over the internet; in healthcare facilities; in museums and other culturally significant facilities using QR codes to access narrations; and in schools helping children learn to read through guided narration. It is a privilege to help CRIS continue providing these invaluable services to the people of Connecticut and beyond.”

Member since: 2020

Account Manager, Spitfire Communications

“CRIS Radio is revolutionizing access to audio information through a growing number of nationwide partnerships and extensions, including CRISKids and CRISAccess. It is an honor for me to support CRIS Radio’s expansion beyond Connecticut as a local non-profit committed to accessibility and inclusion.”

Member since: 2008
Optometrist, TotalVision

“As a low-vision specialist I recommend CRIS Radio to my legally blind and visually impaired patients. I am privileged to be a part of an organization that expands and enhances the options for patients with reduced vision.”