West Hartford-Based Jewish Foundation Adds 2 Trustees to Board

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford has elected business leaders Ron Cipriano and Eric Zachs to its board of trustees, adding two longtime community volunteers as the organization continues its philanthropic work across the region.

The appointments were announced July 20.

Cipriano and Zachs join the board as it oversees the foundation's efforts to build permanent charitable resources, encourage philanthropy across generations and support Jewish organizations and initiatives throughout Greater Hartford.

Located in West Hartford, the JCF serves the Jewish communities in several towns in the greater Hartford area.

"With a track record of strategic leadership, Ron and Eric are both dedicated to the long-term growth of our Jewish community," JCF Board Chairman Walter Harrison, president emeritus of the University of Hartford, said in a statement. "Their vision and expertise will position the Jewish Community Foundation for new approaches that address the challenges we are facing today and ensure a vibrant future."

Cipriano serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of NEFCO, an East Hartford-based construction supply company.

He joined the company in 2010 as director of technical sales and has since held several leadership positions, including senior vice president of operations and general counsel, helping lead the company's geographic expansion and operational growth.

His community service includes serving on the boards of Chabad House of Greater Hartford and Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford.

He also previously served as business partnership chair and a board member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford.

Cipriano earned a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Michigan and a law degree from the University of Miami. He lives in Avon with his wife, Alisha, and their three children.

Zachs is an entrepreneur who has founded and grown more than eight companies.

He is co-chairman and co-founder of Torrecom Partners LP, which develops wireless infrastructure across Latin America, and also serves as co-chairman of MCM Holdings LLC, managing partner of Communications Tower Group LLC, and a board member of Enlight, a developer of solar and battery energy storage projects in Mexico and Chile.

Earlier in his career, Zachs served as president and chief operating officer of Message Center Beepers, which the foundation described as the nation's largest privately owned paging company.

His nonprofit leadership includes serving on the board of the Root Center for Advanced Recovery.

He previously chaired the Hartford Region of Hartford HealthCare, chaired the Jewish Federation of Greater Hartford, served as president of the Mandell Jewish Community Center, and held board positions with the UConn Foundation and St. Francis Hospital Foundation.

Founded in 1972, the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Hartford manages more than $210 million in charitable assets. The foundation awarded approximately $8.5 million in grants during its fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, supporting Jewish organizations and community initiatives throughout the region.