Our Staff

AT A GLANCE

Things I Can Help You With:

• Advise Connecticut leaders on the philanthropic and nonprofit landscapes, trends, and opportunities for increased impact. 
• Engage Connecticut philanthropy and partners in efforts to advance equity in programs and policy for a just and thriving Connecticut.
• Facilitate convenings and collaborations within the Connecticut philanthropic sector.
• Promote understanding, relationship development, and collaboration among philanthropic and government leaders.
• Serve as a trusted source of data, information, and dialogue about programs, policy, and the state of philanthropy in Connecticut.  

BIOGRAPHY

Karla Fortunato is the president of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and a champion for the philanthropic sector. She has decades of experience in philanthropy, funder collaboration, systems change, public policy, and organizational development.

Prior to joining the Council in 2017, Karla served as director of the Health and Environmental Funders Network (HEFN) where she mobilized philanthropy nationally around solutions to environmental health and justice problems. Before that, she led policy research, communications, and campaigns for Health Care For All, a Massachusetts-based advocacy group best known for the passage of the 2006 health care insurance reform law. She served on the Health Leadership Circle of MomentUs, a national campaign for climate change solutions, and as a member of the Serving Communities Committee of the National Conversation on Public Health and Chemical Exposures. She currently serves on the State of Connecticut's ESF #14 Long-term Recovery Committee and as a board member of the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance. 

Karla Fortunato received her Bachelor of Arts from the Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Virginia and earned her Master of Business Administration from George Washington University. She writes regularly, and has been published in Health Affairs, the Connecticut Mirror, and other publications.

AT A GLANCE

Things I Can Help You With:

• Facilitate strategic joint investments that are aimed at improving outcomes for Connecticut residents, especially those that are most vulnerable and marginalized.
• Sharing innovative solutions to addressing injustice, particularly racial and social justice.

BIOGRAPHY

Alexis Bivens is vice president of strategic initiatives for the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and managing director of the Supporting Organizing Work Funders Collaborative (SOW-CT), a project supported by the Council. Alexis joined the Council team with over 15 years of experience in philanthropic organizations and nonprofits.

She most recently served as program director at the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation, where she spearheaded initiatives focusing on the environment and learning differences. Prior to joining the Tremaine Foundation, she served as director of Thrive by 25 at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation. Alexis also worked at the McGivney Community Center in Bridgeport as their Executive Director.

Alexis received her Bachelor of Arts at Eastern Connecticut State University and her Master of Arts in Community Counseling at Fairfield University.

AT A GLANCE

Things I Can Help You With:

• Questions about the Council programs and member affinity groups – including where and how to get started. 
• Services for philanthropic funders such as trainings, briefings, networks, and resources.  
• Information and questions on everything from philanthropic best practices to registering for CCP events.

BIOGRAPHY

Annie Adams is the program manager for the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. Annie joined the Council team with over a decade and a half of experience in philanthropy, specializing in programs, funder collaboration, and community-led grantmaking focused on sustainability and equity.

Prior to joining the Council, she coordinated the Gulf Coast Fund for Community Renewal and Ecological Health, a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors. She joined that effort after several years with the Environmental Grantmakers Association, where she coordinated the Sustainability Funders. Prior to joining philanthropy, Annie worked on public policy, human rights, and environmental issues in California. She received an award from the National Audubon Society for her work in the Gulf Coast, and her work has been featured in books and national publications including Ms., the Financial Times, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

Annie received her Bachelor of Arts from Oberlin College and her Master of Public Administration from Columbia University.

AT A GLANCE

Things I Can Help You With:

• Getting added to our Communications
• Questions regarding ctphilanthropy.org
• Raise the Visibility of Philanthropy (Have a story or work I can highlight from your organization, please share!)

BIOGRAPHY

Toby Mathew is a creative marketing professional with expertise driving effective digital marketing strategies. Currently serving as the Communications Manager for the Connecticut Council of Philanthropy, Toby brings experience building engaging and informative communications through ideas, graphics, and words.

With a decade-long background in public education, Toby has mastered his skills in bridging communication gaps between students, staff, and families. Though new to the philanthropic sector, he looks forward to learning and bringing his time and talent to produce good work. He is passionate about working with teams, identifying creative opportunities, and implementing innovative marketing tactics.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Toby has a love for photography and travel, capturing memorable moments through his lens. 

Toby holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Therapy and Psychology from Molloy College.