Andrew Fleischmann Named President and CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters

William J. Carew, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, announced Wednesday that Andrew M. Fleischmann has been named President and CEO of the organization following a nationwide search.

Fleischmann has represented West Hartford's 18th district in the state legislature since 1995. He currently serves as Chairman of both the Education Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee for Education, with a record of advocacy in favor of providing Connecticut's children with access to high quality education.

"We are excited that Andy has agreed to lead Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters into this new era for the agency," said Carew in a news release. "Andy's unique blend of energy, intelligence and passion, and his experience in both the private and public arenas, will help us to expand the impact of our mission in the communities we serve."

Fleischmann said Wednesday afternoon that he sees his dual positions as legislator and President/CEO of Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters as "complementary roles."

"I can think of few organizations that help children more profoundly than Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Fleischmann in a release. "Studies show that the support it gives at-risk children makes them less likely to become involved with drugs, alcohol, or crime. And it makes them more likely to stay in school, get good grades and reach their full potential. I am honored and excited to have been selected as Nutmeg's next President and CEO, and can't wait to get started."

Fleischmann has worked for the past six years as Chief Operating Officer of Speedreading People, the communications training firm he co-founded.

According to the release, during his public career, Fleischmann has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including: The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents' Legislative Award (2010), the Connecticut Family Resource Alliance "Friend of Families" Award (2007), and the American Federation of Teachers' Connecticut Chapter Award (2006).

Fleischmann, who is married with two daughters, lives in West Hartford. He has a bachelor's degree from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs from which he graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He also has an M.A. in history from Stanford University.

For more information about Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, visit their website, or call toll free at: 1-800-237-5437 (KIDS).