Richard Porth has served in government (local, state and regional council of governments) and for nonprofits and private funders in a range of jobs aimed at strengthening communities and enabling better access to opportunities and supports. Most recently, he has worked on initiatives to promote racial equity and property tax reform at the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities. Prior to this he served as President/CEO of United Way of Connecticut (2008 to 2020), which helps to meet the needs of Connecticut residents by providing information, education, and connection to health and human services and crisis intervention services.

Richard Porth also served as Vice President for Grantmaking for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving (2003-2008), the community foundation for the Greater Hartford region. And, before joining the Foundation, Rick served as the Executive Director of the Capitol Region Council of Governments for nine years. In his work he collaborated with business, civic, and government leaders to advocate regional solutions to regional challenges, and in particular better access to opportunity for people living in lower income neighborhoods.

Rick started his career in City government in Trenton, New Jersey, ultimately serving as the City’s chief administrative officer. He then served two appointments in New Jersey state government. Rick and his family live in West Hartford.