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From Service to Scholarship: Colonel (Ret.) Susan Camoroda’s Commitment to Public Service

November 7, 2025

woman in service uniform

From Service to Scholarship:

Colonel (Ret.) Susan Camoroda’s Lifelong Commitment to Public Service  

Honoring Veterans Day with IMRP Graduate Assistant, UConn School of Public Policy  

For Susan Camoroda, service has always been more than a duty – it’s a way of life. A retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of commissioned service, Camoroda now brings her leadership and sense of mission to the University of Connecticut’s School of Public Policy (SPP) where she is an MPA Fellow and at the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) where she works part-time as a graduate research assistant.  

Originally from Fresno, California, Camoroda earned her bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, where she joined the ROTC program, citing the movie An Officer and a Gentleman, her time as a Girl Scout, and visiting a Naval Air Station as early influences.What began as curiosity turned into a decades long adventure across continents. 

After commissioning in 1985, Camoroda served in Germany before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall, in South Korea, and in multiple U.S. installations. Following a brief release from active duty during the military’s downsizing in the late 1990s, she rejoined after 9/11 to support operations at the Pentagon and across the National Guard Bureau, eventually retiring as a Colonel in 2015. 

On deployment for a security rotation to Saudi Arabia, 1995.

Among her proudest experiences, she names the teamwork and camaraderie forged during her years at the Army Operations Center: “We all worked as a team to brief leadership, prepare orders, coordinate deployments. The teamwork and dedication were unforgettable.” 

Today, teamwork continues to define Camoroda’s next chapter. A current student in SPP’s Executive MPA Fellows Program with plans to also pursue a master’s in social work, she thrives on the cohort model that mirrors the unity she valued in the military. “It feels like a team,” she says of her Fellows group, “And that’s what I like most.”  

Through her graduate research assistantship with Dr. Lydia Wileden at IMRP, Camoroda is contributing to two state-level studies related to veterans’ policy. One examines the fiscal impact of Connecticut’s expanded veterans’ property tax exemption, while the other assesses the Municipal Veterans Representative program’s effectiveness.  

“These projects connect directly to my experience,” she explains. “It’s meaningful to help identify ways the state can better support those who have served.” 

Camoroda remains deeply active in veterans’ communities. Since moving to Connecticut in 2021, she has volunteered with local Veterans Coffee Houses, joined the American Legion in Marlborough, and serves with the Veterans Funeral Honor Guard in Colchester. She also works part-time at a local bakery in Vernon where she bakes bread. “It feels good to know you are helping feed people,” she says. 

As Veterans Day approaches, Camoroda hopes people will take a moment to reflect on the deeper meaning of service. “What’s most meaningful is remembering what this country is about – the lessons of history, the honor, dedication, and sacrifice that military members and their families provide to support and defend the Constitution,” she says. 

That sense of purpose continues to drive her academic and professional path. “Whether in uniform or in the community, service is about belonging, learning, and contributing to something greater than yourself,” she explains. 

With her trademark humility, Camoroda says she’ll “see where the winds take me” after completing her graduate degrees. But one thing is clear: wherever those winds blow, they’ll carry the same spirit of service that has guided her all along.  

RFPs requested for IMRP’s ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program

October 20, 2025

The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in partnership with the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division (CJPPD) at OPM is proud to launch ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program.

This effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is dedicated to advancing digital opportunities for justice-impacted populations.

We are currently inviting Connecticut libraries to partner in this initiative by responding to our Request for Proposals (RFP). Libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital gap, and your participation can help deliver training that normalizes and expands services for incarcerated patrons, both within correctional facilities and in community-based reentry programs.

Scroll down for submission timeline and frequently asked questions.

ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program aims to ensure that returning citizens have equitable access to information, digital skills, training, and community resources that promote educational, economic, and civic engagement. The target population includes individuals under or previously under the custody of the CT Department of Correction and justice-impacted people seeking access to library resources. Libraries can also serve immediate family members of currently incarcerated individuals.

Funding will support programming through December 31, 2026. The estimated total amount available under this RFP is up to $1,000,000, with award sizes based on project scope and number of sites.

Libraries may propose activities including, but not limited to:

Service Development & Expansion

• Extend library services (e.g., library cards, access to collections, dedicated hours) to incarcerated individuals at the Connecticut Department of Correction (CTDOC) facilities.

• Develop or contribute to reentry toolkits that support patrons as they transition back into the community after incarceration.

• Build collaborations with community partners that support reentry, including halfway houses, higher education institutions, job readiness programs, educational resources, and access to benefits and healthcare.

• Expand programming through partnerships with digital learning platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) to provide relevant training in workforce, financial literacy, and technology skills.

Digital Navigation & Access

• Serve as a host site or co-facilitator for the Digital Pathways curriculum.

• Provide access to public internet, devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, laptop kiosks), and dedicated space for digital learning.

• Offer or expand access to digital resources such as databases, eBooks, and learning platforms.

• Promote digital literacy programs and support services for returning citizens.

Proposals should reflect, where possible, alignment with the American Library Association’s Standards for Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained. While completeness is important, we understand each library is different and aim to keep this process flexible and approachable. If needed, IMRP may request clarification or additional details after submission.

A full list of proposal requirements are included at the bottom of this page.

The submission timeline for the RFP process includes:

Questions / Submissions Until November 7, 2025

Proposals Due November 21, 2025

Review Period November 24-December 15, 2025

Proposals submitted after November 21st will be considered on a rolling basis; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by the deadline. 

Click HERE to access guidance on the Request for Proposals.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: Are academic libraries in Connecticut eligible to apply?
A: Yes. Academic libraries are eligible to apply, but proposals must align with the RFP’s goals and demonstrate how they will serve the intended population. 

Q: Are resources or guidelines available to help applicants understand the constraints and environments within correctional facilities? 

A: Currently, there is no single primer or guide outlining all facility-specific constraints. However, applicants are encouraged to explore existing resources such as the Connecticut State Digital Equity Opportunity Plan, which includes relevant qualitative and quantitative data from residents formerly in state facilities. Applicants may also consider connecting with higher education programs or organizations that have experience delivering digital education or reentry services in correctional settings.  

Q: Can a nonprofit organization partner with a public library to apply for this grant? 

A: Yes. Nonprofit organizations may partner with public libraries to submit a joint proposal. The lead applicant must be an eligible entity as defined in the RFP, but collaborative proposals that strengthen community impact are welcomed. 

For additional questions, please contact imrp@uconn.edu and include “ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways program RFP” in the subject line. 

The ReConnect CT team thanks you in advance for your interest in this project and your commitment to digital inclusion and community access!

Lessons in Humanity: MPA Grad Gains Insights from Norway’s Correctional Model

The handshakes were among the first things that stood out. 

In Norway’s correctional system, incarcerated individuals aren’t confined behind bars. On this day, they greet their visitors warmly – with handshakes.  

That simple gesture of human connection set the tone for the International Justice Exchange’s recent immersion trip to Norway, where Connecticut stakeholders explored international correctional models that emphasize dignity, trust, and rehabilitation. 

 “We all have this perception of what an incarcerated person looks like,” said Chidi Nwuneli, a 2025 MPA graduate of UConn’s School of Public Policy and the current Grants and Contracts Specialist at the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management (OPM). “In Norway, the focus is on humanizing the person, not the punishment.” 

In Norway, the focus is on humanizing the person, not the punishment. 

Held September 7th – 12th, the trip offered participants an in-depth look at the Norwegian Correctional Service as part of a partnership between the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) and Amend at the University of California, San Francisco. 

IMRP Director Andrew Clark tours one of Norway’s correctional facilities

Connecticut Department of Corrections (CTDOC) personnel were Amon those in attendance, as well as delegations from the state of Washington and other public-sector partners. 

For Andrew Clark, Director of the IMRP, this marked his third IJE visit to Norway. The initial trip in 2022 was exploratory; by 2024, the partnership had become formalized, and CTDOC leadership joined to launch collaborative projects with Amend at Garner and York Correctional Institutions in Connecticut.  

“Each time we return, we learn more and take away new nuances,” said Clark. “This trip allowed us to visit different facilities, including Ringerike Prison, and to spend more time understanding how training at the academy is fully integrated into the correctional system.” 

UConn MPA ’25 Chidi Nwuneli

For Nwuneli, the experience offered an opportunity to reflect on system differences and gather insights that could inform his funding work across the criminal justice continuum, from pretrial to reentry, and behavioral health and diversion programs.  

“Sometimes you have to see it yourself,” he said. “Seeing it work somewhere else might inspire us to reflect on what we’re doing here – and how to better modify.” 

A New York City native, Nwuneli moved to Hartford for his first job at OPM after earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from Quinnipiac University in 2020. His early work focused on criminal justice projects related to the COVID-19 response.  

He pursued his Master of Public Administration (MPA) at UConn’s School of Public Policy, earning his degree in 2025, while continuing full-time at OPM.

“Everyone I met at OPM emphasized the value of an advanced degree,” he said. “UConn’s program stood out for its strength in public finance and government project management, which aligned with my interests.”  

Today, Nwuneli manages a portfolio of federal and state grants supporting reentry services, community-based violence prevention, behavioral health interventions, and other justice initiatives.  

“Our division’s work includes all criminal justice areas from diversion and pretrial to post incarceration,” he said. “Seeing how Norway approaches all stages of the justice system, both before and after incarceration, was invaluable.” 

Chidi Nwuneli, center, with Undersecretary Daniel Karpowitz (L) and IMRP Director Andrew Clark (R).

Nwuneli attended alongside Daniel Karpowitz, OPM’s Undersecretary for Criminal Justice. Together, the group visited facilities including Ringerike, Indre Østfold, Halden, Ila, and Bastøy prisons, meeting with both correctional officers and incarcerated individuals. Days were filled with educational workshops on correctional officer training, rehabilitation practices, and reentry programs.

Nwuneli noted that incarcerated individuals in Norway remain active citizens – with the right to vote – and face no permanent stigma upon release. “You did your time, and you’re done,” he said. “There’s no post-incarceration registry or ‘Scarlet Letter’ following you.” 

That philosophy is intentional, says Per Sigurd Våge, Director of the Norwegian Correctional Services’ International Unit and a partner in the International Justice Exchange. “We are building a safe society,” Våge explained. “When we release people, we are building safe neighbors.”  

We are building a safe society. When we release people, we are building safe neighbors.

The visiting delegations also had the opportunity to dine together with inmates and enjoy a meal prepared for them by those in custody.

“They have access to fresh food and cook communally,” Nwuneli explains of the role nutrition plays. “They have far lower levels chronic illnesses in their incarcerated population than what we accept here.”  

A visit to the Correctional Service of Norway Staff Academy (KRUS) highlighted another major difference: the depth of officer training – two years of training in Norway vs. 14 weeks in Connecticut. Additionally, many Norwegian correctional officers come from backgrounds in social work, education, or mental health. 

“They bring those experiences and became corrections officers trained to help people,” explains Nwuneli. “In the U.S., most of our corrections officers lack that experience and have to be taught the humane side.” 

“I don’t think we can solve this on one trip, but I do think it puts us in the right direction,” he concludes. “The insights gained will help guide how we shape and fund pilot programs moving forward.” 

The delegation also visited the Nobel Peace Center, a museum dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize and its global impact. 

Each visit helps us expand our horizons and discover new ways of doing things.

Clark notes that another delegation will return to Norway in November, part of ongoing efforts to engage with international partners and bring best practices back home.  

“Each time we go, we gain valuable feedback about our work in Connecticut relative to other states and jurisdictions,” he explains. “Each visit helps us expand our horizons and discover new ways of doing things.” 

From Classroom to Commission: Finding a Fast-Track to Success

September 23, 2025

Headshot Tommy

When it came time to choose a college, Tommy Dowd knew exactly where he would go. “I come from a UConn through-and-through family,” he explains. “One of my brothers went to UConn. My parents met at UConn. My aunt was the one who introduced them.” 

What he was less certain about was his path after graduation. 

The Wethersfield native, a double-major in political science and economics, considered law school until a chance encounter with a fellow student opened an unexpected door.  

“I was studying for an exam in the library on a floor I’d never been to,” he explains. “This kid came up to me and said, ‘We’re in the same class.’ We studied together, and he told me about the 4+1 program.” 

“As a sophomore I didn’t really know what I wanted to do with my life, but this seemed like a really good opportunity to explore interests I already had,” he says. “It’s a slightly heavier course load since you’re working on your master’s degree while still an undergrad, but instead of two additional years of study, you only add one. And in that final year, you complete an internship in your field that you’re getting paid for. You gain an advantage by having an advanced degree just one year out of college – it gives you so much flexibility.” 

He applied and began UConn’s School of Public Policy’s 4+1 MPP Fast-Track program in his junior year.  The additional coursework didn’t deter him despite his busy extracurricular schedule. As an undergrad, Tommy spent three years working at UConn’s Visitors Center, giving tours to prospective students. He was also a member of A Minor, one of UConn’s a cappella groups, and spent spring breaks with Honors Across State Borders, working with Habitat for Humanity chapters in other states to build affordable housing. 

“You’re taking graduate-level classes in undergrad, so you get exposure to what a postgraduate course load is like,” he says. He also found his classmates more engaged in graduate-level classes.  

Another chance encounter in the spring of 2023, during his final semester of grad school, introduced Tommy to the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the School of Public Policy.  

“I needed to round out my schedule with an elective, so I decided to take Justice Reinvestment with Professor Bob Wilson. It sounded interesting to learn about real-world applications of public policy.” 

Students were tasked with creating a history of two IMRP initiatives: the Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) and the Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3).  

“I hadn’t previously heard of the IMRP,” he admits. “The Institute at the School focuses on  evidence-based research and evaluation of state criminal justice policies. Andrew Clark, the director, and Ken Barone, the associate director, came to the class to explain the type of written history they were looking for.” 

The course was transformative for Dowd, who has always been passionate about politics and civic engagement.  

“This was one of my first experiences doing legislative research and seeing the evolution of a policy program – how you turn something from an idea into a law,” he explains. “These aren’t just words in a textbook; these are policies that impact peoples’ lives.” 

To complete the work, Dowd and his classmates conducted interviews with stakeholders including members of the Sentencing Commission, legislative leaders like former Rep. Bill Dyson, and Connecticut police chiefs. The project wasn’t finished before the end of the semester and graduation, so Professor Wilson hired Tommy as a graduate assistant that summer to complete the project’s edits and revisions. 

Through that experience, Tommy stayed in contact with Alex Tsarkov, then executive director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, who needed student workers for various research projects. Tommy began working part-time with Tsarkov, about 25-30 hours per week, until a full-time position opened in March 2024, once again placing himself in the right spot for the next step in his career.  

“I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job,’” he reflects. “You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.”

I didn’t sign up for the class thinking ‘This is what I’m going to do for my first job. You never know how these things will evolve, so always bring your best self to the table.

Though initially interested in economic policy, his classroom experiences introduced him to criminal justice policy, which he finds more complex.  

“It’s a very different way of thinking about public policy,” he says. “In economic policy, people will argue about details of tax rates or healthcare plans, but everyone basically shares the same goals. In criminal justice policy, you encounter deep, philosophical questions: What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.”  

What is justice? How do we balance public safety with giving people who have committed offenses a chance to turn their lives around? We aim for evidence-based, cost-effective decision-making, yet many of those choices are shaped by normative, moral-based questions that center on how we treat people as a society.

In his role as program assistant, he handles all administrative functions for the CTSC including scheduling meetings, recording minutes, updating the website, and responding to inquiries. Dowd also contributes to legislative research, drafting sections of reports or editing sections of reports received from external partners.  

Last fall, he assisted Tsarkov with the Commission’s sixth symposium: Pretrial Justice in Connecticut, a full-day event at the UConn School of Law with more than 150 attendees. Dowd helped manage all aspects of planning including venue coordination, arranging presenters and panelists, compiling the program, and overseeing stakeholder communication.  

He now works with Rich Sparaco, recently appointed interim executive director of the Sentencing Commission following Tsarkov’s departure for Connecticut’s Board of Pardons and Paroles. Along with other IMRP staff and CTSC members, he attended the National Association of Sentencing Commissions annual conference in Madison, Wisconsin in August. 

“There’s a niche community around the country of people who do the same job I do. It was great to meet them, hear how their commissions function, and bring back ideas about processes that can make a greater impact in our justice system.” 

a group of conference attendees by a sign
Dowd, third from left, is among those from the IMRP and the Connecticut Sentencing Commission who attended the NASC conference in August, 2025

“I’m very thankful,” he says of his transition to a full-time role as a program assistant for the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and staff member of the IMRP. “I came into SPP not knowing much about what an MPP was or what it can do for me, and here I am five years later in an established field. It really has taken me on a journey, giving me the skills, experiences, and connections to turn my broad interests into a career path.” 

To current students, he offers advice:

“Be willing to always put your best foot forward, work hard, make connections with classmates and professors, and be a good team player. You never know when that door is going to open for you.”

In his own words: Click to Watch: From Classroom to Commission.

Learn more about the School of Public Policy’s 4+1 Fast-Track program.

Learn more about the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy

Learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission.

Students Contemplate Voting Access on National Voter Registration Day

September 18, 2025

IMRP Director Andrew Clark addresses his public policy class at Connecticut’s Old State House

Students in IMRP Director Andrew Clark’s PP 1001: Intro to Public Policy course stepped out of the classroom and into Connecticut’s Old State House on a series of visits exploring democracy and voting access. 

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city,” said Clark of the Old State House, which now functions as a museum hosting tours and events. Clark had previously brought spring-semester students to the state Capitol. 

“UConn Hartford is uniquely positioned to give students access to both local and state government here in the capital city.”

The first visit acclimated students to the historic building just blocks from the School of Public Policy’s campus in downtown Hartford. The second event – on National Voter Registration Day – was organized in partnership with UConn and the Connecticut Democracy Center. Open to the public, it featured a roundtable discussion, “Voting, Voice, and Visibility – Past and Present,” with former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport, executive director of 100% Democracy; former State Rep. Evelyn Mantilla; and Mary Janicki, former Director of the Office of Legislative Research. 

Using a comparative lens that included other Western democracies—such as Australia, which has mandated compulsory voting for the past 100 years—students were asked: How can we raise voter turnout in our state and country to 90% or higher? 

Class T.A. Ben Elliot, a first-year MPA candidate, said students were engaged, curious, and willing to challenge the panelists. 

Former Secretary of the State Miles Rapoport spoke about the case for universal voting

“Students had the opportunity to ask questions or offer critique of the former Secretary’s opinions,” Ben explained. “One student asked how we might raise voter turnout without making it compulsory. The concern is that if people are mandated to vote but haven’t done any research, they may not vote in their best interest—or the best interest of their fellow citizens.” 

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout.”

Students were “Excited to do something different other than listening to a lecture,” Ben laughed, also noting that the first visit included a tour of the property as a primer for the discussion with background on civil rights and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and how marginalized groups who have faced resistance have both gained and maintained the right to vote. 

 Additional discussion included recent amendments to the Connecticut state constitution for in-person early voting and “no excuse” absentee ballots.  

“That side of the conversation really resonated with me,” said Ben, who had interned as an undergrad with the Secretary of State’s office when early voting was introduced and helped gather data on the program’s success. 

Class T.A. Ben Elliot with his copy of 100% Democracy, signed by the author

“We had a good dialogue on how to increase voter turnout,” he continued. “It presents an interesting debate because, on one end, it seems a little authoritarian, but at the same time, more participation in democracy could address issues we face—especially complaints that candidates don’t represent voters who didn’t participate in the process.” 

Students also received a signed copy of Rapoport’s book, 100% Democracy, if they promised to read it—a promise Ben gratefully accepted.

A class discussion board assignment will extend the conversation as students reflect on their role as engaged citizens and how to encourage others to participate in elections. 

———— 

For more information about the School of Public Policy’s Registrar of Voters Training Program, visit: https://publicpolicy.uconn.edu/rov/ 

 

Creating National Connections to Better Serve Connecticut

August 22, 2025

a picture of the capitol building in Madison, WI

More than half a dozen IMRP staffers, researchers, and Connecticut Sentencing Commission (CTSC) members traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to attend the National Association of Sentencing Commissions (NASC) annual conference. This year’s theme – The Future of Sentencing Commissions – was perfectly timed as CTSC seeks to revisit and refine its mission and vision following the appointment of interim executive director Rich Sparaco in June.

“It was great to attend with a strong presence from Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “We talked with other commissions, and while there are distinguishable differences between Connecticut and others, there are models for comparison we can look at in terms of structure and what we do.”

CTSC program administrator Tommy Dowd agreed. “Rich and I keep coming back to the idea of ‘back to basics’ for the Commission, asking fundamental questions like: How should the Commission function? Who decides what the Commission should focus on? What role do we play in the justice system?”
CTSC attendees split up to attend as many breakout sessions as possible. “One great session I attended was How to Run and Manage a Sentencing Commission: A Support Group for Commission Staff,” said Dowd. “It was hosted by Victoria Gonzalez of the Illinois Sentencing Policy Advisory Committee. Attendees were invited to share challenges and strategies for success, which vary from state to state. Learning about how other commissions function and address difficulties will help us as we seek to improve processes for CTSC.”
a group of conference attendees by a sign
Connecticut Sentencing Commission staff and members at the NASC conference
“My biggest takeaway is the importance of evidence-based decision-making and taking time to learn from the work of other states,” said Matt Hono, IMRP research technician for the CTSC, who attended panels on Pennsylvania’s justice reinvestment programs, surname analysis methods, and veterans in the criminal justice system. “Taking steps to improve data quality when possible,  understanding the importance of regular evaluation, and studying the experiences of unique populations who interact with the criminal legal system really reflects everything we’ve been doing.”
IMRP Researcher and Assistant Research Professor Lydia Wileden said she was impressed by the presence of fellow academics at the conference and the role that research plays in the work of each commission. “As a demographer, one of the things I was interested in was a pattern that a lot of states including Connecticut are experiencing which is a rebounding in the size of incarcerated populations after a precipitous drop in the past decade. I’m interested to work with 0ther states to understand that trend.”
Baby Mo on-site. At 8 months old, this was already his second academic conference.

The trip was also an opportunity for CTSC Commission members and IMRP staffers to get to know each other, and it wasn’t without its downtime. Dr. Wileden traveled with her 8-month-old son, Mo, whose favorite moment came outside of the conference when he got to see exotic animals at the Madison Zoo, including chickens. 

There was also a team-based scavenger hunt and bar crawl. While Connecticut didn’t emerge victorious, a good time was had by all.

“We had lots of cheese curds, which was a big plus,” added Tommy Dowd.

The team will share highlights of the conference at the next CTSC Commission meeting which has been rescheduled from its planned date in September to October 23rd.
To learn more about the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, visit their website: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/

Meet CTSC Interim Executive Director Rich Sparaco

August 5, 2025

 

Rich Sparaco has been appointed Interim Executive Director of the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, filling the role vacated by Alex Tsarkov, who was named to the state’s Board of Pardons and Paroles in May 2025. The Commission’s Steering Committee unanimously recommended Sparaco for the interim position during its June 26th meeting. He will serve while a national search is underway for a permanent Executive Director, ensuring continuity in the Commission’s research-driven policy work during this transitional period. 

“This appointment gives me the opportunity to continue to work in the field that I have been a part of for over 30 years in Connecticut,” said Sparaco. “It encompasses many of the areas I’ve been involved in and some new ones, especially the pretrial arena. While it’s not easy to just step into the ongoing work of the Commission, I’m fortunate to continue to build on what Alex started and given my years in the Connecticut criminal justice system, I know many of the players.” 

Steering the Commission Through Transition 

The Executive Director plays a central role in shaping the Commission’s research agenda, coordinating with partner agencies, facilitating communication among members and staff, and serving as a public-facing leader. With Tsarkov’s departure, Sparaco’s interim leadership is key to maintaining momentum on critical initiatives. 

“There are a number of ongoing projects and studies,” he said. “We’ll be determining priorities and how best to track these efforts for the upcoming legislative session. We’ll also revisit the mission and vision of the Commission to refine what members want to accomplish.” 

The Sentencing Commission is supported by the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) at the University of Connecticut, which provides its professional staff and administrative infrastructure. 

“Taking on this role has given me a new appreciation for how IMRP operates,” Sparaco noted. “Most people don’t realize how interconnected everything is. I’ve worked with Andrew (Clark, IMRP Director) and Alex over the years. IMRP has a strong presence, does incredible work, and continues to evolve.” 

A Long History of Service 

Sparaco began his career in Connecticut’s criminal justice system in 1992, after earning his master’s in criminal justice from Northeastern University. His extensive experience includes nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles. He was part of the initial task force that led to the creation of the Sentencing Commission in 2010.  

After retiring from the Parole Board, Sparaco was bought back in a part time capacity to continue work with the Commission in fall 2023.  He worked on medical and compassionate parole research as well as the P.A. 15-84 study, which explores the experiences of individuals who were paroled for offenses they committed under the age of 18. 

A resident of Guilford, Sparaco also brings national consulting experience, having advised parole boards in a dozen states including Michigan, Ohio, Vermont, and California. 

“I retired but I wasn’t done. I wasn’t ready to completely leave the Connecticut system.”

Continuing the Work Ahead 

Steering Committee members cited Sparaco’s familiarity with internal operations and policy framework as assets to the Commission’s continued efforts in research, governance, and policy review. Current initiatives include:  

  • A statewide pretrial justice study, combining quantitative analysis and comparative policy review, with results expected by the end of summer. 
  • Continuing examination of sentencing disparities, mental health policy, and reforms related to hate crimes and human trafficking statues. 
  • The Steering Committee’s summer work on proposed bylaw amendments, designed to clarify Commission structure, staff oversight, and the Executive Director’s role during and after the transition. 

“There is still more to do,” Sparaco summarizes. “I want to be part of the continuation of work to achieve fairness and equity in Connecticut’s criminal justice system. That includes improving risk assessment and decision-making about alternatives to incarceration.”  

The full Commission meets quarterly. Its next meeting is scheduled for September 11th at 2:00 pm. Those interested in the link to attend can reach out to Tommy Dowd, CTSC program administrator at thomas.j.dowd@uconn.edu. 

 

About the Connecticut Sentencing Commission The Commission, established in 2011, is an independent state agency that reviews sentencing laws and practices and offers data-driven policy recommendations to the Governor, legislature, and criminal justice agencies. It partners with academic institutions such as the University of Connecticut, Yale, and Quinnipiac for research, and its administrative support is provided by the Institute for Municipal & Regional Policy. Learn more at: https://ctsentencingcommission.org/ 

Ken Barone Interviewed for NBC Connecticut Report

July 22, 2025

IMRP Associate Director Ken Barone is interviewed in a July 21st NBC Connecticut report on a new online portal launched by CT Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP).

The portal provides near real-time, up-to-date information about traffic stops by CT State Police.

The work is the result of a continued collaboration between the IMRP’s Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project (CTRP3) for which Barone is the project manager, DESPP and CT State Police to analyze yearly traffic data, improve record-keeping, and build trust between the public and police.

Learn more about the CTRP3 mission and view previously published reports on the CTRP3 publications page.

IMRP Celebrates Graduates

May 16, 2025

This past week, the Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) proudly celebrated the graduation of several interns, fellows, and research and graduate assistants who have contributed meaningfully to our work.

The festivities were part of UConn’s broader commencement celebrations, including the School of Public Policy’s (SPP) graduation ceremony, held near the Hartford campus. Friends, family, faculty, and staff lined Front Street to cheer on SPP graduates as they processed from the Hartford Times building to Infinity Hall, led by the vibrant drum line of Hartford’s Proud.

Drummers from Hartford’s Proud accompanied SPP graduates to their ceremony

Inside Infinity Hall, graduates were welcomed by Dr. Angela Eikenberry, Director of the School of Public Policy. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong delivered an inspiring keynote address, marking the occasion with thoughtful remarks on public service and civic leadership.

Dr. Angela Eikenberry and Attorney General William Tong were featured speakers as SPP’s graduation ceremony

Among the IMRP-affiliated graduates this year are:

Matthew Hono, Master of Public Policy (MPP) graduate and recipient of the MPP Academic Excellence Award. Matt supports the Connecticut Sentencing Commission and has been developing a behavioral health diversionary resource guide to be published on the Commission’s website.

Matt Hono, MPP academic excellence award winner

Chenoa Greenlee, who works with the Connecticut Sentencing Commission, and Kate Mazzotta, an intern with the CT Children with Incarcerated Parents Initiative and other IMRP projects, both earned their Master of Social Work (MSW) degrees from the UConn School of Social Work.

Irina Ahmed, who supported the International Justice Exchange’s groundbreaking collaboration with Amend, celebrated her graduation with a Master’s in Human Rights from UConn’s Gladstein Family Human Rights Institute.

Irina Ahmed with IMRP colleagues Erica Escobar and Tommy Dowd

Ayla Fidel (Wesleyan University), a contributor to the International Justice Exchange, and Justin Guinta (UConn), who conducted an independent research project under the guidance of IMRP Director of Research Dr. Vaughn Crichlow, both earned their undergraduate degrees.

Justin Guinta received three undergraduate degrees from UConn and is enrolled in a master’s program at UNC.

Skylar Seabert, Justice David Borden Research and Policy Fellow with the Sentencing Commission, received her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

We are proud of each graduate’s accomplishments and honored to have played a role in their professional journeys. Many continue their work with the IMRP, and we look forward to welcoming new students in the months ahead. For those interested in joining us, please visit our Work With Us page to explore current and upcoming opportunities.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

We celebrate your achievements and are excited to see the positive change you’ll bring to public policy and beyond. Whether you remain with us or pursue new endeavors, you will always be part of the IMRP family.

Onwards!