The people who formed the Asylum Hill Learning Zone have a track record of dedication to and success with improving the neighborhood in partnership with other organizations. These people offer a combination of managerial, financial, and fundraising expertise essential to making significant changes.

Dean Amadon runs an appraisal and real estate consulting company that bears his name and has an impressive list of clients that includes the City of Hartford and many well known corporations. He has been actively involved in the neighborhood and has chaired the Love Hartford Board at Asylum Hill Congregational Church.

Myron Congdon is past president of a computer company that designs and markets software for educational institutions. He has chaired the Boards of the Metropolitan YMCA and Asian Family Services, and is a past member of the West Hartford Town Council. Myron also serves as the staff Director of AHLZ.

Ray Ferrari has been an entrepreneur and is one of the most successful commercial real estate people in the Greater Hartford area. He has served in the State Legislature, formed Hill Housing to build affordable housing on Asylum Hill, helped raise funds for many not-for-profits, not the least of which is the Boys and Girls Club on Asylum Hill.

Marie Lopez Kirkley-Bey served four years on the Hartford City Council before being elected seven times to the State Legislature from the Asylum Hill district. She is currently the Deputy Speaker. Marie directs a community center in Hartford’s north end after a successful career at the Aetna.

Worth Loomis is past president of the Dexter Corporation, past president of RPI in Hartford, former academic dean at the Hartford Seminary, served as a trustee of Trinity College.  He has a long history of supporting a variety of philanthropic organizations.

William Putt currently serves on the Workforce Development Board and has for over twenty years. Bill is past president of Concept Technology, continues to consult internationally in the area of telephone manufacturing, and is involved with efforts by MIT to encourage improvements in learning.

Jack Riege is retired from the law firm that bears his name. He has a long record of creating, supporting, and raising funds for successful not-for-profit organizations from Riverfront Recapture to the West Middle School (Tutoring) Committee (now called ConnectiKids) and the Asylum Hill Boys and Girls Club. He also served on the state Board of Education.