Author: ZEX PR Wire

London, UK, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, London FinTech Summit, part of Fintech Week London, has announced strategic partnerships with Grow London (London & Partners), the London Stock Exchange, and The Global City — three of the most influential institutions driving London’s financial and business leadership. The partnerships position the newly launched Summit as a key moment for the UK’s FinTech sector and a powerful platform for global engagement.

Held on 6–7 October 2025 and organised by Trescon, the Summit will unite financial centres, regulators, investors, and innovators from around the world building strategic corridors for growth and accelerating partnerships that cut across borders, markets, and sectors.

 

A global platform, anchored in London

As FinTech continues to reshape the world’s financial systems, the London FinTech Summit offers a new focal point for international cooperation. With UK FinTech investment hitting £6.8 billion in 2024 (Innovate Finance), up 25% year-on-year, and London ranked as Europe’s top FinTech destination, the capital is uniquely placed to host this next-generation summit. London also continues to attract more FinTech investment than any other city in Europe and is home to over 3,000 FinTechs, making it a natural choice for a summit of this scale and ambition.

The involvement of strategic partners adds institutional weight and international visibility to the event.

• Grow London will support international outreach, helping attract global investors, entrepreneurs, and growth-stage FinTechs to the Summit.
• The London Stock Exchange, a key driver of capital formation in the UK, will play a central role in connecting FinTech companies with the funding required to scale.
• The Global City, the City of London Corporation’s international promotional campaign, will drive engagement with London’s wider financial and professional services sector, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.

Talking about the partnership, David Butcher, Head of Fintech and Cyber, London & Partners said, “We’re proud to support Fintech Week London and the London Fintech Summit as they bring global FinTech leaders to the heart of the capital.” He continued, “London remains a world-class hub for innovation, and events like these showcase the strength of our ecosystem to cities around the world.”

DLA Piper, Shoosmiths, Penningtons Manches Cooper, techUK, Hong Kong FinTech Industry Association, FinTech Belgium, the MENA FinTech Association, Italia FinTech, FinTech Armenia, and others have also joined the Summit as partners.

More than just a conference

With a focus on cross-border collaboration, the London FinTech Summit goes beyond keynotes and exhibition stands. It will act as a launchpad for deals, partnerships, and policy ideas that extend well beyond the UK.

Naveen Bharadwaj, CEO of Trescon, commented:

“This is where financial capitals connect. We’re building a platform that brings global leaders together, not just to talk, but to act. From capital to compliance, from start-ups to regulators, this Summit will drive international collaboration that moves the FinTech sector forward at scale.”

What to expect at London FinTech Summit

From exclusive networking to game-changing insights, the Summit offers a full-spectrum experience for anyone interested in shaping the future of finance:

• A strategic agenda: Keynotes and panels tackling the most urgent global and regional finance issues, with voices including:
  • Rt Hon Alun Cairns, Former Cabinet Member and Member of Parliament, UK
  • Vassiliki Lazarakou, Chair, Hellenic Capital Market Commission, Greece
  • Jessica Rusu, Chief Data, Innovation & Intelligence Officer, Financial Conduct Authority
  • Prab Bajwa, Managing Director – Senior Digital Risk Officer, Statestreet
  • Matthew Fuellhart, Executive Director, JP Morgan, UK
  • Desmond McNamara, Chief Risk Officer, Zilch
  • Charlotte Crosswell, Executive Chair, Raidiam and ex Chair, CFIT

    View the agenda here.

• Exclusive ecosystem events: Invite-only sessions and workshops tailored for decision- makers driving transformation across FinTech.
• Exhibition arena: Explore breakthrough technologies and meet the companies redefining the way financial services are delivered.
• FinTech World Cup: Watch top start-ups battle it out live for global recognition, rewards, and investment on the main stage.
• Strategic networking: Connect with senior industry leaders, investors, and innovators ready to turn ideas into action.
• Influential partnerships: Build high-impact alliances with the people and companies transforming the financial landscape.

Shaping the future of borderless finance

With influential partners, a world-class location, and a growing international coalition of attendees, London FinTech Summit is set to become a fixture of the global FinTech calendar – a place where cross-border ideas turn into market-shaping action.

For more information, visit: www.londonfintechsummit.com

For further enquiries, contact:

Shadi Dawi

Global Director

PR, Corporate Comms. & Media Relations

M: +971 55 498 4989 | E: [email protected]

About London FinTech Summit

London FinTech Summit is a premier global platform bringing together financial leaders, investors, policymakers, and innovators to drive cross-border collaboration and shape the future of financial services. As the flagship event of Fintech Week London, the summit serves as a catalyst for investment, regulatory dialogue, and technological advancements, reinforcing London’s role as a global FinTech hub.

[email protected]

About Trescon

Trescon is a global business events and consulting firm, creating high-impact platforms that connect governments, investors, and industry leaders in FinTech, AI, and emerging technologies. With a track record of hosting industry-leading summits such as the Dubai FinTech Summit, Dubai AI Festival, Future Sustainability Forum, HODL, DATEwithTech, and World FinTech Show, Trescon drives innovation, investment, and strategic collaboration in high-growth markets.

[email protected]

About Fintech Week London

Fintech Week London is a week-long celebration of London’s FinTech innovation, culminating in a flagship conference that brings together industry leaders, decision makers, and innovators to explore the latest trends and developments in the FinTech space. With a commitment to collaboration and networking, this event is the premier destination for anyone looking to stay at the forefront of FinTech innovation.

[email protected]

Ecosystem Partners include:

1. Hong Kong FinTech Industry Association
2. FinTech Wales
3. The Banking Scene
4. SHIFT
5. Open Banking Expo
6. ICOHOLDE
7. IBS Intelligence
8. HEADS Talk
9. Harrington STARR
10. Fintech Moldova
11. Fintech Galaxy
12. Fintech Belgium
13. ANDRA
14. CIBE
15. The Association of Governance Risk & Compliance
16. Italia Fintech
17. ICIB
18. FinTech Armenia
19. MENA Fintech Association
20. Finance Innovation
21. Portugal Fintech

Media Partners include:

1. The Fintech Times – Official Newspaper Partner
2. Entrepreneur United Kingdom – Ecosystem Media Partner
3. FiFreedomToday – Social Media Partner
4. ZEX PR WIRE – Digital PR Distribution Partner
5. Breaking fintech news
6. The CCpress
7. MARKETBIT
8. KEY DIFFERENCE
9. Kanal Coin
10. Coincu
11. BREAKING AI NEWS
12. Startup News
13. Tech Revolt
14. One Arabia
15. Dailyhunt MENA
16. UK FinTech
17. UToday
18. Startups Magazine
19. Paisa Journal
20. Fintech Review
21. Fintech Futures
22. Fintech BoostUP
23. DX Talks
24. CoinPedia
25. Fintech News
26. Coin Gabbar
27. Coin Edition

Sharjah, UAE, 30th August 2025, For over four decades, Al Marwan Development has been more than a builder; we have been the architects of Sharjah’s modern identity. From pioneering infrastructure to crafting distinguished residential, commercial, and hospitality projects, our legacy is defined by quality that stands the test of time and communities that thrive for generations.

 

Now, we take the next step in that journey with Hawa Residences in Tilal City,  a development that captures our history of excellence while embracing the vision of Sharjah’s future.

“Hawa Residences is a milestone in our mission to redefine modern living,” said Majd Al Zaiem, Executive Director of Al Marwan Development. “With every project, we uphold a tradition of meticulous planning, superior craftsmanship, and a deep respect for community. This is more than construction, it’s about shaping the places where people’s lives unfold.”

Situated on an expansive 88,400 square-foot plot, Hawa Residences rises gracefully over four thoughtfully designed floors, offering 268 apartments ranging from stylish studios to spacious one-, two-, and three-bedroom homes. Each residence is defined by panoramic windows, private balconies, premium built-in wardrobes, and finishes hand-selected for elegance and durability, hallmarks of the Al Marwan standard.

Residents will enjoy a lifestyle enriched by three landscaped courtyards (35m x 35m each), a large swimming pool, a children’s play area, a serene Zen Garden, and covered parking for 282 vehicles. Adding to the community’s vibrancy, the development features 18 curated retail outlets, blending boutique shopping, gourmet dining, and everyday conveniences into a lively promenade.

Perfectly connected, Hawa Residences is just 2 minutes from the Masaar track, 3 minutes from Victoria International School of Sharjah, 5 minutes from the Sharjah Grand Mosque, 14 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport, and 6 minutes from the Dubai–Sharjah border, offering residents both peace and accessibility.

Set for completion in the second half of 2028, Hawa Residences is more than a new address, it is a continuation of Al Marwan’s legacy, where craftsmanship meets vision, and where the story of Sharjah’s future is being written today.

Founder of Managed Benefits Services and MAIS Consulting encourages entrepreneurs to focus on structure, testing, and long-term systems to drive growth

California, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Serial entrepreneur and consultant Krishen Iyer is calling on small business owners and startup founders to shift their focus from big ideas to smart systems. With over two decades of experience in insurance, lead generation, and consulting, Iyer believes that long-term business success relies on infrastructure and repeatable processes, not just vision or market trends.

“You don’t need the next big idea,” Iyer said. “You need systems that actually work—then test, improve, and repeat them.”

Why Systems Matter More Than Scale

According to a 2024 report by the Small Business Administration, 65% of new businesses fail within the first 10 years, with poor operational planning listed as one of the top reasons. Iyer says the problem is clear: too many businesses scale before they’re ready.

“Founders get caught up in growth, not readiness,” he said. “But if your backend isn’t built for scale, more sales just means more stress.”

Iyer’s own track record proves the power of systems. His company NMP Insurance Services grew by 236% over three years, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list in 2015. He credits that success to his team’s focus on data, tracking, and process.

“We had a 25-person call center and tracked everything—conversion rates, lead sources, cost per acquisition,” Iyer explained. “There was no guesswork.”

Lessons From Building It Himself

After selling NMP, Iyer founded Managed Benefits Services in 2016. Rather than buy third-party tools, his team built a custom lead generation system that included traffic scoring, real-time filtering, and campaign controls—all tailored to health and dental insurance.

“We weren’t trying to flood the market,” he said. “We wanted to match the right offer to the right person at the right time.”

In 2019, he launched MAIS Consulting, which now advises companies in marketing, health, and service industries on how to implement scalable processes.

“I don’t hand out playbooks,” Iyer said. “I help companies build the tools that will outlast the people using them.”

What Business Owners Can Do Today

Iyer believes most companies don’t need complex platforms or expensive fixes. Instead, they need to:

• Audit their current operations for inefficiencies

• Track core metrics weekly—not just quarterly

• Build a basic system that can be repeated without the founder’s involvement

• Avoid scaling until backend systems have been tested under stress

“It’s not about perfection,” he said. “It’s about structure you can improve. You can’t improve chaos.”

He encourages business owners to focus on real testing, not just ideas or aesthetics. “Just because something looks good on paper doesn’t mean it works. We test everything. Then we tweak. Then we test again.”

Business and Philanthropy Working Together

Through his nonprofit, 4 Humans Inc., Iyer applies the same principles to giving back. The 501(c)(3) supports veterans, underserved children, and community health efforts.

“If you’ve built something that works, at some point you ask yourself—who else can this help?” Iyer said. “That’s where giving becomes strategic, not just emotional.”

He also supports organizations like the Wounded Warrior Project and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and regularly shares his insights at industry seminars focused on insurance operations and performance systems.

More Systems, Not More Noise

Iyer is currently developing Iyer CRSI, a holding company for consulting, real estate, and insurance ventures, including active real estate development projects in Reedley and Visalia, California.

“It’s not about doing more things,” Iyer said. “It’s about doing the same things better—and making them work across different industries.”

His advice to business leaders, especially those just starting out?

“Don’t chase hype. Fix a real problem. Build something that works. Then improve it every day.”

About Krishen Iyer

Krishen Iyer is an entrepreneur, consultant, and nonprofit founder based in Encinitas, California. He is the founder of Managed Benefits Services, MAIS Consulting, and 4 Humans Inc., and has over 20 years of experience in insurance marketing, business development, and systems strategy. He holds a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.

Atlanta business leader shares lessons from two decades in the employee benefits industry and calls for a values-driven approach to work and life

Georgia, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Kristie Nicodemus, Senior Business Development Advisor at Mercer, is raising awareness about the importance of redefining success in today’s high-pressure work culture. Drawing from more than 20 years in the employee benefits industry, Nicodemus is encouraging professionals to focus on work-life balance, resilience, and integrity—values she says are critical for both personal well-being and long-term career growth.

“Success isn’t just a title or a number on a paycheck,” Nicodemus said. “It’s living in alignment with your values while making progress toward your goals. That means professional fulfillment should not come at the expense of your health, relationships, or integrity.”

According to the American Institute of Stress, 83% of U.S. workers experience work-related stress, and nearly half say they need help learning how to manage it. Nicodemus says these statistics are a sign that workers need to reclaim their boundaries. 

Nicodemus also emphasizes the importance of kindness in business. “Being kind doesn’t mean avoiding hard conversations,” she noted. “It means treating people with respect, even in tough situations. That builds trust, and trust lasts longer than any single deal.”

Nicodemus encourages professionals to take practical steps toward sustainable success:

• Audit your weekly schedule and set non-negotiable personal time.

• Keep a “success log” of challenges you’ve overcome to build confidence.

• Practice active listening in every conversation to truly understand needs.

• Align financial goals with personal values to guide career decisions.
  

“Confidence comes from doing,” Nicodemus said. “Every small step you take toward balance and integrity is a step toward real success.”

About Kristie Nicodemus

Kristie Nicodemus is a Senior Business Development Advisor at Mercer in Atlanta, Georgia, with more than 20 years of experience in health benefits and wellness consulting. She is recognized for her expertise in building client relationships, developing strategic benefits solutions, and promoting work-life balance in the workplace. A Virginia Commonwealth University graduate, she has been named a NAIFA Top Benefit Advisor and one of the NAIFA Top Women Advisors of Atlanta. Outside of work, she is active in her community and volunteers with local organizations supporting families in need.

“It’s not about how hard you train. It’s about training smarter.”

Texas, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Former Division I men’s basketball walk-on and four-year team member Adam Benhayoune is using his story to raise awareness around chronic injuries in athletics—and how young athletes can learn to adapt, train smarter, and stay mentally tough through setbacks.

During his senior year of high school, Benhayoune suffered a painful knee injury that would quietly define much of his basketball journey.

“I didn’t know the full damage until after the season,” Adam said. “The doctor told me I had cartilage missing behind my kneecap. There’s no cure. That injury ended many careers.”

The condition led to repeated dislocations throughout his college years. Still, Benhayoune played through it, appearing in 14 games over four seasons and becoming a trusted figure in the program’s culture. He shot 42.9% from three-point range and was known internally for his shooting and work ethic.

“Every time I bent my knee past 90 degrees, it hurt. But I built workouts around it. I learned how to train smarter—not just harder.”

The Overlooked Toll of Chronic Injuries

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, nearly 50% of sports injuries in high school and college athletes are overuse injuries. Many, like Adam’s, go undiagnosed or are minimized—especially in competitive environments where playing through pain is normalized.

“People only see what’s on the stat sheet,” Adam said. “They don’t see the recovery time, the tape jobs, the mechanics you have to relearn.”

He wants to change that narrative—starting with youth athletes.

The Role of Mental Toughness

Adam’s story isn’t just physical. Playing through injury required him to reset his mindset. As a walk-on, he had to fight daily to compete with his fellow scholarship teammates. He also had to adapt his training, rebuild his confidence, and accept that success wouldn’t look like it did in high school.

“There were games I didn’t play a second. But I still brought energy. I still chimed in during timeouts. I still felt a joy from watching my teammates succeed. That’s part of being mentally tough—showing up even when it’s not about you.”

A Message for Young Athletes

Now based in San Antonio, Adam is focused on training athletes and pursuing coaching. He believes education around injuries, biomechanics, and athlete mental health needs to start earlier.

“Injuries are part of the game. But how you respond is up to you,” he said. “We should be teaching athletes how to protect their bodies and their mindset. Not just push through until it breaks.”

He encourages athletes, parents, and coaches to:

• Learn about common chronic injuries and warning signs

• Focus on form, recovery, and mobility just as much as strength

• Prioritize long-term performance over short-term results

• Have honest conversations about pain, limits, and goals

Not Just About Basketball

Adam Benhayoune has also worked with students with special needs since middle school, and says that experience helped shape his sense of patience and perspective.

“In those classrooms, success looked different. And that helped me redefine what success meant for myself.”

He now trains athletes with a holistic approach—focusing on mechanics, mindset, and personal growth.

Adam’s message is simple: If you’re an athlete—learn your body. If you’re a coach—listen. And if you’re a parent—ask questions that go beyond performance.

“You don’t need to be famous to impact a team. You just have to show up every day and do the right things. That’s how I define success.”

Architect and Civic Leader Advocates for Everyday Involvement in Urban Improvement

Indiana, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Architect and long-time urban planner Cornelius “Lee” Alig is urging Indianapolis residents—and Americans more broadly—to think differently about how they contribute to their cities. With over four decades of experience shaping the built environment, Alig believes success starts small and starts local.

“Design isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people, context, and purpose,” Alig says. “You don’t need a title or degree to make a difference in your neighborhood. You just need to show up.”

Alig’s voice carries weight. As co-founder of Mansur Real Estate Services, he led the development of key Indianapolis landmarks like Market Tower, Lockerbie Marketplace, and Fall Creek Place, the latter earning national recognition from the Urban Land Institute. But his call to action isn’t about skyscrapers—it’s about sidewalk-level change.

The Everyday Design Crisis

America’s cities are facing pressing challenges:

• Urban tree canopy loss is accelerating, with U.S. cities losing 36 million trees annually (USDA).

• Food insecurity still affects over 34 million Americans, including 9 million children (Feeding America, 2024).

• Public engagement in local planning continues to decline, with fewer than 15% of citizens attending community meetings (National Civic League).

Alig sees design as a practical tool to address these gaps—not just by professionals, but by everyday residents.

“I’ve planted trees with my own hands. I’ve helped pack meals at Second Helpings. That’s real work, and it’s something anyone can do. You don’t need to wait for permission,” he says.

Beyond the Drawing Board

In addition to his architectural work, Alig chairs and contributes to civic initiatives. He has served on over 15 nonprofit boards, including the Indiana State Museum, Indiana Landmarks, and WFYI Public Media. He also hosted Design Minded Indiana, a podcast on WQRT 99.1 FM, amplifying the voices of designers, muralists, and community builders.

“The podcast was never about me,” he explains. “It was about giving people a platform. People doing the invisible work that makes a city livable.”

He also volunteers with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, contributing to the planting of more than 3,000 trees per year, and with Second Helpings, a hunger-relief organization that turns rescued food into hot meals—over 4,000 every day.

Show Up and Stay Involved

Alig doesn’t want to inspire applause—he wants action.

“Show up to a zoning meeting. Pick up trash on your block. Ask your neighbors what they want their street to feel like,” he says. “You don’t need to run a project to be part of it.”

He believes real change comes from residents getting involved early—and often.

“I’ve seen communities turn around because five people decided to care. That’s how Fall Creek Place started. It wasn’t a developer’s idea. It was neighbors asking: ‘Why can’t this be better?’”

How You Can Take the First Step

Lee Alig encourages people to start small but stay consistent. Here are a few ways:

• Attend a local public meeting or design review board

• Volunteer with local nonprofits like Keep Indianapolis Beautiful or Second Helpings

• Start a block club or garden in your neighborhood

• Listen to conversations on urban design, like those on Design Minded Indiana

• Ask questions about how space, streets, and buildings affect your daily life

“Cities are living systems,” Alig says. “You have to keep listening. Keep responding. That’s how we build something better.”

Renewable energy executive calls for public awareness, equity, and action in reshaping how America thinks about energy access

Louisiana, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Tyler Pommier, Executive Vice President of Innovation at GulfStream Renewables, is calling on individuals, communities, and leaders across the U.S. to rethink the way energy is produced, shared, and understood. After years of spearheading clean energy projects across the Gulf Coast, Pommier is using his platform to raise awareness about energy equity and local empowerment through decentralized, renewable systems.

“Everyone deserves access to clean power,” Pommier says. “Not just for the environment, but for dignity, safety, and freedom.”

This message is central to Pommier’s recent TEDx talk titled “Decentralizing Power: Energy Belongs to Everyone.” It also echoes throughout his work developing solar, wind, and battery systems that support schools, neighborhoods, and underserved rural areas.

The Power Gap

Pommier’s advocacy comes at a time when energy insecurity remains a serious issue. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration:

• Nearly one in three U.S. households faces some form of energy insecurity each year.

• In rural and low-income communities, power outages and energy costs impact health, education, and economic stability.

• Schools in underserved areas face frequent disruptions due to unreliable power, affecting student learning and safety.

“This isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a people problem,” says Pommier. “When a school loses power, classrooms close. When a family can’t afford heating, people get sick. Energy touches every part of our lives.”

Local Action, Local Control

One of Pommier’s proudest achievements is a series of solar-plus-battery installations in rural schools across Louisiana.

“These schools had constant outages,” he explains. “We gave them a way to stay open, save money, and be resilient. That kind of project shows how clean energy can serve real human needs.”

He believes decentralized systems—like rooftop solar, community microgrids, and battery storage—can give control back to families, schools, and local governments.

“I want to see communities that don’t just use power,” he says. “I want to see communities that own their power.”

Making Clean Energy Understandable

Pommier is also focused on simplifying the conversation. “You can’t just throw data at people,” he says. “You have to explain how it affects their daily lives. Like: Will your fridge stay on in a storm? Will your kid’s school stay open during a blackout?”

His plainspoken approach has made him a trusted voice at town halls, schools, and policy meetings.

What You Can Do

Pommier isn’t asking people to wait for government action or big investment. Instead, he’s offering simple steps that everyday people can take:

• Learn how your home or building uses energy.

• Ask questions at local meetings about power sourcing and grid reliability.

• Support community solar projects or energy co-ops.

• Encourage schools and public buildings to explore renewable options.

• Talk about it. Share energy stories with neighbors, family, and friends.

“Start small,” Pommier says. “Talk to your city council. Learn how your utility works. Ask where your electricity comes from. That’s how change begins.”

About Tyler Pommier

Tyler Pommier has spent over a decade in the renewable energy sector, leading projects across solar, wind, and bioenergy. He currently serves as EVP of Innovation at GulfStream Renewables. A Baton Rouge native, Pommier holds degrees from Louisiana State University and the University of Michigan. He is a recipient of the Clean Grid Innovator Award and Green Leader of the Year, and serves on the boards of the Louisiana Clean Energy Council and National Renewable Futures Forum.

Former College President Calls for Local Action to Strengthen Workforce Development

New Jersey, USA, 30th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Jon Hollaway Connolly, longtime educator, scientist, and former president of Sussex County Community College, is urging educational institutions and local communities to prioritize practical, career-aligned programmes that respond directly to workforce needs. Drawing on decades of experience in leadership and biology, Connolly believes the future of community colleges hinges on their ability to deliver relevant, job-ready education.

“We didn’t just add courses,” Connolly said of his time at SCCC. “We built programmes that led to jobs.”

During his tenure at Sussex County Community College, Connolly spearheaded the creation of trades and technical education in fields like optics, automotive service, and utility line work—programmes that helped reverse enrollment decline and restore the college’s financial footing.

Why This Matters Now

The call comes at a critical time for community colleges nationwide. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, community college enrollment dropped 15% between 2019 and 2022. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that skilled trades like electrical work, automotive repair, and utility services continue to see significant job openings—many of which require sub-baccalaureate training.

“We looked at what the region needed,” Connolly said. “These weren’t just good academic ideas. They were career paths.”

A Scientist’s Approach to Leadership

Connolly’s advocacy is rooted in systems thinking. With a Ph.D. in biological sciences and a research background in forest ecosystems, he applies a scientist’s mindset to education and leadership.

“Biology teaches you to see systems. Everything is connected,” he said. “You can’t rush growth, but you can guide it.”

That perspective shaped his decision-making at multiple institutions, from expanding online learning in Wyoming to launching a sustainable farm and culinary programme in Maine.

What People Can Do

Connolly is clear: this isn’t just a message for college presidents. Parents, students, local businesses, and civic leaders all have a role.

Here’s what communities can do:

• Ask for job-focused programmes at local colleges and show up to board meetings.

• Partner with colleges if you’re a business owner or tradesperson—help develop apprenticeships or donate equipment.

• Support students who want to take non-traditional education paths.

• Volunteer or join a committee to support educational planning in your region.

“Success is always achieved with others,” Connolly said. “It’s about building something together.”

Grounded Leadership for the Future

Even after decades in leadership, Connolly remains hands-on. He chops his own firewood, still reads biology research, and stays engaged with environmental work.

“It keeps me grounded,” he said. “There’s something honest about working with your hands.”

“To live a life of love and passion is the key,” he added. “And never stop moving forward, even if it’s just crawling.”

About Jon Connolly

Jon Hollaway Connolly is an educator, biologist, and college leader who has served in senior roles at institutions across the United States, including Sussex County Community College, Kennebec Valley Community College, Lone Star College–Kingwood, and more. He holds degrees from Colby College, Yale University, and the University of Maine. His work has earned multiple recognitions from the Sussex County Economic Development Partnership.