SGPS Advisory Board

We are honored to introduce the SGPS Advisory Board, who are a passionate group of leaders and changemakers that represent the very heart of our community. Each board member brings a wealth of experience from sectors such as education, healthcare, government, law, nonprofit organizations, technology, and advocacy for inclusive practices.

Our advisory board members are not only experts in their fields, but also dedicated collaborators, working hand in hand with SGPS to ensure our programs, policies, and priorities reflect the needs and values of the people we serve. Their insights help shape a more responsive, welcoming, and impactful future for all. Board members typically meet periodically throughout the year and are engaging actively with the school’s leadership, faculty, and students to support its mission and growth.

We extend our deepest gratitude to each advisory board member for their time, vision, and commitment. Your partnership is invaluable! Thank you for serving our community!

Meet our board members and explore the diverse expertise they bring from across the community below.

Jennifer Fournier

Esq., Chair, Nonprofit Resource Council, Greater New Haven Chamber

Jennifer Fournier has 23 years of experience in guiding and advising leaders toward great success. She has successfully written federal grants, lead two organizations to earning Best Places/Great Employers distinctions on the state level, won CHRO & Unemployment cases, lead teams to score 99% on accreditation surveys, earned initial accreditation in 1/3 the time typically required, trained on local, state, and international levels, and built strong long lasting leadership teams. She helps us by contributing to long-term planning and innovation by offering perspectives on market trends and emerging fields.

Mark Lazarus

Program Manager, The WorkPlace DSP

Mark Lazarus is a passionate and hardworking Strategic IT Program Manager at The Workplace DSP. He has experience building programs designed to help job seekers identify or regain their careers and move towards success. He is an asset to the advisory board by offering insights to help shape academic programs, ensuring they reflect current professional standards and workforce demands.

Marcelo Sousa

English Language Education Specialist, North Haven Public Schools

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Laurie Sweet

Connecticut State Representative, 91st District (Hamden, CT)

Laurie Sweet was elected to the Hamden Legislative Council in 2021 and re-elected in 2023 as chair of the education committee and vice chair of the sustainability committee. She joins the General Assembly in 2025 as the state representative for Hamden’s 91st district. Laurie also helps us by championing the school within their networks to elevate its profile and attract students, faculty, and resources.

Katherine Tucker

DNP, RN, APRN-BC, NE-BC, New Haven Health Department Nursing Director

Katherine Tucker is an e skills help us give students insight into what they should work towards. She assists us by providing mentorship opportunities for students and connecting them with professional networks.