EC-CHAP Board of Directors
The Eastern Connecticut Center for History, Art, and Performance, Inc. (EC-CHAP) represents an important cultural resource serving communities and visitors to Eastern Connecticut and beyond. The Center’s purpose is to bring a heightened awareness to the significance of local history and preservation; provide an appreciation for the visual arts through education, creation and display; and offer performance events and opportunities for creative expression in music, film, dance, literature, and theater.
EC-CHAP is a 501.c.3 non-profit membership-based cultural organization currently operated exclusively by volunteers. Our Board of Directors currently consists of seven (7) members having a diverse collective background in business, education, and the arts. The organization was formally incorporated in the State of Connecticut in September 2016, having transitioned from a previous nonprofit group operating as the Friends of The Mill Works from October 2013 to August 2016.
Nancy Lautenbach - Acting Chair
Nancy is currently employed with UnitedHealthcare and brings a wealth of experience to EC-CHAP in the areas of nonprofit administration, marketing and promotion, and community relations. She has served as an EC-CHAP Volunteer, and has a passion for history and preservation of historic assets.
Randall Bobb - Treasurer
Randy is a former Subway multi-store franchisee and real estate broker with an MBA from UCONN. He has experience in historic building restoration, construction and land development. He is retired and along with his wife, Arlis, own and operate a 100 acre horse farm. He has a lifelong interest and appreciation for music.
Matthew Caraway - Secretary
Matt is an architectural lighting designer based out of NYC. With 8 years in the industry and an additional decade lighting for theater and dance, he hopes to put that experience to use for EC-CHAP. In his spare time, Matt operates a photography studio in The Mill Works.
Dr. Tom Buccino - Director
Tom is a retired GE Quality Engineer and K-12 Educational Administrator. He has a background in photography and music; and is passionate about the arts. He is a founding member of EC-CHAP and has served as Executive Director.from 2016-2024.
Nicole Zuraitis - Director
Grammy® Award Winner Nicole Zuraitis is a New York-based vocalist, pianist, and songwriter who took home the Gold Medal and Ben Tucker Jazz Award in the 2021 American Traditions Competition. The musical chameleon brings her signature warmth and outstanding vocals to various genres and styles, as demonstrated on her newest multi-hyphenate album, All Wandering Hearts (DotTime Records). As a bandleader, a recording artist, and the premiere vocalist of the world-famous Birdland Big Band and Dan Pugach Nonet, Nicole has established herself as a staple on the New York City jazz scene and has made a significant mark on the global modern jazz landscape.
Curtis Brand - Director
Curtis is a retired from private practice as a psychologist, who in retirement he has transformed into a touring singer/songwriter. As Cutis suggests, “I see my music as an extension of my life's work, helping people I meet by sharing the stories of people and their time on the planet.”
Dean Bolt - Director
Dean Bolt is a retired Safety Officer and Forensic Investigator for Travelers. He is an avid runner, photographer, and regional singer/songwriter. His song writing explores subjects from crop circles to suicide and, of course, love: good and bad.