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Rob Fried - Band Central Founder

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Rob Fried is one of the founding partners at Bridgewater Associates, where as Head Of Sales And Marketing he helped grow the firm to become the largest hedge fund in the world.  In addition to developing valuable skills in sales, relationship management and workflow Rob also spent decades in the unique culture at Bridgewater which offers him a perspective on how people can apply these learnings to daily life.

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Rob is also a singer songwriter, bassist, producer, philanthropist, radio talk show host and architect/founder of the successful live themed concerts series Band Central.  Founded in 2005, Band Central is a private philanthropic organization whose mission is to help local nonprofits in the Connecticut area maximize their revenue potential. Band Central effectively accomplishes this in a multifaceted collaborative approach fueled by Rob’s extensive investment background, robust local network, passion for music and personal desire to “do good.” Band Central’s mission to combine philanthropy and music is reflected in its mantra to ‘show up, get down and do good’. Email Rob here.

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Paola Murphy - Director of Operations

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Paola’s career has spanned technology sales and marketing roles, with success grounded in relationship building, commitment, and exceptional client service. In addition, she ran a small business, The Get it Done Girl, which enabled her to leverage her passion for organizing, decluttering and getting things done!

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In her current role, she leverages these strengths to support Band Central and its nonprofit partners in developing strategic initiatives, optimizing fundraising efforts, and enhancing organizational efficiency and productivity. 

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Paola relishes an active life with her husband and two sons. She loves being outdoors in the fresh air and under the comfort of the sun—whether she is taking long walks, hiking a new trail, cycling, or playing a round of golf. She finds joy in cooking and reading and values time with family. Email Paola here.

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Kerri Gawreluk - Communications Manager

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Kerri’s career path has taken many twists and turns but the through line has always been the same – creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and empowered. A former media producer and current event and digital marketing coordinator at The Westport Library, she excels at creating and delivering content that expands access and more equitably serves community needs. Building and nurturing community partnerships is central to her personal mission, as is developing creative digital outreach strategies and social media content that educates and entertains. 

 

Kerri is also the co-founder of We Rise: Storytelling Collective, a Bridgeport-based community initiative built around one her guiding beliefs: that sharing our stories in safe spaces fosters connection and reduces shame and isolation. Email Kerri here.

 

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