Larry Bingaman, president and chief executive officer of the South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority  (RWA), was honored with an associate degree in humane letters honors causa from Gateway Community College (GCC). The degree was conferred by Gateway President Dr. Paul Broadie II during GCC’s 26th commencement exercises.
 
"Larry Bingaman's exemplary leadership and dedication to the mission and values of the college are an inspiration," said Gateway Community College President, Paul Broadie II. "His forward-thinking strategies and advocacy were instrumental in the collaboration between Gateway and Southern Connecticut State University to provide the education pathways that will fill positions in public utility management well into the next decade. It is a privilege to confer this well-deserved honor." 
 
In 2009 Bingaman assumed the helm at the Regional Water Authority, an innovative water utility that sustains life, enhances the communities it serves, and safeguards natural resources for future generations. Bingaman has guided the RWA, headquartered in New Haven, toward notable financial and operational milestones, including the development of the company’s first integrated five-year strategic plan, achievement of the highest bond rating in RWA history and the establishment of new operating and productivity initiatives that have saved customers millions of dollars annually. 
 
Bingaman’s leadership style focuses on sustainable, conscientious and forward-looking business practices, and extends beyond the RWA to the region it serves. He is immediate past chairman of the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce and serves on the President’s Executive Council for Gateway Community College, as well as the Business Advisory Council for Southern Connecticut State University. Mr. Bingaman is a 2016 inductee to Gateway Community College’s Hall of Fame and received the college’s Corporate Award for his commitment, dedication and support of higher education and social change. He is also a 2017 inductee to Junior Achievement’s New Haven Business Hall of Fame for his contributions to the prosperity of the region through his leadership in business and to the community. 
 
Bingaman and his wife Martie are 2017 Alexis de Tocqueville Society award recipients for their personal leadership, financial support and long-time commitment to United Way and the community at large. He is also a founding partner for New Haven’s Social Venture Partners and founder and chairman of the Connecticut Chapter of Conscious Capitalism. Mr. Bingaman earned a B.S. in business administration from California State University/Long Beach and an executive MBA from the University of New Haven. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change from Antioch University.