Early in 2014, Thomas S. Griggs Jr. assumed the role of chair of the Gateway Community College Foundation Board. Griggs, who formerly served as the Foundation’s vice chair, took over the helm from outgoing chair, Lindy Lee Gold, senior Community Development specialist with the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development. Gold served as chair for two years, and she continues to ably assist the GCCF as a tireless supporter, generous donor and enthusiastic advocate.  

In early 2012, Griggs joined Yale-New Haven Hospital’s Office of Development, where he oversees corporate and foundation giving. Before that, he enjoyed a highly successful realty career built on his extensive knowledge of mortgage banking and the community. He was a realtor with Coldwell Banker Coast & Country for six years. He also worked for more than 20 years in various branch and management positions at People’s Bank, including Director of Community Relations and Corporate Contributions, branch manager of New Haven’s Century Tower, and VP of People’s Corporate University. 

Griggs is past president and member of the Creative Arts Workshop Board and serves on the Board of The International Festival of Arts and Ideas. Griggs has also been involved with several New Haven non-profits, including the New Haven Preservation Trust, New Haven Symphony Orchestra, Long Wharf and Shubert theaters, and the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce, as well as serving as Cultural Affairs commissioner for the City of New Haven.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from UConn and an MBA from the University of New Haven. He is an associate fellow of Yale University’s Branford College.