Executive Director
(203) 346-2607 ext.7283
nardozzi@wdconline.org
James “Jim” Nardozzi became the Executive Director of the Waterbury Development Corporation in February 2025. Jim had previously served as Interim CEO of Waterbury Development Corporation from 2017-2019. Jim has held executive leadership positions in municipal government, academia, not-for-profits, and the private sector (multi-national specialty chemical supply chain and precision fuel systems manufacturing). His professional interests and experiences focus on organizational operating efficiency, project management, and economic development.
A Waterbury resident, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science with honors from Northeastern University, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of New Haven, and his Doctorate in Public Administration from Nova Southeastern University. He is graduate of the 206th Session of the FBI National Academy. He serves, or has served, on the boards of several local non-profit organizations.
Chief Financial Officer
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7279
nealon@wdconline.org
James ("Jim") joined the Waterbury Development Corporation in 2019 on a consultative basis and in March 2021 joined the company full time. Jim earned a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and upon graduation, worked in public accounting to obtain his CPA designation. Jim has experience in Controllership functions and prior to his role at WDC, Jim worked in a consulting environment. There, he was primarily involved with Sarbanes Oxley implementation/remediation efforts in industries such as Insurance, Reinsurance, Consumer Products, Aviation and Waste Management. When not "crunching the numbers," Jim can usually be found watching his favorite team: the New York Yankees.
Finance & Administrative Specialist
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7276
genovese@wdconline.org
JoAnn specializes in working closely with the Department of Economic and Community Development in financial matters relevant to various projects managed by Waterbury Development Corporation. She processes loan activity for funds such as the Regional Business Investment Fund, Downtown Development Funds and the State Small Business Express Fund. JoAnn is also the Finance and Administrative Specialist for the Naugatuck Valley Development Corporation and Brass Center Limited. She is the point person for the WDC Board of Directors and Loan Committee meetings. JoAnn is a graduate of Mattatuck Community College with an Associate Degree in Accounting. She is an avid UCONN Husky fan and resides in Wolcott. A proud mom of four children and four grandchildren, JoAnn enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Administrative Assistant
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7284
richard@wdconline.org
Brenda is a graduate of Mattatuck Community College with an Associate Degree in Executive Assistance. Brenda lives in Prospect with her Husband, Anthony, who is a Substation District Maintenance Electrician in Cheshire. Brenda is a proud mom of two sons, Anthony & Joseph and her daughter-in-law, Shea and grand daughter Zoey. She worked as a Food Service Manager at Long River Middle School for twenty years and a Building Technician for five years before moving on to Waterbury Development Corporation as an Administrative Assistant. Brenda enjoys spending time with family, cooking and the beach.
Vice President of Operations & Construction
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7277
cassella@wdconline.org
Ronald ("Ron") serves as the Vice President of Operations and Construction for Waterbury Development Corporation (WDC). For over 35 years, Ron has completed numerous large-scale construction projects and still retains many contacts in the construction industry. Lead by Ron, a team of Project Managers, Superintendents, Project Engineers, Safety Managers, and Schedulers work to bring construction projects to fruition in the City of Waterbury. Ron is known for his team-oriented leadership skills, dependability, and solid relationships in the construction industry.
Urban Historian, Economic Development & Grant Manager
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7287
keith@wdconline.org
Zachary ("Zach") received his dual Bachelor's Degree in History and in Urban and Community Studies from the University of Connecticut. He received his Master's Degree in Public History from Central Connecticut State University. After eight years of Project Managment, Zach has transitioned to become the Economic Development and Grants Manager. He is a board member of the Waterbury Chapter of UNICO National and has been a member of the club since 2011. Zach volunteers with the Main Street Waterbury Economic Vitality Committee and joined their Board of Directors in 2017, he is currently the Vice Chair. Zach graduated from Leadership Greater Waterbury in 2019. Zach and his wife Ashley live in Terryville with their new son and two fur children BO and Bella.
Civil and Environmental Engineer, Project Manager
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7285
doshi@wdconline.org
Mansi received her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering and her Master's Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from India. She received her second Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from the City University of New York. She serves as a Civil and Environmental Engineer. Prior to joining Waterbury Development Corporation, Mansi worked with environmental consulting firms. She has experience in brownfield remediation projects and their eventual redevelopment. She also has a great understanding of US-EPA regulations, data interpretation of environmental results & reports. Mansi graduated from the Leadership Greater Waterbury program in 2021.
Project Engineer
(203) 346-2607
Zao@wdconline.org
Emily is joining Waterbury Development Corporation as a Project Engineer. She graduated from Cooper Union with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering. During her college tenure, Emily contributed to the Cooper Union AIAA team as Manufacturing lead. She also served as a Summer STEM teaching assistant for Cooper Union's Racecar research program. Emily enjoys spending time at the beach and baking banana bread.
Project Manager
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7275
favazzo@wdconline.org
Thomas ("Tom") joins the Waterbury Development Corporation team with nearly 40 years of professional experience within the construction industry. Tom graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University and has a BS in Construction Engineering Technology. With a large number of new building and renovation projects completed in the tri-state area, Tom has a history of keeping construction projects on schedule and within budget. He is looking forward to taking his skills and network to the City of Waterbury to help promote future economic growth and development. In his spare time, Tom can be found fishing, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Project Manager
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7286
dowd@wdconline.org
Robert ("Rob") joined Waterbury Development Corporation in January 2026 after a career in the private sector. Rob began his career in the construction industry while attending college, working as a laborer for national home builder Toll Brothers. After graduating from Southern Connecticut State University with his Bachelor’s Degree, Rob remained at Toll Brothers working his way up to Vice President. Over the decades, Rob built numerous communities – from start to finish - in the New York City metro region and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Rob resides in Stratford, CT with Cathy, his wife of 22 years and is a proud parent of their son, Justin. Rob enjoys spending time with his family, going on cruises, and spending time with family and friends. Rob also enjoys watching his favorite sports teams: the Yankees, Giants, Knicks and UCONN, as well at attending live concerts.
Re-Investment Manager & Logistics Specialist
(203) 346-2607 ext. 7278
gilmore@wdconline.org
Michael ("Mike") is a lifelong resident of Waterbury. He is a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and Mattatuck Community College. Mike began working for the City of Waterbury in 1991 as a Community Liaison under Mayor Edward Bergin. He then moved to the Office of Community Development as a Community Development Specialist. Mike currently works as a Re-Investment Manager and Logistics Specialist at the Waterbury Development Corporation. In that role he is responsible for the securing or demolition of unsafe structures, enforcement of the city's Anti-Blight Ordinance, and relocation of displaced tenants. As the city's Fair Housing Officer, Mike organizes and implements public programs and distributes informational material pertaining to fair housing laws and rights. He is also a member of the City's Tax Auction Committee and Property Reuse Committee. Mike is currently a member of the City of Waterbury Blight Task Force. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Waterbury. He is also an affiliate and supporter of the Greater Waterbury YMCA and former member of the Board of Directors. Mike resides in the Bunker Hill neighborhood with his wife Jackie and their three daughters, Taylor, Jordan, and Hayley.
FY 26 EPA Cleanup Grant https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Qqz8hdd-X6wleCFHnMzQ1eReTTmC-40f/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104561775603031721292&rtpof=true&sd=true Freight Street Public Meeting Sign in Sheet https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qNR-_bVp3fdYl_3DTTJhPIeJ7KzmsVbR/view?usp=sharing
ABCA-130 & 170 Freight St & 000 West Main Street https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K3VTxvGW8wHUsJIFWJQJ5VwaSnjgkZcl/view?usp=sharing CIP – 130 & 170 Freight & 000 West Main Street https://drive.google.com/file/d/1T6qjWI5XwitkPE-ALAY8DPD51arlTd7D/view?usp=sharing Threshold Criteria
