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News & Events

News Release

September 6, 2006

Community Foundation Elects Three New Directors

The Middlesex County Community Foundation has elected three new members to serve on its board of directors, Herbert T. Clark III Board Chair has announced. Recently elected were John S. Biddiscombe of Durham, William C. Chatman of Essex and Deborah L. Moore of Killingworth. “We are delighted to add these talented community-minded residents to our Board of Directors,” Clark stated. “They each bring a wealth of business, community and not for profit experiences that will add to our ability to build a better Middlesex County and grow our Community Foundation.”

Biddiscombe is the Director of Athletics, Chair of Physical Education and Adjunct Professor at Wesleyan University where he has been employed since 1974. He has been active in University and regional and national professional activities. He serves on the Middlesex United Way Board of Directors and served as Board President 2002-2004 and has actively served on many important committees including its Research and Strategic Planning Committees. He is winner of the United Way's Community Service Award. He also serves on the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce Sports Events & Convention Committee.

Chatman has retired to Essex from a career working for Foster Wheeler Ltd., the British affiliate of an American based company, for which he worked 44 years in many countries. He and his wife got to know the area when their youngest daughter attended Wesleyan and decided the area had lots to offer. He wasted no time in getting involved in local activities by serving on the boards of the Essex Historical Society and Connecticut River Museum and, most recently, chair of the Essex Library Expansion Capital Campaign.

Moore is first Executive Director of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown and has been responsible for its development and its growing success. She grew up in the county and was executive director of Chester Village West and Innkeeper for The Inn at Chester after a career as an officer for the Merchant Marine. She serves as Chair of the Central Regional Tourism District, chair of the Special Places for Special Events and is a board member of the Valley Railroad Company.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in Middlesex County. The Foundation assists donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives through the creation of restricted and unrestricted endowments. Income from these endowments is used to award grants to charitable organizations that have a positive impact on our community. The Foundation also works cooperatively with other funders and non-profits to enhance philanthropy and improve conditions in the county. Since its founding in 1997, Middlesex County Community Foundation has provided over $700,000 in grants to more than 125 local organizations for the arts; cultural and heritage programs; educational activities; environmental improvements; and for health and human services. For more information call 860.347.0025 or email info@MiddlesexCountyCF.org.