The Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER), a non-profit organization representing business and civic leaders, has gained invaluable knowledge and experience with the newest addition to its Board of Directors, Mitchell Grossinger Etess. Etess is the Chief Executive Officer of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and a longtime hospitality veteran.
As the CEO of Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority (MTGA), Etess is responsible for overall management and operations at MTGA’s two main establishments— Mohegan Sun in Connecticut and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Pennsylvania. Additionally, he evaluates business planning and growth for Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority and the Mohegan Tribe.
“I am truly thrilled for the opportunity to participate in this extremely important endeavor,” Etess said. “I have always believed that education is critical to the continuity of the American way and the continued advancement of our economy as a region, a state and a nation”.
Prior to joining MTGA, Etess served as Senior Vice President of Marketing for Mohegan Sun and was quickly promoted to Executive Vice President of Marketing. In 2004, he rose to become President and CEO of Mohegan Sun, where he remained until 2011 when he resigned to focus solely on corporate diversification as CEO of MTGA. Additionally, Etess serves as CEO of the Connecticut Sun, the professional women’s basketball team, overseeing operations of the franchise on behalf of the Mohegan Tribe.
“Mitch Etess brings the perspective of the hospitality industry to our board, a critical component of economic health in Connecticut, and a viable career path for so many young people in this state,” said Rae Ann Knopf, Executive Director of CCER. “His background in development and his personal commitment to ensuring teachers are supported to meet the diverse learning needs of the children they see each day, will continue to strengthen the mission of our board and the work of CCER.”
Steven J. Simmons, Chair of the CCER Board, said, “We are pleased to welcome Mitchell Etess to the Board of the Council. We welcome his involvement to help the state’s young people in our public schools.”
In addition to its newest member, the Connecticut Council for Education Reform Board Members include:
- Steve Simmons, Chair, Chairman & CEO of Simmons/Patriot Media & Communication
- Ramani Ayer, Vice-Chair, Retired Chairman & CEO of The Hartford Insurance Company
- Roxanne Coady, Secretary/Treasurer, President & Founder of RJ Julia Bookstore; Founder & Chair of Read to Grow
- Mary Barneby, Complex Director of the UBS Private Wealth Management Office
- Marna Borgstrom, President & CEO of Yale New Haven Hospital System
- John Crawford, President of Strategem, LLC & Lead Dir. of Board of Dirs. at Webster Bank
- William Ginsberg, President & CEO, The Community Foundation of Greater New Haven
- Kim Jeffery, President and CEO, Nestlé Waters North America
- John Koelmel, President & CEO of First Niagara Financial Group
- Richard C. Levin, President of Yale University
- Brian MacLean, President & COO of the Travelers Companies, Inc.
- John Rathgeber, President & CEO of Connecticut Business & Industry Association
- Jim Torgerson, President & CEO of United Illuminating Holdings Corporation
- Dudley N. Williams Jr., Director of Corporate Citizenship and Diversity at GE Asset Management Group
About the Connecticut Council for Education Reform
At the Connecticut Council for Education Reform (CCER) we believe every child deserves and exceptional education, without exception. Working to close the achievement gap while raising educational outcomes for all children in Connecticut, business and civic leaders support a public education system that holds high expectations for all children, fosters education leadership, supports excellent teaching, turns around failing schools, invests intelligently, and is accountable for results.
