Stephen brings more than 10 years of experience in grassroots organizing, campaigns, political operations, legislative advocacy, movement building, and nonprofit management to KRC.

Prior to joining KRC, Stephen served as Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN), organizing low-income families throughout the state of Connecticut to influence public policy. Under Stephen’s direction, Connecticut ACORN won a remarkable legislative victory in 2005 with the passage of H.B. 6830, a state bill that capped interest rates on predatory Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL’s) at 40% (From 260%). This legislation was the first of its kind in the United States and was a monumental victory for low-to-moderate income families in the state of Connecticut. In addition to the monumental victory of HB 6830, much of Stephen's work has centered on financial justice issues as they apply to low-income families and fixed income seniors. From mobilizing a campaign to restore heat and electricity to fixed income seniors who could not afford to pay the enormous rate increases in 2003, to helping lifelong homeowners re-finance out of predatory mortgage loans, Stephen has spent much time learning about and working to address issues of financial injustice.

Stephen also held positions with the Connecticut Working Families Party, where he served as state Co-Chair and Executive Treasurer. At CWFP, Stephen played a key role in developing what is now the strongest third party in the state of Connecticut.

Upon moving to California in 2006, Stephen worked with the Grassroots Leadership Network of Marin, where he served as the Civic Engagement and Public Policy Coordinator. In this capacity Stephen worked with the GLN membership to find grassroots solutions to many of the problems affecting Marin’s under-represented individuals and families.

Stephen holds a B.A. in Political Science from Central Connecticut State University. He lives in San Rafael, where he remains active with a broad range of community activities and organizations.

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