Movers & Shakers

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After 14 years of service, Town Assessor Joanne Ferraresso retired on March 13 and senior property appraiser Joseph Dakers Sr. took office on March 16. Dakers has been in the field of assessment since 1975. Prior to coming to the town of West Hartford in 2002, he served 27 years with the city of Hartford’s Assessment Office in the personal property division where he managed 10 people and 5,500 accounts that made up an $800 million Grand List.

Greg Levitz, director of sales for The Rideshare Co. in Windsor, was presented with the 1st annual Key Human Services award for his dedication to supporting the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities by providing viable transportation options through his company to the nonprofit organization, Keystone Human Services. Keystone Human Services started working with The Rideshare Co. about two years ago. The Rideshare Co. assists Keystone by making arrangements for enhanced transportation for residents who reside in the 15 group homes, from Waterbury to Waterford.

The law firm of Alix, Yale & Ristas LLP in Hartford has announced the promotion of intellectual property attorney Nancy Kennedy to partner. Kennedy manages domestic and international trademark, copyright, trade dress, domain name and other cyber-law matters. She counsels clients on the strategic use, policing, and enforcement of intellectual property to protect the investment in products, services, and ideas from the concept stage to the marketplace.

Cleo K. Solomon, M.D., of West Hartford, an internist, has joined the medical and dental staff of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Solomon received her medical degree from the University of the East RM Memorial Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines. She served as an intern, resident and chief resident at Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Solomon holds an undergraduate degree in public health. Dr. Solomon will practice in Bloomfield.

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce has announced the appointment of April DiFalco as director of membership services. DiFalco joined the chamber in February 2004, and most recently served as its coordinator of programs and services. In announcing her appointment, GMCC President Sue O’Connor cited DiFalco’s extensive involvement with chamber members, working with them in one-on-one meetings to identify that member’s specific need, or through large groups such as the chamber’s Business Referral Group, Ambassador Club, or Business to Business Expo. DiFalco resides in Enfield with her husband, Joe, and daughter, Alex.