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September 6, 2024

Operation Fuel names new CEO with private sector, nonprofit experience

Perkin Simpson

The state’s emergency energy assistance program, Operation Fuel, has named a new chief executive officer.

After nearly a yearlong search, the nonprofit's board of directors named Perkin Simpson the new CEO, effective Monday, Sept. 9.

Simpson has experience in executive leadership, fundraising and advocacy.

Most recently, he was executive director of the Urban Alliance, a collective impact organization based in East Hartford. There, he worked to grow and start new programs aimed at helping to address “structural inequities that affect access to food, health, education, mental health and other life needs.”

Previously, Simpson served as executive director of the American Baptist Foundation for nine years. He has also held positions at Prudential Financial, UBS and The Hartford.

Simpson has a master’s degree in financial services from The American College at Bryn Mawr, an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a bachelor’s degree in communication
from the University of Connecticut. He’s also pursuing a Ph.D.

“I am truly honored to join this exceptional family here at Operation Fuel and look forward to
being an integral part of its next chapter,” Simpson said. “While we continue delivering solutions and advocating for those in need, we look forward to exploring new opportunities to ensure that everyone has uninterrupted access to heat, water, electricity and other essential needs.”

Operation Fuel’s former CEO, Brenda Watson, stepped down on Nov. 2, 2023 to pursue other opportunities. Watson is now executive director of North Hartford Partnership, a nonprofit working to advance equitable social and economic development in North Hartford, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Roxanna Booth, Operation Fuel’s chief advancement officer, served as interim CEO since Watson’s departure.

Operational Fuel had $9.96 million in revenue and $8.33 million in expenses last year, according to its 2023 annual report. It provided energy assistance to 10,094 households last year.

In February, Operation Fuel's chief program officer said demand for energy assistance has been increasing on a yearly basis.

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