by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
The top brass at the Miss Connecticut Scholarship organization has undergone a change this past week.
Nakiya Troth, who handled executive director duties for the past four years, has stepped down and passed the baton to Ashley Reid as the organization’s new ED. Reid, a former contestant within the Miss Connecticut organization and senior manager at Talent at Zola, also will serve as treasurer on the Board of Directors.
In addition to Reid’s promotion to ED, the board of directors is new.
The new president will be Kara Mitchell, another previous title holder and an advertising agency principal. Kristen Frutenicht, who has been Miss Connectcut’s business manager for four years, will be vice president of business operations and secretary. Ashley McClain, a local pageant director and a Miss Connecticut local title holder, will be vice president of recruiting and local business operations. Eliza Lynne Kanner, a former Miss Connecticut and a development and education coordinator for a nonprofit, is vice president of fund raising and sponsorship. Kate Ottavio Kent, who works in strategic communication and a former local title holder, will serve as vice president of public relations.
In the announcement of her resignation Troth said she was honored to “have watched so many young women learn and grow through our organization.”
This past year has seen the Miss Connecticut, and Miss America, competitions postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. Both Jillian Duffy and Lindiana Frangu, Miss Connecticut and Miss Connecticut’s Outstanding Teen respectively, have agreed to hold their titles for another year until the next contest is held.
In a press release, Reid said, “We are faced with unique challenges due to today’s pandemic. The safety of our volunteers, candidates and their loved ones is top priority.” Reid said a date for a 2021 Miss Connecticut competition will be announced as soon as the contest can be safely held.