Amidst Connecticut Expansion, Nonprofit CJR Adds Chief Development Officer

CJR, a Connecticut nonprofit providing education, residential, wellness, and community services to young people and families across the state, has appointed Miguel Vázquez Jr. as its new Chief Development Officer.

Vázquez joins CJR during a period of growth as the organization builds on more than 120 years of serving Connecticut youth and families. His appointment is part of CJR's broader efforts to strengthen its executive leadership team, expand organizational capacity, and position the nonprofit for long-term sustainability.

Vázquez brings a decade of experience in fundraising, institutional giving, corporate partnerships, community engagement, and strategic relationship building to the organization. 

In his role, Vázquez will focus on growing philanthropic support, cultivating new partnerships, and bolstering the resources needed to sustain and expand CJR's continuum of care. 

“Miguel brings a rare combination of strategic fundraising expertise, relationship-building skills, and a deep commitment to community impact,” said Cassie Reyes, President & CEO, CJR. “As we prepare for CJR’s next chapter, his experience building meaningful partnerships and translating mission-driven work into compelling opportunities for supporters will be instrumental in growing the resources and support needed to meet the evolving needs of youth and families across Connecticut.”

Prior to joining CJR, Vázquez served as Director of Institutional Giving at the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), where he managed a diverse portfolio of foundations, corporations, and individual donors. His fundraising work contributed to an average annual increase of 32% in funds raised and more than $10.5 million in total funding.

Continuing to build on its legacy of impactful care, this fiscal year, CJR expanded into new communities, most recently with the opening of its Bridgeport location, continued its transformative wellness partnerships with local schools, and reflecting the growing demand for its services, CJR increased the total number of individuals and families served to more than 2,500 clients. 

In addition to Bridgeport, CJR locations now include Danbury, Litchfield, Middletown/Meriden, New Britain, Waterford/New London, Torrington, Waterbury, Wethersfield and Winchester.

“I’m honored to join an organization with such a long history of serving its community and steadfast commitment to its mission. Joining an organization that has transformed lives for more than 120 years comes with a deep sense of responsibility and an incredible opportunity to build on that legacy,” said Vázquez.

“My career began with direct service to youth in the juvenile justice system at Catholic Charities,” he explained, “and seeing that impact firsthand has driven my work ever since. By pairing that foundational passion with strategic fundraising, I look forward to continuing to build the partnerships, resources, and relationships that will carry CJR’s mission forward for generations to come.”