The Branford Community Foundation, the leader in supporting a variety of local philanthropic needs, programs and services for 35 years, has elected Branford resident Melodie Lane O’Connor to its Board of Directors.

Melodie O’Connor has more than 30 years of professional experience in ultra-premium cosmetic brands and packaged goods retail development, education and management. Her most recent position at The Estee Lauder Companies, a $10.8 billion publicly held global parent company of 28 cosmetic brands, was Vice President, Global Education for Aramis and Designer Fragrances and BeautyBank. She is a graduate of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and spent her childhood at the New Jersey Shore. Melodie is a recent transplant to Branford and resides in Pine Orchard with her husband Curtis (Curt) and beloved pets.

Branford Community Foundation Board president Stephanie Farber remarked, “Melodie is a welcome addition to our team. We are especially grateful for her extraordinary marketing skills and passion for the community.”

The Branford Community Foundation benefits all residents by pooling contributions from like-minded citizens, managing these funds with professional guidance, and then carefully granting a portion of the income generated to local, nonprofit organizations. As a multipurpose permanent local charitable endowment, the Branford Community Foundation helps to build a healthy and successful community by supporting everything from basic needs and health services, to local environmental issues and education, to the arts and other programs.