Executive Committee

Jeff Hakner (Co-Chair)

Why I Believe in the Campaign

I am involved in many aspects of the Museum's operations and management, including training, car restoration 
and repair, and track and signal maintenance. I have been a member of the Museum since 1988. Presently, I am the Chair of the
Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee.

I've seen first-hand the devastating effects of coastal flooding on
our collection and know how difficult and costly recovery from a flood can be.
 As a student of history, I know that the potential for something much more
 catastrophic is real -- just look at the hurricane of 1938. Over the six decades that the Museum has been part of this community, countless volunteer
 hours and many dollars have been spent to restore the cars in the collection
 and to keep these antiques in operating condition.

We need to act soon to 
protect this investment and make sure these local treasures are enjoyed
 by the public for decades to come.

Education: Master of Engineering, Electrical Engineering



Occupation: Telecommunications and IT management, and Adjunct Professor
 of Computer and Electrical Engineering at Cooper Union.

Wayne Sandford (Co-Chair)

Why I Believe in the Campaign

With my background in Emergency Management I have seen the effects that flooding can have, and I fully understand what type of aid would be available to the Museum if it where struck by a major flood or hurricane. The fact is that 80% of businesses like the Museum are not able to recover from a major loss. Without these two new buildings, the Shore Line Trolley Museum would most likely fall in the 80% category. When the new buildings are built and the collection is elevated above the flood line, this project will keep the Museum in the 20% that does survive.”

Education: Master’s degree in Religious Studies and a Bachelor’s in Fire Engineering.

Career History

Wayne joined the University of New Haven as full time faculty in 2010 after teaching as an Adjunct professor since 1984. He manages the Emergency Management Program at the University, and teaches in the Fire Science Program, and the Emergency Management program.

From 2005 to 2009, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, where he was second in command of the state agency responsible for managing Connecticut’s Emergency Management Program.

From 1992-2005, he served as Fire Chief of East Haven, CT. He also served as Chairman of the town’s Local Emergency Planning Committee and the Director of Emergency Management. He was State Fire Administrator for the State of Connecticut from 1991 to 1992, and the Director of Fire Training, State of Connecticut 1982-1992, where he ran the Connecticut State Fire Academy.

Mr. Sandford was appointed to State Emergency Response Commission by Governor Rowland; Chairman of International Fire Service Training Association’s Aerial Ladder Committee 1980-2006; Team Leader, Commission on Fire Accreditation International; National Fire Protection Association 1001 committee 1983-1992; President Connecticut Career Fire Chief’s Association 1996-1999; Executive Board New England section of the International Association of Fire Chief’s 1998-2001; President National Association of State Directors of Fire Service Training 1987-1991.

State Representative James Albis

Andy Anastasio

Andy, as he is referred to friends and colleagues alike, is a second generation leader of The Anastasio Group, a multi faceted company involved in a diverse range of products and services, including efficient rail service, commercial storage, hauling and shipping, construction and demolition and, perhaps most known to New Haven area residents, the beloved Anastasio’s on Wooster St., Italian cuisine par excellence. Through his business, Andy has always enjoyed being in a position of leadership, breaking new ground for positive change. As one who understands and appreciates the legacy of trolleys, Andy looks forward to applying his leadership acumen as a Cabinet member for the Shore Line Trolley Museum Campaign.

Sal Annunziato

Branford First Selectman Unk DaRos

Rich Parente

An electrical contractor, Rich has followed the legacy of his father, who continues to be an active member in the Trolley Museum, providing ongoing work and care renovating and restoring those cars which are dear to his and his father’s hearts. The mission, purpose and programs of the Museum resonate in the Parente family, and it is therefore fitting that Rich represents the first Museum member to join the Cabinet. Rich understands that, to continue its mission, the funds which the Museum seeks to raise through the Campaign are of paramount importance. He is therefore enthusiastic to have accepted this important leadership role. 

Robert Ryan

Why I Believe in the Campaign

I believe in this campaign because of the deep research and preparation already conducted by many devoted members. Also, after my retirement and desire to become active again at the Museum, I have seen first hand why this priceless collection must be preserved.

My interest in trolleys began in the Kensington section of Brooklyn, one of the most colorful destinations with regard to street railway operations between 1875 and until the end of the trolley era in 1965. When I was growing up, there was a trolley tunnel at Ocean Parkway, under the Culver Line. The train equipment used was an array of everything running throughout the New York City transit system. All of this was within blocks of my home.

I first learned about the Shore Line Trolley Museum in 1960 from Johnny Blank, a longtime BMT Surface Line Dispatcher. My childhood memories of the trolleys (PCC's and 8000 series) and desire to see them again came true at the Museum. My first visit there was in 1967 with George Horn, who was the first person to drive through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel!

I came back again on Memorial Day 1969, joined the Museum as a young "Goon.” I was active throughout the 1970's until I was hired by the MTA as a conductor. After devoting many years to work and family, and progressing through the ranks to managerial positions, I found my way back to the Museum after retiring in 2010.

The Museum has been well cared for by its many devoted members and volunteers. It is my desire to contribute not only financially to the campaign, but to promote good will among our members and to ensure that we empower the Museum for generations to come!

Carl Sprauge

Carl Sprague owns a distinguished portfolio as a producer of films, theatrical productions and commercial photography. Magna cum Laude in Film and Philosophy at Harvard College, with a Graduate Degree in Design at NYU, Carl Sprague’s connection to the Shore Line Trolley Museum springs from his lineage. His great grandfather was the prominent inventor Frank Julian Sprague, the “father of electric traction”. Sprague’s contributions to the development of the electric motor, electric railways, and electric elevators were essential in the growth of urbanism, as through enhanced technology of transportation, cities could expand via greater concentration commerce. Thus, Carl Sprague’s passion for the Trolley Museum has deep, enduring roots.

Represenative Lonnie Reed

Lonnie Reed grew up in Connecticut and she and her family have owned a home in Branford for more than thirty years. Lonnie's career in government, investigative journalism and filmmaking has taken her to Washington, D.C. and New York City. Lonnie now lives in Branford full-time. Early in her career, Lonnie served in Washington, D.C. as a Legislative Aide to the U.S. Senate Energy Committee Chaired by Senator Henry "Scoop" Jackson. The experience reinforced Lonnie's lasting commitment to examining energy issues and their impact on people, the environment and foreign policy. Lonnie has worked as an award winning newspaper journalist, television news correspondent, and anchor for television stations including WFSB, Hartford and WNEW, NY. A small business owner, Lonnie heads LRP, Inc., her own filmmaking and television production company. Lonnie's work has received Four Emmy Awards and several film festival prizes. Productions include the award-winning documentary, Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story. Lonnie has written, produced and/or directed projects for television networks such as NBC, TNT, The History Channel, and A&E.