Board Members

Courtney Nelthropp, Director, Fairgate Farm, Inc.

Mr. Nelthropp is a former corporate executive at IBM and retired entrepreneur with Sir Speedy in Stamford, Connecticut. He served on the board for Charter Oak Communities (COC) and Rippowam Corporation, COC’s real estate development subsidiary. As COC’s longest-serving board chairman, Mr. Nelthropp guided that organization through its 20-year evolution into a progressive community developer garnering national recognition. In addition, Mr. Nelthropp has served on the board of directors for Cornerstone Bank and Stamford Downtown Special Services District. In 2022, Mr. Nelthropp was named the Stamford Citizen of the Year.

 

Richard Ostuw, Chairman of the Board, Fairgate Farm, Inc.

Mr. Ostuw is a former Chief Actuary with Towers Perrin in Stamford, Connecticut and serves as the Vice Chairman of the COC board. In addition, he serves on the boards for the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Child First and Community Health Center and is an active volunteer at Building One Community. Mr. Ostuw has also volunteered for Junior Achievement and has served on the board of the local chapter of the American Red Cross.

 

Sheila Williams-Brown, Vice Chairwoman of the Board, Fairgate Farm, Inc.

Ms. Williams-Brown is the Farm’s – unofficial – longest serving volunteer, having been with Fairgate Farm since 2011. She is a Resident Board Member of COC and serves on its Human Resources committee. In addition, Ms. Williams-Brown is an active volunteer with the Stamford YMCA, the West Side Neighborhood Revitalization Zone and People Friendly Stamford.