Tanner Burgdorf

Executive DIRECTOR

As the Executive Director for Groundwork Bridgeport I have had the opportunity to support staff and organizational operations aimed at changing the perception of the city and increasing stewardship of its physical environment. While earning my B.S. degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Connecticut (UConn) I helped manage UConn’s student run farm. This is where I first started to fall for being outdoors, growing, and managing a place.  More recently I earned a Master of Environmental Management (MEM) from Yale School of the Environment with a focus on cities and urban sustainability. I am thrilled to get back in the fold here at Groundwork Bridgeport where we contribute to urban sustainability while involving our local residents, especially youth, in the process!

Jessica Rosario

Programs manager

Growing up in Bridgeport myself, I always knew this was a city with great potential. I graduated from UConn in 2022 with degrees in Sociology and Psychology and returned to coordinate a youth program at Reservoir Community Farm with Green Village Initiative. That time inspired my first children’s book, Harvest Heroes, and ignited my passion for educating and empowering youth in the city. As Youth Program Coordinator at Groundwork, I am excited to continue my journey of community building and bringing environmental education to the youth of Bridgeport. 

In my free time I love to stay outdoors any way that I can or relax inside with reading and lots of crocheting.

Nicholas Henckel

Community Engagement - Programs Assistant

I am very excited to join Groundwork Bridgeport as the Community Engagement Programs Assistant! I previously served as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member at Groundwork Bridgeport, and am excited to be officially on the team to continue the amazing work engaging residents across the city.

Growing up in Shelton, CT, with family in Bridgeport, this city has always been important to me. Then, studying Geography and Political Science at college, I found an interest in cities and urban revitalization focused on community and environmental justice. I’m glad to be back in Bridgeport with such an incredible community of residents, local leaders, partners, and new friends to continue the variety of work that defines Groundwork Bridgeport’s mission to connect people with their local environment. 

Jonathan Melendez

Environmental Stewardship - Programs Assistant

Jonathan Melendez is a lifelong resident of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a dedicated community advocate committed to serving others and strengthening local neighborhoods. He is married and the proud father of three children and a graduate of Bethpage Community College in Long Island. With more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry, Jonathan brings a strong foundation in relationship building and service. Today, he works as an independent medical transportation driver, continuing his commitment to helping others. Jonathan is actively involved in his church and community initiatives, with a particular interest in community gardening, neighborhood beautification, and outreach efforts. He is passionate about creating opportunities for residents to come together and make a positive impact.

Jim Reidy

Chair and treasurer

Jim grew up in Milford and went to high school in New Haven. During high school and college, he spent five summers working at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) doing marine biology research.

He earned his B.A. in Economics from Bowdoin College in Maine and now works at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. As a Client Advisor, he serves the firm’s institutional clients by advising on asset allocation and portfolio construction, as well as delivering the breadth of J.P. Morgan’s investment capabilities.

He recently moved back to Milford, where he lives with his wife, Erica, and daughter, Maggie. 

Ashley Torres

Secretary

As a Bridgeport native, I owe it to the community and myself to want better for the outside spaces I grew up in and still occupy today. I became connected with Groundwork Bridgeport in high school as I was a student in the program where I fell in love with the city I called home and grew admiration for the people I met along the way. Since graduating high school, I have experienced a handful of adventures and opportunities thanks to Groundwork. I’m grateful to have built such a strong connection to the organization and hope to contribute as much as I can as a board member so that future participants can enjoy and take away from it as much as I did.

I have my B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Biology and soon to be pursuing my Masters in Social Work. Combining the passion I have for nature and the great outdoors with behavioral health is something I hope to do one day.

Nick Callegari

Nick Callegari is currently an MBA student at the Yale School of Management and serving as a Nonprofit Board Fellow through Yale SOM’s Nonprofit Board Fellows program. He holds a MEng in Mechanical Engineering from UC Berkeley and a BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (Certificates in Sustainable Energy, Robotics and Intelligent Systems, and Entrepreneurship) from Princeton University. Prior to pursuing an MBA, Nick worked as a mechanical design engineer for SpaceX’s Dragon spaceflight program, helping design critical primary and interior structures for the Dragon spacecraft.

In addition to his MBA studies, Nick is also working on a social venture that aims to help tackle the global housing crisis. As a first-generation, low-income college student that was afforded an opportunity for higher education through the nonprofit QuestBridge, Nick hopes his work as part of the GWB board will give him a chance to give back to nonprofits that are making a difference in the world.   

Tsering Dickey

Being a part of Groundwork Bridgeport makes me so happy! While I was working, Christina invited me in, and we immediately connected over our love of helping and giving back to the community. I'm excited to join this fantastic organization as it is exposed to me.

To tell you a little bit about me, I enjoy getting lost and taking detours to my destination. I received a Bachelor of Business Management with a concentration in Accounting from Southern Connecticut State University.

I'm currently looking for my purpose and am a new mom to a stunning baby girl. I want her to be pleased with the effort I can make for her future.

Anna George

yale board fellow

Anna George is an MBA candidate at the Yale School of Management and serving as a Nonprofit Board Fellow through Yale SOM’s Nonprofit Board Fellows program. Prior to pursuing her MBA, she worked as the Executive Office Manager at Oceana, a global nonprofit dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. In this role, she directed all board governance and collaborated closely with the CEO to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan. 

Anna holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in Conservation Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. A former outdoor wilderness guide, she is grateful for any opportunity to foster connection between people and nature. As a member of the GWB Board, she looks forward to doing just that while furthering their mission in support of this wonderful community.