Executive Director

mhage@ctrwwa.org

Michael served as the Drinking Water Section supervisor at the Connecticut
Department of Public Health (CTDPH) before retiring on April 1, 2021. During his
tenure of almost 37 years at CTDPH, he supervised the units responsible for rule
implementation, sanitary surveys, engineering reviews, water planning,
compliance, and enforcement. Prior to the CTDPH, Michael worked as a
construction engineer and a design civil engineer in Southeastern CT. Also,
Michael worked as a consultant on projects related to land development, storm
water management, and decentralized wastewater systems.

Michael graduated from the University of Connecticut with Bachelor of Science
and Master of Science degrees in civil engineering. He is a licensed professional
engineer in CT, and is a member of the American Water Works Association (AWWA).

Michael is passionate about public health protection and very cognizant of the
critical work conducted daily by CT water and wastewater operators to keep our
drinking water safe and our environment clean.

Wastewater Specialist

860-949-7164

jdimmock@ctrwwa.org

Jeffrey Dimmock joined the CTRWWA team in late December 2023. He possesses a passion for protecting our natural resources and brings with him a “think outside the box” mindset. Jeff comes to us from a local small wastewater plant, and attended University of Connecticut Engineering. His hope is to help rural wastewater facilities to become more sustainable, efficient, and stable.

Source Water Protection Specialist

860-416-0278

hcutler@ctrwwa.org

Henry Cutler joined the CTRWWA team in 2023 as the Source Water Protection Specialist. He is very knowledgeable about our water sources, as he graduated from the University of Connecticut at Storrs with a bachelor’s degree in Geoscience and minored in Environmental Science. Previous relevant experience includes MS4 sampling and related duties as a wastewater consultant intern at Fuss & O'Neill. This internship is what provided the exposure and stimulation of Henry's desire to pursue a career in source water protection.

Training Specialist

860-634-3368

psestito@ctrwwa.org

Paul Sestito joined the CTRWWA team in February 2025. Paul has been in the water and wastewater industry for over 20 years, working as a certified water and wastewater operator in Vermont. Prior to joining CTRWWA, Paul was employed by the Vermont Rural Water Association as a training and technical assistance specialist and water circuit rider.

Before entering the water and wastewater sector, Paul was a middle and high school science teacher, and worked in the hazardous waste industry as a field technician, customer service representative, project manager, and environmental health and safety manager.

Paul graduated from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering.

Apprenticeship Trainer

860-803-4050

krussell@ctrwwa.org

Kellie Russell brings a rich and varied background in wastewater treatment to our team. Her journey began during her pursuit of a degree in Environmental Studies, where a professor's suggestion led her to explore wastewater treatment. After a transformative field trip to a local wastewater treatment plant, Kellie earned her Grade 1 certification in Arizona and launched her career as an operator at the very plant that ignited her passion.

Throughout her career, Kellie has excelled across wastewater treatment operations in New Mexico and Connecticut, currently holding a Class III Wastewater Certification. As a proven leader, she consistently guides teams to success, optimizing operational processes for efficiency and productivity in daily tasks and projects.

Driven by her passion for environmental stewardship, Kellie is committed to ensuring wastewater is treated and released into the environment in its purest form possible. She is enthusiastic about joining the CTRWWA Team and providing assistance to support rural small wastewater systems.

Circuit Rider for CT and RI

401-585-5973

Virginia@RIRWA.org

Virginia Bragger has dedicated her career to the water works industry. As an employee of the family business A.E. Bragger Construction, she started in the trenches laying pipe, repairing water breaks and installing water lines for commercial, residential, and municipalities. She also worked as a service technician at E.J. Prescott Inc. She has served on the Board for National Utility Contractors of RI, National Utility Contractors Association; VP New England, National Association of Women in Construction; RI Chapter President and multiple committee chairs, RI Backflow Preventer Association; Former Board Member, RI Rural Water Association; former Board Member. Virginia was hired December 2022 as the Circuit Rider for RIRWA. She is looking forward to providing free assistance to systems in need through the Circuit Rider Program for Connecticut and Rhode Island Rural Water Associations.

Water Quality Action Specialist

djohnson@ctrwwa.org

Diane has over 30 years experience in a variety of municipal, private, and nonprofit water, wastewater, and engineering positions. She is a Connecticut and Rhode Island Professional Engineer, with a BS in Civil Engineering from the University of Connecticut.

A strong advocate for clean water and a healthy environment, she is back working part time for CTRWWA hoping to make the planet a little better somehow. Residing in beautiful Rhode Island, Diane loves all things ocean and having fun with her grandchildren.