David Cappiello '86

David Cappiello '86 was recently featured in a News Times article (click here), announcing David's plans to start his own consulting firm in Danbury. With a five-year, $25 million campaign coming to an end at Ability Beyond Disability, David will be opening a government relations and consulting firm. The focus will be state, local and federal government relations (lobbying) and consulting/business development, representing businesses, non-profits, and associations who need help in navigating the various levels of government.

After graduating from Immaculate in 1986, David went on to graduate from Western CT State University with a B.S. in Justice and Law Administration. Prior to joining the Ability Beyond team, David served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Connecticut Senate Republican Caucus in 2009, and as Campaign Manager for U.S. Senate candidate, Linda McMahon, in 2010. He served five terms as Connecticut State Senator. First elected in 1994 to the Connecticut House of Representatives from Danbury's 138th District, Senator Cappiello served two terms before being elected to the State Senate in 1998. Prior to his service in the state legislature, he was elected to the Danbury City Council in 1993.

For several years, Senator Cappiello held the position of Deputy Minority Leader. As a legislator, David has been recognized by a number of organizations for his legislative and community accomplishments. In 1995, he was nominated by the Danbury Jaycees for the Distinguished Service Award and served as the Education Chairman for the United Way in 1998. In 2003, the March of Dimes honored him for his longtime dedication to improving the health of newborns, and was recognized by the Connecticut AARP in 2006. The American Red Cross of Western Connecticut honored Senator Cappiello in 2001 for his outstanding supportive efforts towards Disaster Relief Services post 9/11. He was also a recipient of the WeCAHR 2003 Public Service Award, the National Federation of Independent Businesses Guardian of Small Business Award, as well as numerous other honors from organizations such as the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, the American Heart and Lung Associations, the Connecticut Association of Non-Profits, and Connecticut Community Providers.

David currently serves as Vice Chair of the Immaculate High School Advisory Board, and was formerly the Vice President of the Alumni Association and a member of the Development Committee. He lives in Newtown with his wife Christine and their two sons, Jack (10) and Jude (8), both of whom attend St. Rose of Lima School.

In regards to his experience at Immaculate, David shared, "I credit much of my success in life to the educational, moral and spiritual foundation that I received during my four years at Immaculate." He added, "I am also fortunate to say that the closest friends I made in high school are still my closest and most-trusted friends today."

David shows his gratitude to his alma mater by sharing his time, talents and treasures with Immaculate. Whether it be serving on a committee, attending the Gala or annual golf outing, or sponsoring scholarships to help enable students to experience the same gift of an Immaculate education that he received. For all of the above, we are grateful to David and wish him much success in his new venture. Mustang pride!