Richard A. Leone

As Chief Executive Officer, Richard A. Leone drives growth by actively promoting COCC’s next generation technologies, cooperative ownership structure and entrepreneurial service culture.

In 1991, Rich joined COCC as Chief Financial Officer and was named Chief Executive Officer in 2002. Since taking over as CEO, Rich has significantly grown COCC’s revenues and consistently maintained high client service ratings, staying true to the founding mission from when the Cooperative was established in 1967. Under Rich’s leadership, COCC has focused on providing innovative technology solutions that give the clients a competitive edge in an ever-changing technology market. Rich continues to grow the Company by ensuring the corporate culture matches that focus. In 2015 and 2019, Rich was named the Top Leader in the midsized and large companies categories, respectively, by the Hartford Courant Top Workplaces program. During that time, COCC has also been among the Top Workplaces in Connecticut for eleven consecutive years.

Rich is a recognized speaker on topics ranging from bank technology strategies to leadership initiatives in service industries. He also serves as the American Savings Bank Foundation Chair in Banking and Finance at Central Connecticut State University and is an adjunct professor in the Finance Department. Rich is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Marlin Company, a digital signage company in Wallingford, CT, a past director of the Connecticut Technology Council, a member of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and serves as president of the Avon Chamber of Commerce. As a member of the Connecticut Society of CPAs and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Rich was awarded a CPA designation from the state of Connecticut in 1985.