Monette Goodrich
Communications Director
Monette Goodrich has more than three decades of experience in strategic communications, media relations, and management in the non-profit, governmental, and philanthropic sectors. Prior to taking a meaningful multi-year “motherhood” sabbatical, Monette served as Vice President of Communications and Public Affairs at the Connecticut Health Foundation (CT Health) for almost ten years.
During her tenure, she played a crucial role in elevating the foundation from relative
obscurity to established leadership in public policy research and grantmaking, specifically advancing transformative systems change in children’s oral and mental
health and promoting health equity.
A proud Wisconsin-native, Monette has sharpened her planning and management expertise through positions with the City of Houston, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Her career began in daily journalism in Texas and Wisconsin, where Monette covered a wide variety of topics, from high school sports to breaking news events, honing her storytelling and writing skills.
She holds both a master’s degree and bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“You gotta laugh because if you didn’t, you’d cry.”
Podcast
The Atrómitos Way
Since January 2025, organizations like Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS) have encountered legal and financial challenges due to federal policy changes. In a discussion, Monette Goodrich and Maggie Mitchell Salem highlight the organization’s support for refugees and the crucial role of community advocacy, particularly during the vital first 90 days after arrival. They also address the significant impact of a $4 million federal funding cut on IRIS and those it serves.
