EPOC 2025 Annual Dinner Meeting
Glastonbury Boathouse
Google Map
Tues, September 30th, 5:00 PM start (Cash bar)
Dinner begins at 6:30 PM
The Environmental Professionals Organization of Connecticut (EPOC) cordially invites you to attend our annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, September 30th at the Glastonbury Boathouse along the shoreline of the Connecticut River. Our event begins at 5:00 PM with social time, followed by dinner, brief business meeting, and our keynote speaker, Matthew J. Pugliese, Deputy Commissioner, CT DECD.
Matthew J. Pugliese, Deputy Commissioner, CT DECD
Matthew J. Pugliese was named Deputy Commissioner and Chief Investment Officer of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) on January 1, 2024. In this role he oversees all real estate, capital project, brownfield and community development initiatives and compliance activities of the department. Matt has represented the DECD on technical and regulatory issues related to the transition to the Release-Based Cleanup Program.
Previously, he served as DECD’s Executive Director of Community Development where he managed multiple state grant programs supporting a diverse range of capital projects. Matt joined the department in 2022 to help launch the Community Investment Fund 2030 program, an $875 million-dollar, five-year program fostering economic and community development in historically underserved communities across the state.
Prior to joining DECD, Matt served as the Associate State Director of the Connecticut Small Business Development Center and held leadership positions in higher education at UConn and nonprofit organizations. Matt currently serves on the Town of Old Saybrook’s Board of Selectmen and is a past chair of the town’s Economic Development Commission. He earned his Masters in Public Administration from the UConn School of Public Policy and bachelor’s degree from the UConn School of Fine Arts.
Matt has played a leading role in the state’s transition to the Release-Based Cleanup Program, which will be implemented beginning March 1, 2026. His experience in real estate, community development, and brownfield initiatives will provide valuable insights for environmental professionals across Connecticut.
Dinner Menu (Buffet style)
- Summer Arugula Salad (Baby Arugula, Local Peaches, Toasted Walnuts, Shaved Red Onion, Raspberry)
Entrees:
- Cabernet Braised Short Rib, Caramelized Onion Demi-Glace
- Irish Cheddar and Mustard Crusted Cod, Lemon Caper Butter
- Vegetarian Lasagna with Spinach, Caramelized Onion, Ricotta, Mascarpone, House Marinara
- Dessert Station
About the Glastonbury Boathouse
252 Welles Street, Glastonbury, CT | Google Map
The Glastonbury Boathouse was built in 2014 with the help of a state grant designed to create more access to the CT River. As part of this effort, the Town of Glastonbury began a two-phase construction project to build Riverfront Park and the Glastonbury Boathouse. The park offers a variety of amenities to town residents and visitors including a public boat launch, indoor and outdoor boat storage, a children’s playground, sports fields, public restrooms, and an exercise room for the Glastonbury crew team. All revenue generated through events held at the Boathouse helps support these amenities.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Thank you to the firms that have already committed to supporting this event (see logos and links below). Additional sponsors are welcome! Sponsors will be recognized:
- During the event
- On event announcements
- With space provided for promotional materials
EPOC is grateful to the following sponsors for their generous support of this event (click on logo to link to sponsor website):

