Contact
Phone: 860-612-7025
Email: tom.yelich@ctstate.edu
Tom Yelich joined Connecticut State Community College in September 2024, bringing over a decade of experience in public administration, communications, organizational management, and community relations. As a strategic advisor to the President, he oversees critical initiatives that advance the college’s mission and strategic goals.
Previously, Yelich served as Deputy Chief of Staff at Trinity College, where he supported the Office of the President and worked with senior leaders to achieve institutional priorities. His role included leading presidential communications, assisting with governance initiatives, co-chairing the college’s emergency management team, and supporting accreditation assessments for the New England Commission of Higher Education.
Before transitioning to higher education, Yelich was a public information officer and assistant to the chief of police for the City of Champaign. Serving on the department’s five-member leadership team, he managed public safety communications, advised on policy, fostered community relations, and helped build trust between law enforcement and the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he served on the city’s leadership communications team, delivering critical updates to the region. His contributions to the City of Champaign earned him multiple City of Champaign Employee Awards for teamwork and results. Earlier in his career, Yelich held roles in sports communication with the NCAA and USA Football, advancing youth sports safety and programming.
A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Yelich deployed overseas twice and was a finalist for command Junior Sailor of the Year. He holds a B.S. in communication and political science from the University of North Florida and a Master of Public Affairs (MPA) from the University of Missouri.
Yelich lives in Windsor with his wife and their three beloved cats.
