Gino DeMaio, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer

Gino DeMaio has been the Chief Executive Officer at Sound Community Services since 2015.

Gino displays a strong commitment to grassroots development and driving change through his personal vision, which is apparent in his leadership approach. He inspires a shared vision and effectively influences his colleagues. Along with his impactful leadership, Gino also provides coaching, education, and training to his team, equipping them for potential future opportunities.

Thanks to Gino’s efforts, Sound Community Services has undergone a significant transformation. His introduction of a new vision, mission, and core values has established a strong cultural foundation for the organization. Additionally, his leadership has earned Sound Community the honor of being named a top workplace in Connecticut for five of the past six years.

Before becoming the Chief Executive Officer, Gino held a notable 20-year leadership position in the State of Connecticut. In this role, he collaborated with Commissioners from DMHAS, DDS & DCF to establish a forensic services division aimed at promoting positive change through agency cooperation. This division had a significant impact on the treatment and involvement of individuals with Developmental Disabilities within the Judicial, Probate, and Mental Health Systems by implementing new standards and influencing outcomes related to their Competency to Stand Trial.

The cooperation between legal and clinical experts led to a reduction in the recidivism rate and had a long-lasting effect on the lives of individuals with Developmental Disabilities who were involved with the Judicial, Probate, and Mental Health Systems. This success also resulted in an annual funding of millions of dollars to redirect individuals who would have otherwise been placed in institutions or imprisoned.

In recent years, Gino has been recognized for his excellent leadership abilities with various awards. These include Executive Director of The Year, Distinguished Community Service Award, Collaboration of the Year Award, and the highly esteemed Employer Patriot Award from the Department of Defense.

Gino’s extensive education and qualifications span the fields of leadership, counseling psychology, and human services administration. He has earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree (Ph.D.) and completed executive leadership certifications at Harvard Business School. Moreover, he holds a specialization certification in executive leadership from Harvard. Gino’s exceptional skills have been acknowledged by both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the International Authority for Professional Coaching and Mentoring (IAPC&M), resulting in an Accredited Fellow certification in executive coaching and leadership mentoring.

Apart from being a committed lifelong learner, Gino holds multiple certifications including Certified Executive Coach, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Emotional Intelligence EQ-i2.0, Disc Personality Assessments for Leaders, the Leadership Challenge’s 5 Principles of Exemplary Leadership, Change Management, Individual Directions Inventory, Psychological Safety, Master Life Coaching, Advance Accreditation in team coaching, and Situational Leadership.

Gino, a devoted servant leader, strongly advocates that our existence on this earth is centered around serving others. In his view, serving is what gives life true significance and fulfillment.

What quote best captures your personal philosophy?

‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ – Marcus Aurelius

What is something unexpected that most people don’t know about you?

I love photography. When you look through the view finder, it gives you the ability to be in the moment, to see people, places and things differently.

What do you most want clients of SCSI to know about you?

As a servant leader, my goal is to create an environment where our staff feel empowered to change the lives of the people we serve, and to give my knowledge away to create an opportunity for future leaders.  

‘When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ – Marcus Aurelius

What is something unexpected that most people don’t know about you?

I love photography. When you look through the view finder, it gives you the ability to be in the moment, to see people, places and things differently.

What do you most want clients of SCSI to know about you?

As a servant leader, my goal is to create an environment where our staff feel empowered to change the lives of the people we serve, and to give my knowledge away to create an opportunity for future leaders.