Branford Microfund Welcomes New Chair and Executive Committee

New BMF Board members, clockwise from top left: Rachel Mirsky, Vice Chair, Alana Kaplan, Secretary, Steven Tobey, Treasurer, and Bob Imperato, Chair.

The Branford Microfund serves as a vital resource for Branford resident, helping to fill the gap for those facing sudden and unexpected financial crises by providing no-interest loans to qualified applicants. In 2025, Branford Microfund provided 25 no-interest loans, offering support and stability to Branford individuals and families when they need it most.

To support its efforts, the Branford Microfund is pleased to introduce its new executive board, including Bob Imperato, Chair, Rachel Mirsky, Vice Chair, Steven Tobey, Treasurer, and Alana Kaplan, Secretary. It also extends its gratitude to outgoing Chair Mina West, who served as chair for the past five years.

Bob Imperato has over 40 years of experience in the banking and finance industry, has served as CEO of national construction lending subsidiaries, and has managed more than $1 billion in construction management assets throughout his career. Bob has been a member of the Branford community for over 37 years and has educated four children through the Branford school system as well as volunteering for numerous clubs and activities. He currently serves as Branford’s Tax Collector and as commissioner of the Branford Fair Rent Commission; he has also served as a member of Branford’s Board of Finance, the Representative Town Meeting member (RTM, 4th district), and as commissioner of the Water Pollution Control Authority. Bob is a member of the Branford Rotary Club, Branford Elks Club, a board member of Branford Microfund Inc., past chair of the Housing Authority of Branford, board member of Branford Affordable Housing, board member of Branford Community Foundation, and serves as a Justice of the Peace.

Rachel Mirsky is the Vice Chair of the Branford Microfund. As a Branford resident since 2022 seeking unique opportunities to give back to her community, she joined the BMF board in 2023, accepting her current position in 2025. In addition to the Microfund, Rachel volunteers as a town commissioner on the Branford Inland Wetlands Commission, assists her local civic association, and is an usher volunteer for the Legacy Theater. By day, Rachel is a civil rights attorney for Disability Rights CT, a nonprofit defending the rights of individuals with disabilities throughout the State. In this role, she holds state agencies and private entities accountable for violations of laws that systematically impact individuals with disabilities. She litigates, issues public reports and testifies on the biggest issues that impact these individuals, helping to create new law. Prior to this, Rachel owned a law firm. Originally from Maryland, Rachel has lived several states including New Hampshire, South Carolina, and Kentucky. Rachel currently resides in Short Beach with her beagle named Bagel.

Steven Tobey brings to Branford Microfund a combination of professional discipline, community leadership, and a deeply personal commitment to economic stability. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for fostering meaningful relationships, leading with purpose, and helping others navigate complexity with confidence. His background reflects a consistent pattern of leadership and service, from student government roles to high-performing positions in business development and enterprise sales. What distinguishes Steven most is the personal conviction behind his service. Having experienced financial insecurity himself, he understands the weight of unexpected hardship and the importance of timely, compassionate support. That experience has helped shape a mission that is both practical and deeply humane: to expand access to financial relief and restore stability for peers in his community facing difficult circumstances. His work with Branford Microfund reflects not only his leadership ability, but also his belief that when a community invests in its neighbors, it creates lasting opportunity for all. The organization’s pay-it-forward model aligns closely with that vision of shared responsibility and local impact.

Alana Kaplan is Executive Director and Vice President, Strategic Educational Design for Kaplan Medical Education. Alana has been involved in the healthcare field for over two decades supporting non-profit organizations such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), as well as for-profit organizations including Kaplan. She is actively involved in the continuing professional development profession and currently serves on the executive committee for multiple boards of directors including the Branford Microfund, the Branford Rotary Club, and the Alliance for Continuing Education in the Health Professions. She is happiest when she’s on a sailboat or kayak or just relaxing with a good book at the beach.

If you or you know of other people interested in joining the team, please contact the BMF. They are currently seeking fundraising help. For more information, visit www.branfordmicrofund.org, email us at inquiry@branfordmicrofund.org.