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Highsmith Named 2008 MS Corporate Achiever MIDDLEBURY, Conn. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter has named Carlton L. Highsmith, president and CEO of The Specialized Packaging Group, Inc., a 2008 MS Corporate Achiever — one of only 18 leaders within the New Haven region to be so named.
“Multiple sclerosis is a potentially debilitating disease affecting individuals very differently,” says Highsmith. “Currently, there is no cure for MS. The National MS Society’s research has long been recognized as one of the most cost-effective and well focused in the world. If we are going to cure MS in our lifetime then we must all join in to support this important work.” Highsmith is involved in several professional and volunteer activities including the Connecticut Coalition for Achievement Now Advisory Board, the Quinnipiac University Board of Trustees, and the Amistad Academy Board of Directors. Highsmith recently received several awards including Black Engineer of the Year from US Black Engineer & IT Magazine, the Martin Luther King Service Award from the State of Connecticut and Business Person of the Year from Business New Haven. He also volunteers his time speaking at various schools, colleges and community events. Established by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter in 2000, MS Corporate Achievers is a recognition program honoring some of Connecticut’s most influential leaders while at the same time raising critically needed funds to ensure ongoing scientific research and the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to the more than 6,000 Connecticut residents diagnosed with MS. Honorees are nominated by their peers and selected by an advisory council board for making outstanding contributions to business, civic and cultural enrichment. Through participation, honorees join an elite leadership network sharing a commitment to making Connecticut a better place in which to live. Since 2000 honorees have raised nearly $550,000 to help end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. “Mr. Highsmith is truly an effective leader within his company and throughout his community,” said Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president and chief professional officer. “He is committed to raising funds in the fight against MS and devoted to elevating life within the New Haven region, his hometown of Middlebury and even the state.” To nominate a candidate for MS Corporate Achievers 2009, please contact Kara Preston, associate vice president of development, at 860-714-2300, ext. 233 or kpreston@ctfightsMS.org. To learn more about MS and its effects, please visit http://www.ctfightsms.org/. NOTE TO MEDIA |
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A resident of Middlebury, Conn., Highsmith received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics in 1973 and master’s in business administration in marketing in 1975 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wis. His academic accomplishments also include executive training programs at Duke University’s Fuqua Graduate School of Business, Dartmouth’s Tuck Graduate School of Business and the Juran Quality Institute. Highsmith has owned and operated The Specialized Packaging Group, 3190 Whitney Ave., in Hamden, Conn., since 1983.