The GEF Team
Dedication. Community Service. Passion for All Things Education.
The GEF is made up completely of volunteers who give of their time and expertise to support the Groton, CT, community.
Julie Cagle (Her Story)
President
Julie first became involved with the GEF in 2002 when she became a liaison between the GEF and Groton’s teachers. She worked tirelessly to garner volunteers for the GEF Walk of Education, Eastern Point House Tours, and Groton’s Dancing with the Stars. These were all major fundraisers.
Erin Rose
Vice President/Grant Committee
Dr. Erin Rose has been a Groton resident since 2010 and works as an occupational therapist in local school districts. She joined the GEF in 2021 and has been active with strategic planning and more recently the grant committee. She has a background in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has advocated for equitable practices within the foundation. She currently lives in Mystic with her husband and three children who are in Groton Public Schools.
John Espada
Treasurer
John Espada has been the GEF treasurer since 2018. He is also the secretary of the Groton Elks #2163 and a past exalted ruler. He loves playing in poker tournaments and is a frequent visitor to Las Vegas.
Sandy Barnes
Secretary
Chaz Zezulka
Founder/Director
Without Chaz, there would not be a GEF! Back in 1997, he created it. Chaz raised his three daughters in West Mystic and says living in Groton feels like being "on vacation twelve months of the year." He was Connecticut Teacher of the Year back in 1990 and was awarded the National Educator Award in 1992. He has served 12 years on the Groton Town Council and twelve years on the Groton Board of Education. The GEF and the town of Groton is very lucky to have Chaz!