Dr. Robert A. DeRobbio is a lifelong educator and public servant with over four decades of leadership in education, state government, and environmental advocacy. As Chairperson and Founding Member of 4CCF, he brings a deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and civic engagement.

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Dr. DeRobbio has held leadership roles on numerous boards and commissions, including Chairperson of the Rhode Island Ethics Commission, Providence School Board, and Opera Providence. His career includes roles as a high school teacher, principal, and superintendent in multiple Rhode Island school districts, as well as senior administrative positions in the Providence School Department. He currently chairs the New London Board of Ethics and the Board of Recycling for Rhode Island Education. A dedicated advocate for the arts and social justice, he also served as Chair of the Urban League of Rhode Island and is a lifetime member of the NAACP – Providence Branch.

Nanci T. DeRobbio is the visionary co-founder and Vice President of 4CCF, bringing more than 30 years of experience in education, school leadership, and nonprofit work. She is on the New London Board of Education and is a passionate advocate for arts integration, sustainable learning, and youth empowerment. She led the founding of two schools, emphasizing creativity, equity, and environmental consciousness. Her outreach work connects communities to accessible arts programming, recycling initiatives, and inclusive education practices.

Nanci has served on several nonprofit boards advancing health, education, and the arts, including Resources for Rhode Island Education, Bradley Hospital, and the Anthony Quinn Foundation. Her workshops for educators promote sustainable practices and climate literacy through creative reuse.

Rahiem V. Eleazer is an Indigenous environmental leader with a focus on climate resilience, ecological justice, and cultural preservation. As Treasurer of 4CCF and Environmental Liaison for the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, he leads cross-sector partnerships that center both land stewardship and tribal sovereignty.

He directed the BIA Tribal Resilience Program, authoring a Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment for MPTN and integrating Indigenous ecological knowledge into sustainability practices. He also co-directs the Alliance for the Mystic River Watershed and serves on the MPTN Historical and Natural Resources Committees.
 

Kenneth M. Reels brings over 30 years of tribal leadership, military service, and civic advocacy to his role as a Founding Board Member of 4CCF. A U.S. Army veteran and longtime leader of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, he champions Indigenous self-determination, economic development, and cultural preservation.

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Kenneth held key leadership roles on the Tribal Council from 1991 to 2008, including Vice Chairman and Chairman. He also led projects that improved tribal operations and local revitalization efforts, including the Chelsea Harbor Project. Currently Vice Chairman of the MPTN Gaming Commission, he also serves on the Board of Native American Bancorporation.
 

Michael J. Thomas is a distinguished cultural leader, environmental advocate, and public servant with decades of experience serving Indigenous communities and promoting cross-cultural understanding. A proud member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (MPTN), Mr. Thomas has dedicated his life to preserving tribal heritage, advancing sustainable development, and empowering future generations through education and the arts.

Mr. Thomas made history as the youngest person ever elected to the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Council, first serving in 1994. He went on to serve seven consecutive terms and was elected Tribal Council Chairman, leading the Nation through a pivotal era of growth and self-determination. His leadership helped shape environmental policy, cultural programming, and community infrastructure for the Tribe—including oversight of water and wastewater systems that continue to serve the Nation today.

An early steward of Mashantucket’s environmental health, Mr. Thomas served as the Tribe’s first Environmental Health Director and later as Natural Resource Protection Director. He has also chaired the MPTN Historic & Cultural Preservation Committee and the Tribe’s Pow-Wow Committee, working to ensure cultural continuity and spiritual wellness across generations. Currently, Mr. Thomas serves as a Board Member of the Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center. His leadership extends beyond the borders of Mashantucket. Mr. Thomas has served on numerous nonprofit and national boards, including the North American Indigenous Games,  the UConn Foundation, the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society, and the Centre for Black Culture & International Understanding. 

A lifelong traditional singer and founding member of the Grammy-nominated Mystic River Singers, Mr. Thomas continues to mentor emerging Native artists and advocates. 
Mr. Thomas holds honorary degrees from Eastern Connecticut State University (Doctor of Humane Letters, 2004) and Mitchell College (Associate of Arts, 1998), awarded in recognition of his contributions to public service and cultural leadership.

Michael’s work continues to reflect a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship, tribal sovereignty, and inclusive community development.