HARTFORD, Connecticut – West Hartford resident Bernard Kavaler, managing principal of Express Strategies, a Hartford-based public relations consulting firm, has been appointed to the Board of Advisors of The Michael Bolton Charities (MBC).  

The nonprofit organization, founded nearly three decades ago by Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Michael Bolton, provides assistance to women and children impacted by the effects of domestic violence, physical and emotional abuse, through initiatives and programs that work to end these cycles of violence.

“It is a privilege to support the efforts of The Michael Bolton Charities, and the impact their meaningful initiatives have on individual lives,” said Kavaler. “Their dedication to make a difference is unwavering, and decades of determination, collaboration and innovation reflect that.”

Founded by Kavaler in 2012, Express Strategies has worked with global corporations and local businesses, for-profit and nonprofit organizations, professional associations, educational institutions, foundations and industries in various disciplines. Previously, Kavaler served as a key member of the executive staff of four of Connecticut’s constitutional officers and the state’s university system. 

His leadership positions included service with the Offices of Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Secretary of the State and State Treasurer. He also served as assistant vice chancellor for public affairs for the Connecticut State University System, has taught as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Hartford, and is a member of the Professional Speechwriters Association.

A member of Beth El Temple in West Hartford, Kavaler is also a former board member of the Jewish Children’s Service Organization

After extensive research, MBC determined that a highly personalized music therapy program possesses the potential for life-changing impact as a powerful and critical tool in the healing process. The result: development of The Michael Bolton Charities’ Beyond Trauma: Youth Music Therapy program. Through the Andie Koplik Residency in Music Therapy, the program reaches high risk students who have a history of acute trauma, many in the clinical range for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The program is currently operating in the Riverside Opportunity Academy in New Haven and the Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle School in New London.

A fundraising concert for the Beyond Trauma program, featuring Michael Bolton, will be held at Mohegan Sun on Friday, May 6.  For more information, visit michaelboltoncharities.com.