Commencement Address to be Capstone of Trustee's Longtime Service to Hamden Hall

Longtime Hamden Hall Board of Trustees member and dedicated community leader and activist Kyle Ballou-Johns has been selected as the 2019 Commencement keynote speaker.

“Kyle has graciously supported the Hamden Hall school community for more than a decade, and we are honored that she has agreed to be our graduation speaker. Her contributions and leadership within the Greater New Haven area are renowned and will serve as examples to our graduates of what they should strive to achieve once they commence from our halls,” said Head of School Bob Izzo.

Her message to our 86 members of the Class of 2019 will be her Hamden Hall swan song, so to speak, as Kyle is retiring from the board following a decade of service. She began her board tenure in 2009 and currently holds the rank of secretary.

“I am honored and humbled to be the Commencement speaker for the Class of 2019. It will be the capstone of my years of service to Hamden Hall,” maintained Kyle.

Recently promoted to vice president of Yale New Haven Health’s Community and Government Relations, Kyle previously served as executive director of the department, which supports local, state, and federal legislative relations and community partnerships. Prior to Yale New Haven Hospital, she held a position as vice president of public policy for Fleet Bank in Hartford, where she was responsible for tracking state and federal legislation affecting the banking industry. Kyle also spent four years as director of government relations for the 6,000-member Connecticut State Medical Society and four years as assistant counsel for the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

Kyle has been recognized for her business acumen and commitment to community. She was the recipient of the 2018 Junior Achievement Spirit of Hope Award presented at the New Haven Business Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony last year and was instrumental in Yale New Haven Hospital’s selection as the 2017 Foster G. McGaw Prize for Excellence in Community Service.

In addition to the Hamden Hall Board of Trustees, Kyle serves on the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Board and formerly served as chairman of the board of the Mental Health Association. She has also served as a board member of Long Wharf Theater. Kyle is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She is a member of the Connecticut and the American Bar Associations. Additionally, like her sons, she attended a coeducational independent day school, The Wheeler School, in Providence, R.I. during her formative years.

Kyle has also been the recipient of the 2002 Women of Color in Health, Science, and Technology. She was named among 20 Noteworthy Women of 2002, 40 under 40 for Professional and Community Involvement, and Most Valuable PAC Player by AHAPAC. The U.S. Postal Service and the Connecticut National Guard recognized Kyle for her contributions to Black History Month. She was awarded the Hamden Black Notable award in 2003. In 2008, Hill Development Corporation presented Kyle with the Community Builder Award, and the Greater New Haven Clergy Association honored Kyle at their annual awards gala.

Kyle and her husband, Dr. Keith Johns of Hamden, have two sons, both Hamden Hall graduates: Keith, Class of 2011, and Kevin, Class of 2016.

Commencement 2019 is Friday, June 7, at 5 p.m.