Hartford COO Olusegun “Shay” Ajayi Named Trinity Club of Hartford Person of the Year

Olusegun “Shay” Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer for the City of Hartford, has been selected as the 2025 Person of the Year by the Trinity Club of Hartford (TCOH), an alumni organization dedicated to fostering connections between Trinity College graduates, the city, and each other.

Ajayi, a 2016 Trinity College graduate with a B.S. in economics and engineering science, was also a captain of the men’s basketball team and earned NABC Division III All-American and NESCAC Player of the Year honors during his time at the college. He later earned an M.S. in sports psychology from Ulster University and is currently pursuing an executive M.B.A. at Columbia University. The Person of the Year award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the Hartford area and/or the Trinity community.

According to TCOH President Susan Church Zibell ‘97, the selection process focuses on identifying individuals who “demonstrated service, leadership, commitment to creating opportunities for others.” Zibell added, “This year in particular…it’s the way in which he leads with integrity, inclusiveness, that vision for building stronger communities…the committee as a whole found Shay’s involvement to be really remarkable.” The TCOH also supports Trinity College through scholarship programs, donating $20,000 annually to student scholarships. You can learn more about Trinity College’s alumni relations on their official website.

The award highlights the value of a liberal arts education and the impact Trinity College alumni have on their communities. The TCOH’s ongoing partnership with the City of Hartford is crucial to its success in maintaining alumni engagement and support. Ajayi will be formally recognized at an upcoming TCOH event, details of which will be announced shortly.