Dean's Leadership Speaker Series | The University of…

The Grossman School of Business Dean's Leadership Speaker Series hosts senior business leaders from around the world to engage in thought provoking conversations with students.

2026 Dean's Leadership Speaker

Your Most Valuable Connection isn't WI-FI: Building Sustainable Business through Human Connection

2026 Dean's Leadership Speaker
Don Droppo, Jr. ('96)
Wednesday, October 14
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m
Ifshin Hall, Keller Room

Droppo was named President and CEO of Curtis Packaging in 2010. Under his leadership, the company has dramatically grown and rebranded itself “Luxuriously Responsible,” becoming the first printing and packaging company in North America to be Forest Stewardship Council certified, manufacture using 100% clean renewable energy, to be carbon neutral & a zero waste to landfill facility. He is honored to manufacturer packaging for some of the world’s most iconic brands including: Titleist, Estee Lauder, Lindt, Johnnie Walker & many more.

In 2011, he was named one of Connecticut Magazine’s “40 Under 40” most promising young leaders. Prior to his appointment as President and CEO, Droppo served as the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Curtis responsible for marketing, sales and innovation. In 2018, Droppo created a new division (Corner’s Packaging) to develop innovative packaging for the Cannabis & CBD markets.

Don is a Past Chairman of both CBIA (Connecticut Business and Industry Association) and the Connecticut River Valley Chapter of YPO (Young Presidents Organization) Board of Directors. He also served on the boards of the New Britain Museum of American Art & Reforest The Tropics.

Before joining Curtis, he was an Assistant Vice President at General Reinsurance, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway in Boston. Droppo holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Vermont (96’). For over 15 years, Don has proudly guest lectured at UVM’s Grossman School of Business engaging with both undergraduate and graduate students. Don is a University of Vermont Admissions volunteer and also won the prestigious Vermont Family Business Award in 2018. He is an active member of YPO, an avid skier / golfer and lives in Avon, CT with his wife (Amy) and their three children. Droppo’s oldest son graduated from The Grossman School of Business in 2026.