First Tee – Connecticut is pleased to announce the addition of Peter Alan Heard to our Board of Directors effective January 1, 2026. Pete, as he is commonly known, retired from Travelers last April where he was Executive Vice President, Enterprise Distribution and Agency Engagement, responsible for the development and execution of the company’s distribution strategy.
His prestigious 40-year career with Travelers began in 1984 as an Investment Analyst. After a three-year rotation in their Financial Management Leadership Development Program, Pete joined National Accounts as an Account Executive. This position led him to New York City where he served as Managing Director and later for nine years as Vice President of National Accounts, Northeast Region. In 2016 he joined the Enterprise Distribution team as Vice President, became Regional President in 2018 and assumed his EVP role in 2021, where he was also a member of Travelers Operating and Management Committees.
Pete’s success in his career is linked to his inherent ability to connect with people, as he demonstrated managing key agent and broker relationships for decades. A graduate of Roger Williams University with a B.S. in Management, Heard then went on to earn his M.B.A. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Pete is actively involved at Roger Williams serving both as a university trustee and on the business advisory board of the Gabelli School of Business. A believer in the power of knowledge, education and youth sports, Pete contributes to the community as a board member of the Connecticut Cycling Advancement Program. Pete also served many years on the Executive Committee of the Spencer Education Foundation in New York City, was a board member of The Travelers Championship and also on The Hundred Club of CT, an organization supporting families of first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
A cycling enthusiast, Pete also enjoys skiing and golf and has been a familiar face participating in our First Tee – Connecticut Charity Classic fundraising tournaments. When asked about his decision to join the Board at First Tee – Connecticut, Pete explained, “I am proud to be a part of this terrific organization, which combines many of my passions. I look forward to supporting First Tee and its mission of helping youth of Connecticut build strength, character and connections through the great game of golf.”
We are thrilled to have Pete’s commitment to our organization as a Board Member and look forward to him sharing his expertise and passion for education with us. In addition, we welcome Pete, his wife Beth and son Matthew, as new members of our Game Changers Society.